Workshops: Maintaining and repairing wingfoil material - that's what matters
Manuel Vogel
· 07.09.2023
"You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs" - this saying also applies to wingfoiling in particular. Stone contact and impacts from harness hooks or fixed handles are the main causes of visible damage to the board. However, damage to the foil occurs most frequently in connection with the wingfoil material. Most wingsurfers have probably experienced torn or worn out screws, scratched wings or burst wingtips after ground contact.
The foil definitely needs the most love
Repair wingfoil material yourself - no witchcraft
You can carry out many small repairs to wingfoil material yourself without much effort. This not only saves you money, but also saves many a session when travelling. However, it is also clear that if the wing is in tatters or there is a hole the size of a tennis ball in the board, it is often only possible to go to a repair professional. For all other cases, here's the information you need to get your equipment back in shape quickly.
1. how to maintain and repair your foil
The foil is definitely the most "high-maintenance" and sensitive unit when wingfoiling. Problems often occur in the form of corroded, worn or torn screws, as many surfers leave the wings attached to the foils for long periods of time. In our foil workshops, we show you how to prevent such problems and, if the worst comes to the worst, how to help yourself. Click your way in!
- Prevent corrosion - this is how you should grease the foil screws
- How to remove worn screws from the foil
- Sanding small cracks on the foil - this is how it's done
- Foil screws always come loose - what can I do?
- Removing torn screws in the foil - the best tips
- Fine-tuning your foil - how to tune your foil for more speed & control
2. repair wingfoil boards
In the event of falls or heavy contact with the ground, harness hooks or the handles of the wing, the outer shell of the board can be damaged. If you continue surfing, you run the risk of the board taking on water. Damage should therefore be repaired as soon as possible. To save the session, you can sometimes cover the damaged area with waterproof tape, e.g. for small cracks or holes in the bow or edge area. However, you should not continue surfing for weeks with such a makeshift solution. Caution is advised when cracks appear around the foil box - professional help should be sought immediately. The best tips for small repairs can be found below:
3. repair wings
Damage to the wing mainly occurs after contact with the sharp foil. Small cracks can often be repaired quickly with self-adhesive Dacron cloth - the first workshop on this will follow shortly. If the tear is larger or the profile of the wing is under tension at the damaged area, the only solution - as with burst tubes - is to go to a sailmaker.
The first workshops for basic repairs on the Wing are in progress - please be patient!
