Board Care

"Take care of your board and your board will take care of you."

General

• Do, when carrying boards, take your time, avoid sharp objects and corners, remember boards are very large and fragile, and be careful
• Do carry the board on your shoulder when taking it down the stairs, or get a friend to help if you do not feel confident. Do not allow the board to come in contact with the stairs or the railing.
• Do not rest the board on concrete or rocks
• Do not rest the bottom of the board against the bottom of another board
• Do not use a board marked with a 'P' (Patrol) or a 'C' (Competition) for training

Before Use

• Do take care when removing boards from the racks
• Do check the board for damage before you take it out, do not take damaged boards in the surf

On The Beach

• Do face the boards out to sea when not in use
• Do store the boards upside down on the sand or upright in a board holder so the sun doesn't melt the wax
• Do not stand or sit upon the board when it is on the sand as this damages it

In The Surf

• Do think about what where the board would end up if you lost it
• Do be aware of the currents
• Do avoid the rocks
• Do wear your patrol or competition cap if the flags are up
• Do be mindful of the equipment, your own safety, and the safety of others
• Do not paddle behind another board through the break
• Do not let go of your board
• Do not paddle between the flags unless you are required to in order to perform a rescue
• Do not stand up on your board
• Be aware that a board can easily dislocate your shoulder or break your ribs if held incorrectly

Wearing a Leg Rope

• Do wear a leg rope while training
• Do not wear a leg rope when performing a rescue
• Be aware that after having lost your grip on the board when wearing a leg rope the board can recoil. If the leg rope becomes fully extended, then remain under water until you are sure there is no hazard of the board bouncing back and hitting you

At The End of The Day

• Do wash both sides of the boards with fresh water
• Do make sure to replace the leg rope on the board if you take it off during the course of the day
• Do take care when replacing a board in the racks (white boards should go on the right rack as they are slightly wider)

If You Do Damage a Board

• Mark the damaged area with tape
• Report the board to the gear steward or the board and ski captain