How to Repair a Small Ding in Your Hard Paddle Board

If you have a small ding in your paddle board this article will show you how to repair it. However, we always recommend that you bring most paddle board repairs to a professional. If you want to attempt a small ding repair on your hard paddle board follow these steps.

If your hard SUP even has a small crack or ding in it, it needs to be repaired! If the crack isn't fixed, it can grow and possibly crack your entire board.

Materials & Tools Needed

• 5 Minute Epoxy
• Utility Knife
• Clear Packing Tape
• Popsicle Stick
• Sandpaper (Fine Grit)

1. Make sure your board is completely dry. 

To dry your board, store in a cool, dry place with low humidity until the board. Do not attempt to repair your board until it is completely dry. To check if your board is dry internally, take a paper towel and place it in the damaged area. If the paper towel absorbs any water from the core of the board, your board isn’t dry yet and not yet ready for repair.

2. Clean the Damaged area.

Clean the damaged area of your board thoroughly. Remove any debris and damaged materials. Use your utility knife to cut away any damaged or cracked areas.

3. Sand Around the Damaged area.

Using medium grit sand paper to sand around the damaged area/ding. Don’t miss this step as the sanded area will help hold the epoxy once it cures.

4. Remove a Small Amount of Foam

You want to remove a small amount of foam underneath the edge of the ding. This will give the epoxy something to bite into underneath the skin of your board.

5. Mix Your Epoxy

Mix your epoxy according to its instructions. Once the epoxy is fully mixed and prepared, use a popsicle stick to apply the epoxy to the damaged area. You want to completely cover the damaged area. Make sure the ding is completely covered, but don’t use too much excess material.

6. Cover the Epoxy with Clear Packing Tape

Cover the epoxied area with the clear packing tape. This will give the epoxy a smooth finish, and it will reduce the amount of sanding you have to do.

7. Wait at Least One Hour

Even though you’re using “5 Minute Epoxy,” we suggest waiting at least one full hour before proceeding to the last step.

8. Final Sanding

Once the epoxy has fully cured, remove the packing tape. Now, sand down any extra epoxy that’s still on your board.

9. Paint the Damaged Area (Optional)

After sanding, your board is ready to get back on the water. However, if you’d like to clean your board up a bit, you may paint the damaged spot to match the color of your board.