Surf Gear Check: What to Inspect and Replace Before Your Next Season

You know the moment. You're at the car park, half way into your wetty, and you feel a nick in your leash. Or a fin that's wiggling more than it should. Or a frayed tie-down strap.

Much better to find that out now than then. The end of the season is a good time to spot obvious wear, arrange repairs and replace anything you wouldn't feel confident using next time.

You don't need a complicated maintenance routine. Just work through your gear BEFORE you can't wait to get into some great surf.

If something is damaged, loose or no longer doing its job properly, deal with it while you have time rather than discovering the problem when you're heading out for your next session.

1. Check your surf leash

Your leash is easy to forget about because it can look fine at a glance. But the cord, cuff, swivels and connection points all take wear through regular use.

Before putting it away, check the following:

• Cord: Look along its full length for cuts, cracks, nicks, thinning or other obvious damage. Surf leashes do not mix well with sharp fins.
• Ankle or calf cuff: Check the material, stitching and fastening. Make sure the cuff still closes securely and shows no obvious signs of deterioration. Better to find out your cuff is losing its grip now than on the biggest day of the year.
• Swivels: Make sure the swivels move properly and show no visible damage or excessive looseness.
• Connection points: Inspect the areas where the leash connects to the cuff and board. If your leash has a rail saver, check the webbing and stitching for fraying, cuts or other wear.

If you find damage that could affect the leash's strength or secure attachment, don't assume it will make it through another season.

A leash failure can leave you separated from your board when you might need it the most, so it's worth giving this small piece of gear a proper check before you need it again.

2. Inspect your fins and fin hardware

Fins need to behave the way you expect, so take a close look at them before packing everything away.

Check for cracks, chips, splits or other visible damage, paying particular attention to the fin bases. Make sure your fins still fit securely in their boxes or slots. Inspect the screws, plugs and other hardware used to hold them in place and deal with anything loose, damaged or missing before your next session.

If a fin has damage that could affect its strength, don't rely on it simply because it still fits. Follow the recommendations for your particular board and fin system or have the damage assessed if you're unsure.

Your precious removable fins should also be kept somewhere they won't be stepped on, crushed or knocked around while your gear is stored.

3. Check your tie-down straps

Your board needs to stay secure when you transport it, so your tie-down straps deserve a check too.

Run your fingers along the webbing and look for cuts, fraying, worn sections or other obvious damage. Check the stitching, particularly around loops and attachment points.

Next, inspect the buckles and locking mechanisms. Make sure they still operate properly and hold the strap securely without slipping.

If you use your straps regularly, also check the areas that tend to rub against your vehicle, roof rack or board.

A strap with damaged webbing, failing stitching or a buckle that no longer holds securely should be dealt with before you rely on it to transport your board(s).

4. Give your board bag a once-over

A board bag can help protect your board during transport, handling and storage, depending on the type of bag you use.

Before putting it away, check the parts that take the most wear:

• Zipper: Open and close it along its full length. Look for damaged teeth, a faulty slider or sections that catch or separate.
• Seams: Check for loose stitching, separated seams or tears, particularly around areas that experience regular strain.
• Handles and shoulder straps: Check the stitching and attachment points. Make sure they are secure and show no obvious signs of tearing.
• Fabric and padding: Look for holes, worn-through areas and damaged padding on bags designed to provide additional cushioning.

A small cosmetic mark may not affect how the bag works. A failed zipper, torn seam or loose strap is different, especially if you rely on the bag to securely transport your board.

If you use a surfboard sock, check the fabric for holes and excessive wear. For a coffin-style bag, pay particular attention to the zippers, handles, straps and other high-wear areas.

Repair minor damage where practical, or replace the bag if it can no longer provide the protection and function you need.

5. Give your board a quick visual check

While everything is out, take a quick look over your surfboard or SUP too.

Check for obvious cracks, dents, damaged fins or other areas that might need attention. Even small cracks can slowly let water in damaging and discolouring your board (and making it heavier).

There's no need to repeat your whole storage routine here. If your board needs cleaning, drying or better protection before being put away, read our guide Simple Ways to Protect Your Surfboard or SUP While It's in Storage.

For ideas on setting up a suitable place to keep your board, see How to Store Surfboards and SUPs: House and Garage Setups.

6. Should you repair or replace your gear?

Not every mark means you need new gear. The important question is whether the item can still do its job properly.

For leashes and tie-down straps, be more cautious. Damage that affects their strength, attachment or ability to hold securely isn't something to ignore.

If you're unsure whether an item is suitable to keep using, check the manufacturer's guidance or have it assessed by someone qualified to do so.

The goal is simple: sort out problems while you have time rather than discovering them when you're already getting ready for a surf trip.

Before you pack everything away

Keep a note of anything that needs repairing or replacing. That way, you can sort it out before your next session instead of rushing to find what you need at the last minute.

A little time spent checking your gear now can help you start your next season (or session) better prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I replace a surf leash?

Replace your leash when you find damage that could affect its strength or secure attachment, such as damage to the cord, cuff, swivel or connection points.

There isn't one replacement interval that suits every leash. Inspect it regularly and follow the manufacturer's guidance for the leash you use.

Should I remove fins before long-term storage?

Not necessarily. If your board has removable fins and there's a risk of them being knocked or damaged while stored, taking them off can make sense.

Keep the fins and their hardware together somewhere safe, and follow the recommendations for your particular board and fin system.

How can I tell if a tie-down strap needs replacing?

Check for cuts, fraying, damaged stitching, damaged buckles or a locking mechanism that slips instead of holding securely.

If damage could affect the strap's ability to secure your board, don't rely on it for transport.

What should I check on a surfboard bag before storing it?

Inspect the zipper, seams, handles, shoulder straps, attachment points and padding where applicable.

Deal with any damage that could affect how the bag carries or protects your board before you need to use it again.