Do-It-Yourself Broken Longboard Repair

I was trying to google how to repair a broken surfboard months ago when my longboard was torn into two in Baler last July and I didn’t see anything that really answers my queries.

Since going to the surfboard repair shop would cost me at least Php3,000, I thought of repairing it on my own. I didn’t bother me that I might be ruining my board altogether because I know I would learn something from this experience. And since I want to surf all my life, I think it is but just proper that I know how to repair my toy.

So I’m sharing it here in case you would need this in the future.

Some info on my longboard:

It’s a Surf Bum EPS foam (Note: It’s EPS Foam or  Expanded Polystrene Foam (or styrofoam). This is different from the Polyuerethane foam. Size is 9 feet and I bought it 2nd hand. It was broken into two near the nose area. Stringer was torn.

Things you would need:

1. Epoxy (A and B). I used two types of epoxy- the Pioneer Non-Sag Marine Epoxy and the General Repair one (those in small tubes). A is adhesive and B is hardener. This is use to glue the board together. Be sure to use this properly and follow the instructions carefully. You can easily find this in hardwares. I bought mine at Robinsons Handyman and Ace Hardware SM. (Price: Less than P300 for the two types of epoxy).

2. Waterproofing fiber cloth. This is to add extra strength and waterproofing to your board. This is kinda hard to find and sometimes the staff don’t know they have this in the store. I bought mine at Ace Hardware, SM Calamba. I’m sure there are also fiber cloth in boat shops and supplies. (Price: Php99.75 for 1sq. yard)

3. BBQ Sticks. I used this to strengthen the stringer. I bought the biggest one. Lots of this at Mang Inasal. 😛

4. Duck tape. Used to hold the board in place while I’m waiting for the epoxy to dry.

5. Styrofoam. To replace the lost foams of my board.

6. Metal Spreaders. So I can easily spread the epoxy.

7. Mixing plate. For mixing the epoxy A and B.

8. Sandpaper. To smooth the surface of your board ones the epoxy is already dry.

9. Paint. There are lots of spray paint available in hardwares. I bought rose pink for a manly finish.

10. Hammer (in case you want to hammer your head because you did something foolish). -optional

Now let’s get to business…

First, I cleaned the torn area of the board for any foreign objects (sand, dust and foams). You must also sand the paint and epoxy on both side of the torn boards so there would be an area where the fiber cloth be placed.

I then placed the BBQ sticks near the stringer to add support. I used 4 sticks (2 sticks on each side). Then I started mix the epoxy (marine epoxy) and applied it to the broken board. You have to be quick in application since the epoxy would start to harden in 20 minutes. Make sure that the board straight when you put the torn area together.

Place it on a safe place where it can rest to dry. Use the duct tape to be sure that the pieces are in their proper place. Let the epoxy dry for at least 3 hours.

After this you would somehow see development on your longboard since its now back into one board. But don’t try to put pressure yet. N0w it’s time to mix epoxy again (general use) and apply it to the surface where you used the sandpaper earlier and place just enough fiber cloth. You can use brush to make sure that the fiber cloth is ironed out and not produce bubbles. Again let clear epoxy dry for at least 3 hours.

When the epoxy is already hard you can evenly apply another coat of epoxy to make sure that full surfboard is waterproofed. When the epoxy is already dry, use the sandpaper to smoothen the surface. Check the board and take a close look for areas that need more epoxy. If everything is alright its time to paint you board pink.

This is how I fixed my longboard. I will let you know if this is a success after I use it next week. Stay tuned, I will post a photo of  my newly repaired longboard on my Instagram account- @journeyingjames.