Winter may be the best time of year to catch epic waves, but it’s also the season that puts the most wear and tear on your gear. Between the cold waters, wind, and prolonged exposure to salt and sand, it’s essential to adopt some maintenance practices to ensure your wetsuit and other gear stays in good condition. In this article, we’ll explore how to care for your surf gear during the winter, extending its lifespan and ensuring it’s ready for the next session.
- Essential Care for Your Wetsuit
Your wetsuit is what protects you from the cold winter waters, and maintaining its performance is crucial to surfing comfortably all season long.
- Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water: Every time you finish a surf session, rinse your wetsuit with fresh water. This will remove salt and sand residue that, over time, can degrade the neoprene and reduce its elasticity.
- Dry it naturally: Ideally, leave the suit to dry in the open air, but avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the material. Hang it by the waist on a wide hanger to keep it from losing its shape.
These small precautions will prolong the life of your suit, and at the end of the season, you will make a difference in its durability.
- Preserves Leash and Accessories
A leash, although it may seem like a simple item, is vital for your safety at sea. In winter, wear and tear can be greater due to the more demanding conditions.
- Avoid Twirling the Leash: When storing the leash, avoid winding it tightly. This can cause deformations in the rope and compromise its strength over time.
- Keep Fins Clean: If you use removable fins, it’s a good idea to remove them from your board and clean them after each session. Sand and salt can build up on them, making them difficult to remove and can even damage the fin’s attachment.
Taking care of these little details will help keep your equipment in top condition, without any unpleasant surprises the next time you get in the water.
- Protect Your Board: A Lasting Investment
Your board is one of the most important pieces of equipment you have, and winter can be tough on it. To ensure it’s always ready for your next adventure, a few basic precautions can go a long way.
- Wash it regularly: Salt water and sand can wear down your board over time. After each session, rinse your board with fresh water and dry it thoroughly before storing it.
- Repair Minor Damage Immediately: Winter brings stronger waves, and minor damage to your board is common. A dent or crack should be repaired as soon as you notice it to prevent water from getting in and causing deeper damage.
Keeping your board in good condition is an investment that will reward you with better sessions and less worries.
- Proper Storage: Keeps Equipment Safe
When you’re not surfing, where you store your gear can have a big impact on its durability. During the winter, it’s important to make sure your gear is well protected.
- Avoid Excessive Heat: Store your wetsuit and board away from heat sources, such as radiators or areas exposed to the sun. Heat can damage the neoprene and weaken the structure of the board.
- A Dry, Ventilated Place: Storing equipment in a dry, ventilated space prevents mold and keeps the equipment in good condition for the next session.
Thinking about storage is often something we neglect, but it can make all the difference in the longevity of your equipment.
