How to Repair Skimboards

Repairing a skimboard is fairly simple.

Skimboarding is a fast-growing extreme sport and has a seemingly ubiquitous presence on beaches during summer months. But as fun as the sport can be, it is not without a few downfalls. Those who have extensive experience skimboarding have had to deal with constant repairs, especially the inevitable "dings" that appear on the nose of the board after a long skimboarding session. Fixing the cosmetic and structural blemishes of a skimboard is a fairly simple procedure and will increase the long-term usability of the board.

Things You'll Need

• Resin (either polyester or epoxy, depending on the board)
• Sandpaper (rough, medium and fine grits)
• Cloth (Fiberglass, 4 to 6 oz.)
• Milled filler
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towels
• Plastic cup
• Tongue depressor
• Small squeegee or brush
• Grinder (such as a Dremel tool)
• Scissors
• Latex gloves
• Pigments (optional)

Instructions

1. Put on latex gloves to protect hands from materials, especially resin. Place the resin into the plastic cup, filling one-third of cup and using the tongue depressor to stir. Add milled fiber filler to the resin until the mixture reaches the consistency of peanut butter. Adding pigments to the resin will help match the color of the resin and the color of the board if desired.

2. Grind the blemish out using a grinder until the damaged foam or fiberglass is completely removed. Avoid grinding the bottom of the board. Sand the formerly blemished area smooth. Use rubbing alcohol to remove any dust from the sanded area.

3. Cut four pieces of light fiberglass cloth (4 to 6 oz.) at a 45-degree angle to the weave. The cut must cover the entire blemished area. These will be applied after the filler has set. Begin applying the filler with the tongue depressor, shaping the filler so that the curvature of the board remains unchanged. Apply the fiberglass cloth, evenly placing light pressure on the cloth. Use a squeegee or horsehair brush to saturate the top of the cloth with resin.

4. Place the board in the sun until the resin has set. This may take several hours, so check periodically on the board. Once the resin has set, sand down the affected area with fine sandpaper.

5. Smooth over the affected area with paper towels to remove dust. The area should be completely smooth and solid.

Tips & Warnings

• Acetone can be used in place of rubbing alcohol, but is toxic. Wear gloves if using acetone.

References

• Skim Online: Ding Repair