When the air turns cold and the boats go into hibernation, it’s tempting to stash your board in the garage and call it a season. But proper winterization is one of the most overlooked parts of board care and one of the most important. Taking an hour now to clean, dry, and store your wakesurf board correctly can prevent cracks, delamination, and warping, keeping your board ready to ride when the water warms up again.

Below are the essential steps to make sure your board stays in perfect shape all winter long and is ready for you to get out on the water next season. 

Clean Your Board Thoroughly

Start by giving your board a full rinse with fresh water to remove dirt, algae, and mineral deposits from lake water. If you took your board out on the ocean or anywhere with salt water, this is especially important as the salt degrades boards quicker than anything out there. Use a mild soap and a soft sponge, never harsh chemicals, to gently clean the surface, traction pads, and rails. You don't have to overthink it either, a bar of soap will do just as good as specialty cleaners. 

As you clean, take the opportunity to inspect the board for any signs of damage. Small dings, cracks, or delamination spots can worsen over time if water is trapped inside, especially during freezing temperatures. Catching them now means fewer headaches later.

Repair and Restore Before Storage

If you notice chips or cracks, repair them before putting the board away. Even minor dings can allow moisture to penetrate the core, which expands and causes deeper structural damage in cold weather. If you don't know how to repair a chip or crack, no worries! A quick youtube search can point you in the right direction and for those of you who don't want the hassle check out our board repair program where we will do all the work for you!

Remove your fins and check that the boxes are free from sand or buildup. Clean your traction pads and make sure the adhesive isn’t lifting. A quick polish or a UV protectant can help preserve both your board’s look and its materials during the off-season but is absolutely not needed. 

Dry It Completely

This step can’t be overstated: your board must be fully dry before you store it. Trapped moisture leads to mildew, odor, and core damage.

After cleaning, towel it off and let it air dry indoors, not in direct sunlight or near heaters, which can warp the board. Pay special attention to the traction pads, fin boxes, and stringer line where water tends to collect.

Store It in a Safe Environment

Choose a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid garages or sheds that fluctuate between freezing and warm temperatures. If you’re using a garage, keep it elevated off the concrete floor and away from exterior walls that collect condensation.

The best way to store your board is either flat on a soft surface or upright on its tail, supported by foam or padding. Avoid hanging it from the nose or tail, that can cause flexing over time. A padded board bag adds an extra layer of protection from dust and scratches.

If you live in a humid area, toss a few silica packets or a small desiccant pouch into your board bag to keep moisture under control. Rice will also work in a pinch! 

Ready for Next Season

A little winter care goes a long way. By cleaning, repairing, drying, and storing your board properly, you’ll extend its lifespan and ensure that when spring hits, it’s ready to perform just like the day you got it.

Treat your board like your season depends on it, because it does!