MedSwells Surf Below are some personal tips on how to keep a wooden surfboard in good condition.
Even though the wooden surfboards are durable, require little care, and, are built to last, this doesn't mean that they are inmune to the toll of time or harsh treatment. In order to make them last long, and maintain them on good conditions, Here are some quick instructions about how to take care of your board. These are simple things, mostly common sense:
1) PROTECTION: SURFBOARD BAG
Get a well protected surfboard bag for transport. For example: for 4' paipos use a 6' cushioned surfboard bag, where you can transport: paipo + fins + wetsuit + keels + leash plug. This will save the board a few dings during transport/carrying on the car and hurrying down to the beach. This because the wood is light so it's better to handle it with care to avoid dings, and, anyway if dings happen, it'll be easy to fix.
2. NURTURE WOOD WITH OIL WHEN NEEDED
The sun, sea, saltwater, and sand take its toll, especially when the boards are under heavy use, like when surfing every day. For example, under a year of heavy use you can notice the wood of the board looks drier. If this happens then you can apply a hand of linseed or other vegetable oil to nurture the wood, this is seldom needed, and can be done once a year for example.
3. ENSURE YOUR BOARD IS DRY AFTER SURF
Look for places where wood has dark/black spots that grow with time. This usually means that the wood is not dry and that there's moisture in the wood, so fungi start doing its work. A recommendation for drying is to leave the board to rest standing tall against a wall on a dry spot of the house, avoiding direct sunlight exposure. In case of a HWS surfboard getting waterlogged, look for dings, and repair them.
4. CHECK YOUR VENT ON HOLLOW WOODEN SURFBOARDS
On a Hollow Wooden Surfboard (HWS) check that the vent is working properly: the vent is the valve that keeps pressure equals inside and outside the board, if there are big pressure changes, and the vent is not working, then the pressure forces can damage your HWS surfboards.
Have fun...
Above all have fun! And enjoy your wooden surfboard!
Also, if you have any other questions let us know.