Surfing isn’t just about reading the waves — it’s about taking care of the gear that gets you there. From your board and wetsuit to your leash and wax, every piece of equipment needs consistent care to perform at its best. The ocean is a powerful environment, and neglecting your gear can lead to faster wear, lost sessions, and unnecessary expense.
A solid maintenance routine keeps your setup dialed in all year round, ensuring every paddle-out starts smooth and ends strong. Here’s how to keep your surf gear in top shape through every season.
Spring: Tune-Up and Transition
As the water warms and the swell begins to mellow, spring is the time to inspect, clean, and refresh your surf setup after the harsher winter months.
1. Deep-Clean Your Board
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt buildup and grime.
- Scrape off old wax using a wax comb or a soft cloth warmed by sunlight.
- Apply a fresh coat of wax matched to rising water temperatures (cool or warm formulas).
- Check your board for pressure dents, small cracks, or fin box wear. Repair any dings immediately before saltwater seeps into the foam.
2. Inspect Your Leash
- Look for frayed cords or stretched Velcro straps.
- Check the swivel joints — these should spin freely to prevent tangling.
- If your leash feels stiff or shows signs of cracking, replace it before the next big swell.
3. Rotate Gear for Changing Conditions
- Swap out thicker winter wetsuits for spring suits (2/2mm or 3/2mm) as temperatures rise.
- Store heavy wetsuits in a cool, dry place on a wide hanger to prevent creasing.
4. Wax and Fin Refresh
- Remove and clean your fins with warm water and a soft brush.
- Check screws for corrosion and reapply anti-rust lubricant.
- Consider rotating fins — sometimes a different template suits spring’s playful waves better.
Summer: Protect and Preserve
Summer brings warm water, long sessions, and extra sun exposure — all of which can take a toll on your equipment.
1. Shield Against UV Damage
- Never leave your surfboard baking in direct sunlight or inside a hot car.
- Prolonged heat can delaminate your board (where the fiberglass separates from the foam).
- Use a reflective board bag or towel to keep it cool between sessions.
2. Rinse Everything After Every Session
Saltwater and sand are silent killers of surf gear. After each session:
- Rinse your board, leash, and wetsuit in fresh water.
- Hang wetsuits inside out in the shade to dry naturally.
- Wipe down fins and leash plugs with a damp cloth to prevent salt buildup.
3. Maintain Your Wetsuit
- Wash occasionally with wetsuit shampoo to remove bacteria and salt.
- Store folded loosely or hung from a wide-shouldered hanger (avoid wire hangers that stretch neoprene).
- Never dry in direct sun — UV light breaks down neoprene quickly.
4. Watch for Dings and Leaks
Warm temperatures expand board materials, revealing small cracks or leaks. Inspect seams and rails weekly and repair minor damage immediately using UV-cure resinAutumn: Repair and Reset
As swells return and temperatures begin to drop, fall is the season to prep your gear for more powerful waves.
1. Repair and Reinforce
- Perform a full inspection: nose, rails, tail, and fin boxes.
- Fix dings before cooler water and shorter daylight make repairs harder.
- Check traction pads for peeling edges or lifting corners — re-glue or replace as needed.
2. Reassess Wax and Fin Setup
- Switch to cool water wax as temperatures fall.
- If the waves get heavier, swap to stronger fins for hold and control.
3. Upgrade Your Leash
Bigger swells require durability. Upgrade to a thicker cord (7mm+) and double-swivel design.
Always bring a backup leash during storm season.
4. Prepare Cold-Water Gear
- Pull out thicker wetsuits (4/3mm or 5/4mm).
- Inspect seams for cracking or separation.
- Test gloves, booties, and hoods for tears — better to patch now than mid-session.
Winter: Protect Against the Elements
Winter is demanding on both body and equipment. The cold, storms, and heavy surf challenge your gear like no other season.
1. Keep Your Wetsuit Warm and Dry
- After every session, rinse with lukewarm (not hot) water — heat damages neoprene elasticity.
- Dry indoors away from heaters or direct sunlight.
- Use a wetsuit dryer or rotate suits if you surf frequently in cold water.
2. Combat Salt and Cold Damage
- Saltwater combined with freezing temps can cause cracks in wax and even stress fiberglass.
- Always rinse your board thoroughly and store it in a temperature-stable space.
- Avoid leaving your board in freezing cars overnight — the foam core can expand or contract unevenly.
3. Maintain Your Fins and Leash
- Cold makes plastic brittle. Inspect fins before each session for stress lines or cracks.
- Check leash plugs for ice buildup or corrosion.
- Apply silicone spray or marine grease to screws and joints to prevent rust.
4. Protect Your Skin and Eyes
- Use zinc-based sunscreen even in winter — UV still penetrates clouds.
- Keep surf wax in your car’s interior to prevent freezing and cracking.
Year-Round Essentials
No matter the season, these habits keep your surf gear performing smoothly all year long:
- Freshwater rinse after every surf.
- Inspect weekly for small cracks, frays, or corrosion.
- Store gear dry and cool.
- Rotate equipment depending on wave size and season.
- Travel smart with padded board bags and fin protection.
Small habits make a massive difference. A board that lasts years instead of seasons saves you money and keeps your connection with it strong.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your surf gear isn’t a chore — it’s part of the ritual. Every time you rinse, wax, or repair, you’re extending the life of your tools and respecting the craft that connects you to the ocean.
Whether it’s the salt-stained deck of your favorite board or the familiar stretch of your wetsuit sleeves, good maintenance keeps your gear performing, your sessions smooth, and your stoke alive in every season.