Wing Foil Kit Care Guide

Wing foiling kit is expensive, and not always the most robust – as most of us have found out! Taking the plunge and buying your own kit is also a proud and big moment, so we know that we all want to know the best way to take care of our kit so we can get the ultimate value out of it (and until we want to upgrade or downsize! 😉)

 

 

Not only does taking care of your wing foil kit essential for ensuring its longevity, it also guarantees you get the optimal performance out of your gear too. Here are some tips to help you maintain your wing foil equipment:

 

1. Rinse after Use:

After each session, rinse your wing foil kit thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other debris. This is particularly important on the foil and the bolts as salt can corrode away the inserts and threads after time. On the wing it also keeps all the seams in best condition and ensures your wing is fresh for the next time out. Obviously, with life sometimes we don’t always have the space or time to wash it off at home, so if you are likely going to be using your kit fairly promptly again after a session, a couple of days to a week can pass.

 

2. Anti corrosion gel on the bolts:

The foil bolts won’t look damaged straight away, but in case you don’t always wash them super thoroughly, and for ensured easy assembly and disassembly, we recommend getting some gel to put on the bolts. You don’t need to put this on every time, but we recommend it before their first outing!
You can purchase some on our site if you haven’t already - FBC Anti Corrosion Gel

 

3. Dry Properly:

Allow your equipment to dry completely before storing it. This helps prevent corrosion and the growth of mold or mildew. Another important reason to leave it to dry, particularly with the board is to avoid osmosis, particularly if left damp in a bag. The water on the surface can transfer bac through the paint and create small bubbles on the board surface. We know, especially in winter, leaving to dry can be hard as it is cold and damp outside, however even if you leave the board in the bag, leaving it unzipped also helps. Avoid leaving your gear in direct sunlight for extended periods (even if in the bag), as this can damage certain materials.

 

 

4. Protective Storage:

Your foil and wing should come in bags already, however we strongly recommend a bag for your board as they can be scratched easily on the floor and when transported. There are also session bags which can store all your kit in one bag which is even more useful when storing and transporting or travelling. Even in their bags, try to store your wing foil kit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.

If you need a board bag, we have a great range you can browse here - Wing Foil Board Bags.

 

5. Avoid Impact:

General care and attention to the handling and usage of your equipment will prolong its longevity more than anything, no point cleaning it off if you are going to drop it around! Avoid dropping or banging it against hard surfaces, when putting the foil into the board, lay your kit on soft ground (the board bag) or on grass/ sand. Be cautious when launching and landing to prevent collisions with rocks, the sea bottom, docks, or other obstacles.

 

6. Inspect Regularly:

Periodically inspect your wing foil kit for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or loose fittings; this way you can keep an eye on what may cause the damage and see if it worsens or develops. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening and affecting performance.

 

By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your wing foil kit and enjoy many successful sessions on the water. Sometimes you cannot always clean and dry it to your normal standard, but being mindful of the care and attention your wing kit needs will help it last longer and maintain the condition.

 

 

Any other questions or advice for us, just give us a call on 01202 700503, email us at info@pooleharbour.co.uk or pop in store and chat to us!