UK Surfboard Repairs

Every surfboard picks up dings, cracks and broken fins sooner or later. A small repair done quickly can save a board, while ignoring damage lets water into the foam, adds weight and can lead to delamination and a much bigger repair bill. The UK has many skilled surfboard repairers, from dedicated workshops to surf shops and shapers who fix boards alongside their other work.

Common surfboard repairs

Most repairs fall into a few common types. Dings and cracks in the glass are the most frequent, often caused by rocks, car doors or other boards. Snapped boards can sometimes be rejoined, depending on where they broke. Fin boxes and fin plugs can be replaced if they are damaged or ripped out, and leash plugs can be fixed if they pull out. Delamination, where the fibreglass separates from the foam, and pressure dents can also be repaired.

Epoxy and polyester boards

Surfboards are made from different materials, and the repair method depends on how your board was built. Traditional boards use polyester resin, while many modern boards use epoxy, which needs a different resin to repair properly. Soft boards and foam boards need different repairs again. A professional repairer will know how to match the repair to the board, so it stays strong and watertight.

Looking after your board

Rinse your board in fresh water after surfing, keep it out of direct sunlight and heat, use a padded board bag for travel and storage, and check it regularly for small cracks. If your board gets damaged, keep it out of the water until it is fixed, as any water that gets into the foam will make the repair harder and the board heavier.

How long repairs take

Simple repairs can often be done in a few days, while more complex jobs such as snapped boards or major delamination can take longer, especially in the busy summer season. Ask for a quote and an estimated turnaround before you leave your board.

Find a surfboard repairer

Browse surfboard repairers by town below. Featured repairers are shown at the top of this page, and each town page lists every repairer we know about in that area, with contact details and directions.