Windsurfing gear is an investment—in money, performance, and adrenaline. Whether you are blasting on a slalom board or cruising on a freeride setup, the ocean is a harsh environment. Salt, sand, and UV rays are the silent killers of your equipment.
To help you keep your quiver in top condition, we’ve compiled the essential maintenance protocols based on manufacturer guidelines and expert community tips.
1. The Golden Rule: Fresh Water is Your Friend
The single most important habit to develop is a thorough fresh water rinse after every session.
- Salt Crystals: As saltwater dries, it forms sharp crystals. These are abrasive to monofilm sails and corrosive to aluminum booms and mast extensions.
- Sand: Sand acts like sandpaper in your mast extension, cam spacers, and boom clips.
- The Fix: Rinse everything. If you can’t rinse at the beach, do it as soon as you get home.
2. Sail Care: Protecting the Monofilm
Your sail is the engine of your setup, and it is fragile.
- UV is the Enemy: Monofilm breaks down under UV light, becoming brittle and prone to cracking. Never leave your rigged sail baking in the sun on the beach for hours. If you aren’t sailing, de-rig it or cover it.
- Rig on Grass: Aways try to rig on a soft surface. Concrete and asphalt will scratch the monofilm, creating weak points.
- Storage: Always roll your sail tight (but not too tight) to prevent creasing. Pro Tip: If you must store your sail vertically, ensure the luff pocket (the bottom) is resting on the ground to prevent the weight of the sail from crushing the leech.
3. Board Maintenance: The Hull Truth
Modern boards are light and stiff, but that often comes at the cost of durability.
- The Vent Plug: If your board has an air vent screw, remember to open it if you are traveling by plane or leaving the board in a hot car to prevent delamination caused by expanding air. Crucial: Remember to close it before you hit the water!
- Check for Dings: After every session, run your hands over the rails and nose. If you feel a crack that catches your fingernail, it’s likely not watertight. Do not surf a damaged board; the foam core drinks water like a sponge, making the board heavy and sluggish.
- Fin Box Care: Sand often gets jammed in the fin box. Rinse it out with a high-pressure hose occasionally to ensure your fin fits perfectly every time.
4. Masts, Booms, and Extensions
These components are under immense tension. Failure here can be dangerous.
- Prevent Corrosion: Aluminum booms and extensions can seize up if salt water creates galvanic corrosion between the tubes. disassemble your boom and extension fully every few months to rinse the inside tubes.
- Check the Pulleys: Ensure the pulleys on your extension and sail are turning freely. A seized pulley creates friction that can fray your downhaul rope, leading to a snap at sea.
- The Mast Joint: If your mast gets stuck, do not twist it. Twisting can shatter the carbon fibers. instead, use two booms clamped on either side of the joint as levers to pull it apart, or use the vibration method (tapping gently while pulling).
5. Wetsuit Wisdom
A good wetsuit keeps you warm and extends your session.
- Cold Water Only: Never wash your wetsuit in hot water; it degrades the glue in the seams.
- Dry Inside Out: Dry your suit inside out first. This protects the outer neoprene from UV damage and ensures the side touching your skin is dry for your next session.
- Hang Properly: Do not hang a wet wetsuit by the shoulders on a wire hanger—the weight will stretch the neoprene. Drape it over a thick bar or through a specialized wetsuit hanger.
6. Long-Term Storage Tips
If you are packing up for the off-season:
- Dry Everything: Ensure sails are 100% dry before rolling them up to prevent mold (mildew).
- Release Tension: Never store a sail rigged for long periods. It stretches the film and deforms the battens.
- Board Bag: Store your board in a padded bag, but leave the zipper slightly open to allow air circulation and prevent heat buildup.
Maintenance isn't just about saving money—it's about safety. A well-maintained rig is less likely to fail when you're 2km offshore. Take care of your gear, and it will take care of you.
