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Salt, sand, UV rays – your windsurfing gear takes quite a beating over the course of the season. If you want your board, sail and other kit to be ready for action next spring, you should look after your gear properly now.
The sad truth is that anyone who doesn’t keep surfing through the winter will probably be putting their gear into hibernation over the coming weeks – hopefully after a proper autumn session to round things off. To ensure that your urge to get out on the water isn’t dampened in spring because your kit is completely encrusted with salt and sand, we’ve put together the best tips for looking after your gear. By the way, this isn’t just advisable before winter storage, but every now and then throughout the year too!
Board
- rinse and dry
- Do not store in a board bag -> Moisture may cause Osmosis damage on the laminate
- The vent screw can remain closed
- Do not flatten the loops permanently; if necessary, Slide the PET bottles in (no tennis balls!)
- Take a break in the shade between sessions
Sail
- Store in the shade so that the monofilm is exposed to as little UV radiation as possible
- Take a break to relax during longer periods of inactivity, otherwise the mast will bend
- After the session, rinse and dry
- Store rolled up whilst lying flat; do not place on the sheet end or battens
Spinnaker pole
- Rinse and move the end piece regularly
- Don’t leave the pins exposed for too long, otherwise the terminals will wear out and become loose
- Check the ropes
Mast
- Remove any sand and rinse if necessary
- Thoroughly clean the connector to remove any sand and debris
Neos
- Rinse and dry on both sides (!)
- Hang up to dry on wide hangers -> hangers that are too narrow can cause the neoprene to stretch out at the shoulders
- Store flat or loosely rolled up; do not hang on hangers for long periods
Finns
- Use a fin cover in the bag and when fitting and removing the fins to prevent damage
-> Workshop: How to repair fins properly – here’s how! - Remove the sand from the base and screws and rinse them off
Extensions
- Rinse it regularly and move the adjustment ring every now and then
- Press the release button a couple of times whilst washing up
- Check the ropes
Mast base
- Check the tendon regularly and replace it before the start of the season if necessary.
-> Workshop: How to repair your mast base
Bags
- Rinse and move the zips -> Zip care products
- Dry and remove sand from the inside and outside
