Welcome to Blitz Surf Shop's blog! If you're a new surfer or looking to refine your surf skills, understanding how to properly care for your equipment and yourself is crucial. Whether you’re riding the waves of the Pacific Ocean or exploring the rugged coastlines in the West of New Zealand, avoiding common mistakes with your surf gear can enhance your experience and prolong the life of your equipment and yourself. Here’s a guide to some of the most frequent blunders, in no particular order, and how you can avoid them.
Using the Wrong Temperature Surfboard Wax
One of the first lessons in surfing is learning to use the correct surfboard wax for the water temperature. Many new surfers make the mistake of using all-purpose wax or choosing the wrong type based on their local surf conditions. For colder waters, you'll need a softer wax to maintain grip, while warmer waters require a harder wax. Its not a bad idea to have a harder coat as the basecoat which is usually equivalent to tropical surf wax.
Ensure you check the temperature range on the wax packaging and match it to your local surf conditions to maximize traction and prevent slippage. If you try applying harder formula warm water wax on your board in winter with near zero air temperatures it just sounds like scraping your board with a piece of wood!
Fortunately brands like NZ made Sticky Johnson surfboard wax have a handy temperature guide on their wax boxes. Shop our range of surf wax here
Putting Your Surfboard the Wrong Way Up on Car Roof Racks
Transporting your surfboard to the beach is part of the mission, but placing it on car roof racks the wrong way up can lead to damage, boards flying off your roof or a shitload of melted wax throughout your boardbag or all over the roof of your car. Always ensure your surfboard is positioned with the deck (top) facing down and the bottom of the board facing upwards. The nose of your board should be facing forwards for less wind resistance and fins should be up, or even better remove your fins entirely. See the image below on how boards should look on your roof.
If the deck is facing up your wax will melt quickly, the front of your board will catch in the wind, you'll be putting more pressure on the bottom reocker of your board and fins. Worst case scenario the extra wind resistance causes the boards to work loose and you lose your boards at 100kmh on the motorway.
Shop our range of car soft racks here
Leash String Cutting Through the Board
An unfortunately quite common issue for new surfers is the leash string cutting through the board. This typically happens when the leash railsaver is not used correctly. The railsaver is the protective piece of webbing that goes between the leash string and the leash. The leash string should be tied short enough so that the railsaver is going to be the part of the leash that comes in contact with the surboard's rail and tail, not the string. Ensure that the railsaver is properly positioned and secured to avoid damage. This small but crucial piece of equipment can save you from costly repairs and keep you connected to your board. Under pressure the leash string can slice right through your board and it can be an expensive repair.
Shop surfboard leashes here
Leaving Your Surfboard in the Sun and Getting Sand in the Wax
Sun damage is a real concern for surfboards. Leaving your board exposed to direct sunlight can cause discolouration, rigidity, weaken the foam and degrade the resin, causing long-term damage. Getting sand in your wax is a complete shocker. Usually caused by putting your board directly on soft sand in summer when your wax is melting, or getting sand blown all over it in the wind. If you are going to leave your sand on the beach ideally off the softer sand and alsways deck down. But generally you should always store your board in a shaded area or use a boardbag when not in use to protect it from the sun and sand.
When you have sand in your wax not only do you lose a certain amount of grip but also it is abrasive to your wetsuit and/or your skin. You should clean you board right off and rewax it.
The easiest way to remove your wax is with the Wax Fresh wax remover. This is way better than using a traditional wax comb...easier, faster and way more comfortable. Then rewax your board with some Sticky Johnson or Sex Wax surfboard wax from Blitz Surf Shop
Not Using a Boardbag for Protection
A boardbag is essential for protecting your surfboard both on land and during transport. It provides a layer of cushioning against dings, scratches, and other damage that can occur when handling your board. It also keeps sand and wax out of your car. A lot of damage is done to surfboards on land rather than in the water due to poor handling and storing. Invest in a good-quality boardbag that fits your board well and use it whenever you’re carrying your board or traveling. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your surfboard significantly. Shop surfboard boardbags here
Poor Wetsuit Care
Your wetsuit is an essential piece of your surf equipment and is vital for staying warm and comfortable while surfing, so proper care is essential. It is also one of the more costly items of surf equipment you will use regularly. If you care for your wetsuit well then the lifespan will be increased. Rinsing your wetsuit with fresh water after each session helps to remove salt, sand, and other residues that cause the rubber to lose its elasticity and become brittle. Hang it to dry in a shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight that can cause the neoprene material to deteriorate. Regularly check for any signs of wear and repair small tears immediately to prevent further damage. If you have small nicks or tears in your wetsuit you can probably repair it yourself with wetsuit repair glue like in this Ocean and Earth Wetsuit repair kit
For more detailed information on how to care for your wetsuit check out our wetsuit care guide here
Not Repairing Dings Immediately
Dings and cracks in your surfboard should be addressed as soon as they occur. Water can seep into the foam core, leading to more extensive damage if not repaired promptly. Think discolourations, delaminations and degradation of the foam. Immediate repair is even more important with an EPS board that can suck water in rapidly. Put a warm epoxy surfboard with a ding into cool water in summer and it acts like a vacuum sucking water right into the core.Use a surfboard repair kit to fix minor dings and avoid riding your board until it's properly repaired. If you’re unsure about the repair process, or have more extensive damage to your board, seek advice and repair from a professional surfboard repairer to ensure your board remains in top condition.
Do not stuff the dings full of wax!
Neglecting Sun Protection
While surfing is a fantastic way to enjoy the sun, it’s crucial to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen with a high SPF, designed for water sports, should be applied generously to all exposed skin. Additionally, wearing a surf hat or cap can protect your face and scalp from sunburn.
Protecting yourself from the sun is essential not only for your health but also for enjoying longer, more comfortable surf sessions. Skin cancer is a huge problem in New Zealand, always practice good suncare to avoid becoming a statistic. Also protect your eyes as they are exposed to bright sun light and glare for prolonged periods by wearing sunglasses whenever you are not in the water.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you get the most out of your surfing experience and keep your equipment (and yourself!) in excellent condition. At Blitz Surf Shop, we're committed to providing you with the best gear and advice to enhance your surfing journey. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to drop by our shop or reach out to us online. Happy surfing!
