Quality Surfboard Repair Kits from the Surfboard Experts

When it comes to fixing your board, trust the people who build them. At New Wave NZ Surfboards, we manufacture surfboards right here in Gisborne New Zealand, so we know exactly what it takes to get your board back in the water.

Whether you need one of our premium New Wave repair kits—packed with the same quality materials we use in our surfboard construction—or if you're after a quick, easy fix with a ready-to-use repair solution, we've got you covered.

When & Why to Repair Your Surfboard: A New Wave Guide

A few bumps, pressure dents and battle scars are part of owning a surfboard. But how do you know when a ding is just cosmetic — and when it needs to be repaired before it turns into a much bigger problem?

At New Wave NZ Surfboards, we’ve been making and repairing surfboards for decades, so we know that getting on top of a small ding early can save you time, money and potentially a broken board later on.

When Should You Repair a Surfboard?

Not every mark on your surfboard requires immediate attention. Pressure dents and small indentations are common, particularly on the deck where your heels, knees and feet put pressure on the board.

If the fibreglass hasn't cracked and the foam underneath hasn't been exposed, these types of dents are generally cosmetic rather than a serious problem. Heel dents on the deck and small pressure dents on the bottom of the board are often nothing to worry about.

And let's be honest — once you've put a layer of surf wax over them, most of them disappear anyway!

The Dings You Shouldn't Ignore

The repairs that really matter are cracks or holes that have broken through the fibreglass and allowed water to reach the foam core.

A simple way to check a crack is to carefully run your fingernail across it. If your nail catches on the edge of the crack, it's time to take action.

Once water gets into the foam, it can lead to further damage and cause the fibreglass to separate from the foam. What started as a small ding can then become a much larger and more expensive repair.

Our advice? If you're unsure, repair it sooner rather than later.

A small ding is much easier to repair than a waterlogged board or a board that's started to delaminate.

Repair Do's & Dont's

Some of the common things we see in our repair shop as a "temp' patch up so I can keep surfing are, stuffing wax into the ding area. This is a big no. Wax never forms a complete seal around the ding area and still lets water in. Wax adheres to the foam core which means the ding repairer has to sand further into the foam not to mention the wax clogs up our sanding pads pretty quick. A small ding repair just turned into a big and more expensive repair. Don't try to suck the water out of your ding. The chemicals that are used in manufacturing are not meant for human consumption. Don't leave your board to dry out in direct sunlight. Our Gisborne sun can get pretty hot and in the middle of summer you could cause a delamantion issue if you leave your board in the hot sun. Instead find a corner of the garage that's out of direct sunlight, well ventilated and stand it up until water stops dripping out onto the the ground. This is especaily important in epoxy surfboards.

PU vs Epoxy: What Type of Surfboard Do You Have?

Before you grab the repair kit, it's important to know what your surfboard is made from.

Most surfboards have a foam core surrounded by a fibreglass and resin shell, but the combination of foam and resin can vary.

The two most common constructions you'll come across are PU (polyurethane) and EPS/epoxy.

PU Surfboards

Traditional PU surfboards are made from a polyurethane foam blank and are usually glassed with polyester resin.

For a PU board, polyester resin is generally the best choice because it matches the original construction of the board.

If you're repairing a PU surfboard, make sure you know exactly what you're working with before choosing your resin.

PU Surfboard

Use: Polyester resin

Alternative: Epoxy can sometimes be used as an emergency repair, but it isn't the ideal long-term solution. A temporary epoxy repair may need to be removed and properly repaired with polyester resin later.

Epoxy Surfboards

Many modern surfboards use EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam with epoxy resin.

If your board is an EPS/epoxy construction, you must use epoxy resin for repairs.

Never use polyester resin on an EPS/epoxy surfboard.

Polyester resin can react with and damage EPS foam, while it also doesn't provide the correct bond to cured epoxy fibreglass.

If you're unsure about your board's construction, it's always better to stop and check before starting the repair.

When Should You Get a Professional to Repair Your Board?

DIY repairs are great for many everyday dings, but some repairs are better left to an experienced surfboard shaper or repairer.

We recommend getting professional help for jobs such as:

• Broken or damaged fin boxes
• FCS or Futures fin plug replacements
• Large areas of delamination
• Damage that extends deep into the foam
• Broken boards
• Broken stringers
• Major rail damage
• Extensive fibreglass damage
• Repairs requiring colour matching
• Glossing and polishing
• Complex structural repairs

If you're new to surfboard repairs, don't be afraid to know your limits. Sometimes trying to save a few dollars with a DIY repair can turn a straightforward repair into a much bigger job.

At New Wave NZ Surfboards, we can help assess the damage and advise whether it's something you can tackle yourself or whether it's best left to a professional.

When Is It Time for a New Surfboard?

Unfortunately, not every board can be saved.

A major break, extensive delamination or severe water damage can sometimes make a repair uneconomical. Older PU surfboards can also become increasingly brittle over time as the fibreglass ages, yellows and loses some of its original strength.

If your board has reached the point where every surf seems to result in another repair, it might be time to retire it from the lineup.

You could always give it a new life as a wall hanger — and start looking for your next board!

New Wave NZ Surfboard Repair Tips

Before you start your next DIY repair, keep these tips in mind:

1. Protect Yourself

Always wear appropriate protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, suitable clothing and appropriate respiratory protection when working with resins, solvents and fibreglass.

2. Preparation Is Everything

Don't mix your resin until you're ready to work. Resin works very differently from the middle of our hot Gizzy summer to the middle of our cold winters.

Have everything prepared first — mask the area, clean and sand the repair, cut your fibreglass and have your tools ready. Once the resin and hardener are mixed, the clock is ticking!

3. Use the Correct Resin

PU + polyester = the traditional combination.

EPS/epoxy + epoxy = the correct combination.

Never use polyester resin on an EPS/epoxy surfboard.

4. Measure Your Resin and Hardener Carefully

Follow the instructions and measure accurately. Temperature and humidity can have a big effect on curing times.

Warmer conditions can make resin cure faster, while cold conditions can significantly slow the curing process.

5. Use Suitable Mixing Containers

Not every plastic container is suitable for mixing resin. Some plastics can soften or melt when exposed to certain resins, particularly polyester resin.

Always use containers recommended for the product you're working with.

6. Know When to Call the Experts

A small ding is one thing. A broken board, damaged fin box or major delamination is another.

If you're unsure, ask a professional before you start cutting, sanding or glassing.

DIY Surfboard Repairs Made Easier

Surfboard repair can look intimidating at first, but with the right materials, preparation and a little patience, many small dings can be repaired at home.

At New Wave NZ Surfboards, we stock a range of surfboard repair materials, including epoxy and polyester resin, fibreglass cloth, foam and FCS/Futures fin plugs, as well as ready-to-use repair kits.

And because we make surfboards ourselves, we're always happy to offer advice if you're not sure which materials you need.

Got a ding? Don't let a small repair become a big one. Get it fixed, get back in the water and keep surfing!

Easy DIY Surfboard Repairs: Tips from New Wave 

Got a ding? Don’t panic — many common surfboard repairs can be tackled at home with the right materials and a little patience.

Before You Start: Make Sure Your Board Is Dry

Most surfboard dings happen while you're out in the water, which means the first and most important step is to let any water trapped inside the board dry out completely.

Leave your board somewhere warm, dry and well ventilated — a garage or sheltered area is ideal. A few hours may be enough for a small ding, but larger repairs or Epoxy surfboard can take longer.

Avoid rushing this step. If moisture is trapped inside the foam when you repair the ding, it can lead to bigger problems down the track, including damage to the foam and discolouration.

Choose the Right Repair Materials

Once your board is completely dry, you'll need the right repair materials for the job. The type of repair will determine whether your board is epoxy or polyester.

At New Wave NZ Surfboards, we stock a range of pre-mixed surfboard repair kits, as well as individual materials for more involved repairs. We have options for both epoxy and polyester surfboards, along with FCSI/ FCSII & Futures fin plugs.

Whether you've picked up a small crack, rail ding or a more serious bit of damage, having the right materials makes the repair much easier.

We stock a wide range of surfboard repair kits suitable for everything from small dings and pressure cracks to more serious repairs. 

Not sure which kit is right for your board? Our experienced team is always happy to help you choose the best option, so you can repair your surfboard with confidence and get back to chasing waves.