Surfboard Care and Maintenance Guide

Your surfboard isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s your wave-riding partner, your ocean companion, and a key part of every session. Whether you’re gliding down the face of a peeling point break or threading the inside section of a beach break closeout, your board takes the beating so you can have the fun. But a little attention off the water goes a long way in keeping your board healthy and performing like new. Here’s how to take care of your Degree 33 surfboard so it stays with you session after session.

1. Rinse After Every Session

Saltwater is hard on surfboards. After every session, take a minute to rinse your board with fresh water. This helps remove salt, sand, and other grime that can slowly wear down your board’s finish or corrode metal components like leash cups, fin hardware, and vent plugs. If you leave your board salty and wet in a bag or car, that moisture can linger and eventually cause yellowing, stickiness, or degradation. A simple garden hose rinse goes a long way.

2. Keep It Cool

Heat is one of the biggest threats to your surfboard. Leaving it inside a hot car, in direct sunlight, or on a roof rack for hours in the sun can cause serious damage. Epoxy and fiberglass boards can delaminate—where the outer skin separates from the foam core. This leads to bubbling, warping, or even cracking. Always store your board in the shade, under a towel, or inside a breathable board bag. If you’re taking a long break between surfs, keep it in a cool, dry place like a garage or indoor rack.

3. Store It Smart

When storing your board, don’t just lean it nose-down on concrete or shove it under furniture. Use padded racks or soft supports to protect pressure points. If you’re traveling, invest in a quality board bag that provides some impact protection. Don’t stack heavy objects on top of your board either—constant weight in the wrong spots can cause flat spots or creases. Treat it like a piece of gear you want to last for years, not a beach toy.

4. Handle Repairs Promptly

Even the smallest crack or ding can lead to water seeping into your board’s core. Once water enters, it can cause discoloration, delam, or rot over time. If your board gets dinged—whether from rocks, reef, another surfer, or your own knee—dry it thoroughly and patch it as soon as possible. For small repairs, use an epoxy-safe repair kit (make sure it matches your board type). For major cracks or anything questionable, bring it to a trusted ding repair professional. Delaying repairs usually makes the problem worse.

5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

It might be tempting to use household cleaners, acetone, or alcohol-based products to clean your board, especially when removing wax or grime. Don’t. These chemicals can damage the board’s finish and compromise structural materials. Instead, remove old wax with warm water and a plastic scraper, or use a purpose-made wax remover that’s safe for surfboards. Keep it clean—but keep it safe.

6. Steep Breaks = Board Breaks (Sometimes)

Powerful shore breaks and shallow beach breaks can turn fun waves into board-snapping machines. While it’s all part of surfing, it pays to be cautious. Don’t dive headfirst with your board in front of you. If you wipe out, try to protect your board from slamming into the sandbar. Reefs and rocks pose even more risk—take care during entry and exit. Be aware of your surroundings and your board’s position in heavy surf. Sometimes avoiding a break is better than fixing one.

7. Fin Care

Your fins do more than you think—they’re critical to how your board turns, holds, and performs. Always rinse your fins and fin boxes with fresh water after each session to remove salt and sand. If you’re using a system like FCS or Futures, clean the screws and check for corrosion or grit. If you plan to store your board for a while, take the fins out to avoid stress on the fin boxes. Stuck fins are a pain later—and preventable now.

8. No Standing or Sitting (Unless Surfing!)

It’s tempting to sit on your board while chatting on the beach, or to use it like a bench in the parking lot. But surfboards aren’t built to take body weight on dry land. The foam core and fiberglass can easily develop pressure dings or stress fractures, especially around the stringer or tail. Avoid standing or sitting on your board unless you’re in the water—where it’s designed to support you.

9. Respect Your Ride

Your surfboard is a finely shaped piece of craftsmanship. Even our more durable epoxy constructions aren’t indestructible. With a little extra care, you’ll extend the lifespan of your board, get more consistent performance, and avoid mid-session surprises like buckles or fin loss. A well-loved board doesn’t just last—it performs better over time because you’ve learned its rhythm and feel.

Need Help?

If you’re not sure how to handle a repair, want to confirm what type of materials your board uses, or just want tips on keeping your board in top shape, we’re here to help. Reach out to the Degree 33 team—we’re surfers too, and we’re happy to keep you and your board stoked and in the water.