How to look after your bodyboard
From ArticleWorld
Bodyboarding is dependant upon the good condition of the board. Looking after your board will help its performance, and help to reduce the wear and tear that will make it look like driftwood after a few tides.
[edit]
Care
- Be obvious. Keep pets away from the board; claws and fangs can make mincemeat out of bodyboards. Additionally, pet hair looks nasty on a board.
- When on the beach, put the board down with the deck looking at the sky.
- After use, clean the board with water. Make sure that it is washed everywhere, and carefully – don’t just show it the water, wash it well.
- To avoid warping and other damage, keep the board in the shade while it is drying.
- When the board is dry, and before packing away, be sure to take out the plug and let water drain out of the core. Use a board sock to soak up water as it leaves.
- The board’s nose should be downwards when in store. Also, keep the board out of the sun. If there is a good reason to lay the board down to store it, make sure that nothing weighty ends up on top of it. The board is not a table.
- Fix warping in the rocker by pressing it back into place with a couple of thick books.
- Minor nicks in the board itself can be repaired with Hot Melt Glue or similar. Clean the board, and let it dry. Once it is completely dry, smooth the glue into the nick using a flat edge. Hey presto!
Remember, also, to take care of yourself. Never go out alone, and never when there is a red flag. Stay attached to the board’s leash at all times, and always be sure that you can find your way back to the shore.