Telstar Surf blog
Maintenance windsurfing equipment
Everyone knows the saying, 'Prevention is better than cure'. This also applies to your windsurfing gear.
It is important that you maintain your windsurf gear, because that ensures that you can enjoy it for an extra long time. Both the sail and your board as well as your small parts are all equally important to maintain properly.
In this blog we teach you how to take the best care of your windsurfing equipment.
Maintenance windsurf board
A windsurf board can of course take a lot but is also vulnerable at the same time. The most important thing is that the windsurf board should not lie in the burning sun for too long, just like for the body, the UV radiation is harmful to your windsurf board. The UV radiation causes discoloration of your board. To protect your board against this radiation, you can buy a windsurfing sock.
You simply slide this around your windsurf board so that it remains protected. In addition, it is important to rinse your board with fresh water after a windsurfing session. Pay particular attention to making your board and the small parts free of sand and salt. Then let the board dry well and only then put your material back together. The ideal place to store your windsurf board is a dry, clean and relatively large storage space.
To protect it as efficiently as possible, place the board in a windsurf board bag, so your windsurf board remains optimally protected. Never leave your windsurfing gear outside and avoid too hot places so that your material is not affected.
Maintenance windsurf sail
There are also a number of important points that you can do for your windsurf sail to keep your windsurf sail beautiful and strong.
The precise rigging and unrigging of the sail is an important part of this. The most ideal thing is to roll up and out your windsurf sail on the grass, as sand can scratch the monofilm.
If you keep rolling out your tarp on grass, it will still look good over time. Don't let your sail flap too hard in the wind during rigging and unrigging, you protect the monofilm and the X-Ply materials.
After a windsurfing session it is wise to rinse your sail with fresh water and let it dry well in the shade. The UV radiation from the sun can damage your windsurf sail.
If you store a windsurf sail too wet, there is a chance of mold formation, which you obviously do not want. The best thing is to be able to hang your sail, then it dries the best. If this is not possible, it is best to roll up the tarpaulin (dry!) and store it in the tarpaulin bag. It is best to store it horizontally.
'Enjoy your windsurfing gear for an extra long time'
Maintenance of the small parts
In addition to your board and sail, we should not forget about the small parts, because often the small parts have a big impact. Just like with the board, it is also not good to expose the foot straps to the sun for a long time, so they also break faster. In addition, your mast foot is one of the most important parts. We recommend checking every quarter whether your mast foot is still good. You do this by bending the mast foot firmly. Are there cracks or streaks in the tendon? Then it's time for a new mast base!
When rigging a surf sail it is essential that no sand gets to the pulleys, boom and mast. The sand makes everything stiff and can make it more difficult to disassemble your mast. If this does happen, clean these parts after your session with a bowl of warm water and some soapy water.
Maintenance of your wetsuit
Maintaining a wetsuit is extremely important. First of all, it is pleasant to sail in a clean wetsuit, but if you handle it properly, it will also last longer.
After a session it is important to rinse your wetsuit with fresh water and then let it dry well. You do this by letting it dry inside out. Always let it dry in the shade, otherwise the neoprene will dry out.
In our blog: maintaining a wetsuit, we give more detailed advice about the maintenance of our wetsuit!
Conclusion: how you can best maintain your windsurfing equipment
To be able to enjoy windsurfing for an extra long time, it is important to maintain your equipment properly. You do this by rinsing it well after each session, but also by paying close attention at the start by rigging on the grass instead of on the sand.
When you have finished surfing, it is important to place your material in the shade as much as possible so that it is not damaged by the UV radiation. If it is sufficiently dry, it is wise to store sails in the tarpaulin bags and boards in boardbag or equipment bags. Never leave your material outside just like that, because this will quickly cause moisture and weather damage.
Above all, it is important to take good care of yourself while windsurfing, apply enough sunscreen and drink enough water! Fresh water ;)
