Water sports enthusiasts treat their equipment with the utmost care because, to some owners, it defines more than just a hobby—it’s an asset. From your boat, canoe, and surfboard to the relevant safety gear, maintaining it the right way ensures it reaches the longevity it’s made for. Whether summer vacation is ending or happening right now, ongoing water sports equipment maintenance of your belongings is vital.
Proper care for your wakeboard involves more than drying and storing it in a safe place. Water gear requires additional TLC to stay in top condition. When you acquired water sports equipment, you invested in an invaluable lifestyle you want to maintain.
Wondering what type of water sports equipment maintenance your gear needs? Trust the experienced team at Buckeye Surf for some pro tips!
5 Water Sports Equipment Maintenance Tips
Who says water sports are expensive? Many types of sports require a one-time purchase for a set of gear and equipment. Though it won’t cost as much as a house downpayment, you will treat it like an asset, giving it the proper care and maintenance it needs.
Nurture your passion for challenges in the water with these top five water sports equipment maintenance tips:
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Immediate Repairs for Signs of Damage
Even during the highlight of your water sports experience, you can’t predict the circumstances while using your wakeboard or water skis. It’s common for small accidents like scratches or dings and dents to occur.
While they may be harmless, surface damage could result in more serious damage if left untreated. As a part of your water sports equipment maintenance duty, we recommend to get it repaired. The good news for dings is that you can purchase an epoxy repair kit and fix them yourself.
However, some dents should be inspected carefully by a professional. Many water sports equipment are made of quality fibreglass that could let in water if cracked or punctured. If you wonder what the first step is in properly caring for your water sports equipment, maintenance and repairs are the answer.
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Remove Salt with Soap & Water
Removing salt, dirt, and debris with a soft brush is an essential step after each use, but when it’s time to winterize your water skis, wet suit, and life jacket, you want to do the cleaning thoroughly. Use mild soap and water to clean the surface, but avoid detergents with strong chemicals and scents.
Be sure to rinse off all the soap, and, if needed, give the wet suits and life jackets a few squeezes until the flowing water has no more bubbles.
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Make Sure It’s Completely Dry
If patience is not your friend, you may have difficulty with this part of water sports equipment maintenance. But trust us, the effort is worth it!
All kinds of water sports gear should be carefully air-dried, but not in direct sunlight. You can use a hand towel or a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down your wakeboard or water skis, whereas wet suits and safety gear, such as your life jacket should hang dry.
Important: Never put your life vests, wetsuits, or ski gloves in drying appliances or water extractor units.
Depending on the type of water sports equipment, maintenance may also include applying lubricants or a protective spray.
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Store It in a Safe, Climate-Controlled Spot
When it comes to water sports equipment maintenance, proper storage is paramount. Storing your gear in a dry, safe space is the best way to ensure it won’t suffer from potential moisture damage.
Pro Tip! Many surfboard and wakeboard enthusiasts build storage racks on their interior walls, whether in the garage or the house. The key is not to stack any type of water sports equipment on top of each other.
Alternatively, water sports fans who don’t have the space and suitable environment tend to store their water gear in climate-controlled self-storage units.
Another storage option is to keep your wakeboard in a breathable bag and away from the sun and moisture.
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Perform Regular Inspection Before, During & After the Season
This may relate to our first water sports equipment maintenance tip, but with one additional thing to keep in mind: Despite your clean and dry equipment, you may have missed something while winterizing it. When you store your surfboard in the house or garage and share the space with others, chances are someone bumped against or tampered with it.
When you prepare for the summer, remember to inspect your equipment or have it checked by a professional.
Does the surface of your water skis look de-laminated? Are there pressure dings and cracks on your wakeboard? Does the neoprene on your wet suit look thin and smell musty?
Important Note: Before, during, and aftercare are crucial for water sports equipment maintenance. Canada’s provincial rules for water sports safety vary, but you will encounter instances where local authorities will ask for permits and inspect your gear before allowing you to use it.
Benefits of Water Sports Equipment Maintenance
Being diligent about water sports equipment maintenance will go a long way. Some of the major benefits include:
- Increased lifespan: Good maintenance practice is the key to extended gear life.
- Better hygiene: Both freshwater and saltwater can be polluted. Rinsing your gear off with soap and water after each use promotes better hygiene for the next time you use it.
Find Quality Water Sports Equipment at Buckeye Surf
Buckeye Surf is Canada’s industry-leading expert in water sports equipment. We’re here to provide high-quality products, as well as share our experiences with fellow water sports enthusiasts.
As a locally owned business in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, we are proud to make a difference in the community we have been serving since 1949.
We are third and fourth-generation owners who have shared our passion and knowledge with like-minded people all over Canada. Our reliable resources and carefully curated products are designed to inform and educate.
Visit us in-store today:
12 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0
Or Call us:
(705) 738 9283
Water Sports Equipment Maintenance FAQs
Can life jackets be washed?
They certainly can, but please refrain from using strong chemicals like bleach or chlorine. Moreover, do not dry-clean them or put them in the washer. You will get the most of your life jackets and vests by simply hand-washing them with soap and water. Use a soft brush to scrub the buckles and straps.
Can water skis be stored in an unheated garage?
We do not recommend storing your water skis in the garage or anywhere where the temperature and humidity levels aren’t stable. Extreme temperature fluctuations and dampness can result in early damage, such as rust and warping.
We recommend storing your skis in the closet or under your bed. Or, for better peace of mind, in a climate-controlled self-storage unit.
Are you supposed to wax your wakeboard?
Yes. We recommend that you wax it at least once during your wakesurf season. That said, every wakeboard owner has different performance expectations. The goal with wax is to have some traction from falling off. It’s also a matter of preference, as some might want to put on a traction pad instead.