07 Jun Ding Happens: Quick Fixes for Board Boo-Boos While Traveling

You’ve spent months dreaming of that picture-perfect Indo swell. You’ve scoured surf forecasts like a Wall Street analyst, packed your board bag with military precision, and even remembered to bring wax (miracle!). But then, ding dang it! Your beloved board takes a hit. Maybe it was the airline’s version of “fragile handling,” or maybe your Grab/Gojek driver had one too many espressos. Either way, your surf stick now sports a wound.

Fear not, fellow wave trooper. Dings happen, but they don’t have to derail your surf trip. Here’s your practical and laugh-through-the-pain guide to quick fixes for board dings while traveling — so you can patch things up and get back to doing what you came for: shredding, not shedding tears.

The Art of the Temporary Patch (AKA: The Wax Job of Shame)

Let’s start with the most caveman of quick fixes: surf wax. It’s not pretty, it’s not permanent, and let’s be honest, it’s more emotional support than actual repair. But in a pinch, wax can temporarily plug a small crack and keep water out just enough for one more session. Think of it as a band-aid made of coconut-scented desperation.

Pro Tip: Only use wax for very minor dings and only if you’re desperate. Anything more than surface-level? Read on.

Solar Cures: The Sunny Solution

If you’re anywhere with palm trees and reef breaks, chances are you’ve also got…sun! Grab a UV-cure ding repair kit like Solarez or Ding All (travel-size, of course), squeeze it over the wound, expose it to the sunshine for a few minutes, and voilà! You’ve got a semi-legit fix that could last the whole trip.

Just make sure the area is:

• Clean
• Dry
• Sanded lightly (use the included sandpaper or, in MacGyver moments, a hotel keycard)

Warning: Do NOT do this inside your hotel room under your iPhone flashlight. It won’t work, and your roommates will judge you.

Epoxy vs. Polyester: Know Your Poison

Before you glob mystery goo onto your board, know thy chemistry! Using the wrong resin on your board is like feeding steak to a vegan, everyone ends up hurt and confused.

• If you have an epoxy board, use epoxy resin.
• If you have a polyester board, use polyester resin.

Can’t remember? Ask your board nicely. Or look for clues in the label/sticker near the leash plug. Still not sure? Play it safe with epoxy — it’s compatible with both types, though not as ideal for poly.

Bubble Wrap & Beer Cans: DIY Guerrilla Tactics

Desperate times call for creative hacks. We’ve seen it all:

• Bubble wrap and duct tape (classic)
• Cut-up flip-flop + dental floss (resourceful)
• A crushed Bintang beer can cut into a patch and taped down with Gorilla Tape (reeks of genius… and hops)

These are all temporary, emergency field fixes, you know, when you’re stuck on an island with no surf shop but plenty of coconuts and creativity. They won’t win beauty contests, but they’ll keep you in the lineup.

S.O.S: Surfboard Operation Station at Wave House

Lucky for you, if Bali is on your surf menu, you’re not alone in your ding distress. Wave House Surf Camp in Canggu isn’t just your tropical home base, it’s also a haven for ding repair. Their friendly crew can help you assess the damage, recommend the right fix, or even connect you to a reliable ding doctor nearby. (Pro tip: don’t attempt surgery alone if your board looks like it got bitten by a shark.)

And while you wait for repairs? Chill in the garden, sip a smoothie, join a yoga sesh, or ogle your previous surf videos until your board’s back in fighting shape.

Avoiding Future Dings: Bubble Wrap Is Your New Religion

Here’s a life truth: airlines are to surfboards what toddlers are to glass vases. Prevention is the best medicine:

• Double-bag your board with padding
• Use foam pipe insulation along the rails
• Stuff your board bag like it’s going to war

And if you’re checking in your board at the airport, whisper sweet nothings to it. A little love goes a long way.

Final Wave: Don’t Let a Ding Be a Downer

A board ding on your surf trip isn’t the end of the world. It’s just a plot twist. With the right mindset, and a travel-sized ding repair kit, you’ll be back in the water faster than you can say “reef rash.” And if you’re in Bali, just head over to Wave House Surf Camp, where you’ll always find a helping hand, a hot meal, and the healing power of the ocean breeze.

So go on, surf traveler, ride the waves, not the worries. And remember, when in doubt, duct tape it (then get it fixed properly).