Wingfoiling brings fun, feeling alive and adventure to riders of all levels. But wingfoil is a sport that takes place on the water, which means maintenance is a point of attention. Maintaining your equipment makes sure your gear lasts longer and helps avoid breakdowns on the water. On this page we go into wingfoil maintenance and what to do.
To ensure that every ride is smooth and safe, proper maintenance of your wingfoil equipment is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of maintaining your wing, foil, and board, keeping them in top-notch condition for countless sessions to come.
Whether you have an inflatable or a rigid board, it’s always important to take care of your equipment.
Keep your gear in shape in 10 steps
- Cleanse after every session
- Inspect for wear and tear
- Let your material dry well
- Dissemble regularly
- Tighten screws and bolts
- Protect your foil
- Proper storage
- Avoid extreme heat
- Proper inflation pressure
- Learn basic repairs
Your wingfoil gear is your ticket to an unforgettable experience on the water, and caring for it properly is crucial. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of your equipment but also ensures optimal performance and safety. From checking for wear and tear to cleaning and storage, here’s how to keep your wingfoil gear in prime shape. Read more about equipment.
Wingfoil maintenance: 10 tips
1. Cleanse after every session
Saltwater can be corrosive, so start your maintenance routine by thoroughly rinsing your equipment with fresh water after each wingfoiling session. Pay attention to crevices, joints, and hinges where saltwater can accumulate. By removing salt and other debris, you prevent premature wear and corrosion. Use fresh water to clean you gear! It’s an important element of wingfoil maintenance.
2. Inspect for wear and tear
Regular inspection is your first line of defense against equipment failure. Examine your wing, foil, and board for any signs of wear, tears, dings, or cracks. Address these issues promptly to prevent them from worsening and affecting your performance.
3. Thorough drying
Before storing your gear, make sure it’s completely dry. Especially if you store it for a longer time.
Ideally, just let it dry outside and store it when done. If you can’t, consider inflating the equipment on a later moment and letting it dry.
Moisture can lead to mold, rust, and deterioration over time, so taking a few minutes to dry your equipment can make a significant difference.
4. Dissemble regularly
Saltwater corrosion happens and is primarily due to a process known as electrochemical corrosion, or simply corrosion.
This process leads to the degradation of its properties and structural integrity over time.
Loosen up the screws in your equipment regularly, so you avoid them getting so corroded you can’t get them out anymore. This avoids you not being able to swap a front wing or even dissemble the whole kit.
You don’t want to see yourself doing this kind of tricks to loosen a screw!
5. Tighten screws and bolts
A very effective way to do wingfoil maintenance is to ensure that all screws and bolts are securely tightened before you hit the water. Vibrations from riding can cause screws to loosen, affecting your gear’s stability and safety.
6. Protect your foil
Foils are an essential part of your setup, and protecting them is vital. When not in use, consider using protective covers for your foil’s wings to prevent scratches and dings that can impact your ride.
Bonus wingofil maintenance tip: Marine grease
Special products called marine grease like Tef Gel or this Quicksilver Marine Grease with Teflon help keeping your screws and metallic elements in good conditions.
It slows down the process of corrosion and keeps your equipment in shape.
7. Proper storage
Store your gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If possible, store your equipment indoors to shield it from the elements and prolong its lifespan.
8. Avoid extreme heat
Prolonged exposure to heat, especially direct sunlight, can lead to damage. Keep your gear shaded when not in use to prevent warping, fading, and other heat-related issues. Especially the inflatable boards and the wing need to be out of direct sunlight after drying.
9. Maintain proper inflation
Check the inflation pressure of your wing to ensure optimal performance. Overinflating can strain seams, while underinflation affects stability and performance.
10. Learn basic repairs
Equip yourself with basic repair skills like fixing small tears in the wing fabric or on your board. This not only saves you money but also keeps you on the water longer. Also it’s a good idea to ask around for well-known repair places in your area. The day you need a reparation, you can move quickly and get back into action.
Wingfoil maintenance FAQ
Proper wingfoil maintenance ensures your wingfoil gear’s longevity, performance, and safety, allowing you to enjoy smooth rides on the water.
After each session, rinse your gear with fresh water to remove salt and debris that could lead to corrosion. Use freshwater!
In the open air and inflated. If not possible: Use a clean towel to thoroughly dry your wing, foil, and board before storage to prevent moisture-related damage.
Regularly check for signs of damage, such as frayed elements, cracks, or loose components, to address issues early.
Yes, you can use protective coatings like marine grease to minimize galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. Above you find a solution for this.
Consider using protective covers to prevent scratches and dings on your foil wings during storage or transport.
Store your gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent heat-related damage.
Regularly check your wing’s inflation pressure to ensure optimal performance, avoiding both overinflation and underinflation.
