Surfboard Maintenance Checklist: Storage, Heat, and Daily Habits

Most expensive repairs start as small, avoidable problems. Use this checklist to keep your board reliable and looking good—without turning maintenance into a chore.

After Every Session

Quickly inspect rails and tail for cracks, rinse if needed, and don’t leave the board baking in the sun. A 30‑second check often catches the ding that would have become a waterlogged repair later.

Pay extra attention to high‑impact spots: rail mid‑section (from handling), tail corners (from parking lots and car doors), and around fin boxes and leash plug (stress + leverage).

Heat and Storage

Heat causes delamination and yellowing. Store in shade, in a cool space, and avoid hot vehicles. Use a bag for transport, but don’t trap heat inside it.

A simple rule: if you wouldn’t sit in that space comfortably, your board shouldn’t either. Consistent cool storage does more for longevity than any single “pro tip.”

Fins and Hardware

Rinse fin boxes, check screws, and avoid over-tightening. A little care here prevents stripped hardware and fin box issues.

If you travel, removing fins reduces leverage and helps prevent box cracks. It’s a small step that saves a lot of headaches.

Quick “Fix Now” Rules

Fix it immediately if foam is exposed, if the crack is on a rail/tail, or if it’s near a fin box or leash plug. If you’re unsure, assume water can get in and treat it like a real repair—not “just a scratch.”

FAQ

Can sunlight damage resin?

Yes—UV and heat are a major cause of yellowing and delamination. Shade is your best friend.

When should I repair a tiny crack?

As soon as possible—small dings grow fast once water gets involved.

Do I need to rinse after every session?

If you surf saltwater, a light rinse helps hardware and boxes. The bigger win is drying and storing the board out of heat so moisture isn’t trapped.

About the Author

Michael Silverman is the craftsman behind Inland Board Works in Pomona, New York. He specializes in custom surfboard shaping and glassing—reinventing classic, old-school outlines into modern, high-performance wave sliders. Michael works directly with surfers to dial in design, fin setups, and finishes (from sanded to full gloss), and he also handles repairs like ding restoration, fin box replacements, and leash plug fixes. His approach combines hands-on experience, traditional build methods, and a focus on practical performance in real surf conditions.