Simple DIY Surfboard Ding Repair Tutorial | Surfing How-To
Got a small ding on your surfboard and want to try a DIY surfboard ding repair? You’re in the right place! In this surf tutorial, we’ll guide you through an easy, step-by-step surfboard repair process so you can get your board back in the water fast. Whether you’re new to surfing, learning basic ding repair, or just need a quick refresher, this video covers all the essential tips and techniques to help you restore your board with confidence.
Tools required for simple surfboard ding repair:
- A surfboard with a ding
- A surfboard repair kit – either Epoxy or Polyurethane
- Sandpaper
- A paddle pop or popsicle stick
- A clear piece of flexible plastic (to cover the ding)
- A blade to scratch the surface of the board
Important tip for surfboard ding repair
Complete this entire process in the shade and only place the board in the sun to cure and set the repair compound. DO NOT apply the compound to the board in the sun— it will not work.
Surfboard ding repair process
Start by removing any loose pieces, dirt, or debris from the dinged area.
Rough up the surface with sandpaper and then use the blade to increase surface texture — the rougher the surface, the better the repair will bond.
Wipe away any dust
Apply the repair compound, and shape it with the paddle pop stick so it fully covers the ding and surrounding area.
Place the clear plastic over the compound and smooth it out to minimize sanding later.
Set the board in direct sunlight for 3–5 minutes or until the compound cures.
Peel off the plastic and sand to your desired finish.
Major surfboard ding repair
This surfboard ding repair method works great for small dings that haven’t broken through to the foam. For more significant damage, a full professional repair is recommended.
For more free resources visit our Surfing Resources page
We have tutorial and content on everything from paddling for surfing, home exercises to 10X your wave count, pop up exercises for home, pop up technique and timing and more.
See you in the lineup
This video shows how simple and easy it is to do a small surfboard ding repair at home.
The brand of UV curing resin is not important. However, it is important that you use the correct type of resin for your surfboard ding repair. Each company usually sells a PU Poly version and an EPS Epoxy version of their surfboard ding repair kits.
Match the type of resin you use to the type of board you have. Unfortunately using the wrong type of resin for a board can cause other problems related to the foam core.
It is also important to note that a surfboard ding repair for a fin box is usually not appropriate for a UV resin.
Fin box damage almost always includes damage to the underlying foam core.
Only the most minor fin box issues can be resolved with UV surfboard ding repair resin.
In the most cases the fin box will need to be removed, the foam needs to be replaced and then the fin box reinstalled as per a new board.
In order to perform this type of surfboard repair by yourself, you will need the appropriate tools, Q-cell, replacement foam, fiberglass cloth, resin, replacement fin box and the competence to place the fin box in the correct position.
These types of repairs are often best performed by a professional surfboard ding repair shop or a shaper who offers surfboard ding repair.
The fins are too important for the performance of the board.