In the surf shop or webshop, the kiteboard of your choice usually looks great: bright colors, no scratches, and an intact surface without cracks or bubbles.
Here are a few tips on how to keep it that way – so you can enjoy your kiteboard for a long time.
Water
A kiteboard is built for use in water. All components are selected to be permanently resistant in both fresh and salt water.
Resistant means: The materials do not change.
I myself once found a kiteboard floating in the water while kitesurfing in Egypt. It was covered in barnacles on both sides – so it must have been floating in the water for some time, possibly years. But after removing the barnacles, it looked quite presentable again.
Conclusion:
As long as the board stays in the water, you can't really go wrong.
Sun
In the production of high-quality kiteboards, a fiberglass laminate with a surface film forms a close mechanical and chemical bond under high pressure and heat. The graphic is also applied to this film.
There is no 100% UV-resistant film on the market for this application. Most are quite resistant to UV light – but no matter which film is used, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to changes:
- Surface becomes cloudy
- Finish becomes matte
- Yellowish tinge may appear
The riding characteristics remain unaffected, the effect is purely visual.
If the board remains unprotected under the tropical sun for years, the UV radiation can even cause the film to peel off.
Heat
High-quality kiteboards, which are manufactured under high pressure and heat, usually have no problem with heat.
Different with cheap foam core boards:
The air contained in the foam bubbles expands when heated → bubbles can form on the surface.
Sometimes the bubbles go back after cooling, but:
A bubble is always a sign of delamination – usually the end of a board.
Note:
- Cheap foam boards: Never leave them in the sun.
- High-quality boards: Especially in tropical regions, protect them from midday heat – especially with dark colors.
- All boards: In summer, don't leave your board in a closed car for hours.
Cleaning Agents
The best cleaning agent for a kiteboard is: water.
Basic Rules
- After each session: Rinse off
- Before winter: Clean thoroughly
For Adhesive Residue
- Olive oil helps.
The oil molecules penetrate under the adhesive, and it can be removed with circular movements.
For Heavier Soiling
- Diesel oil or gasoline help, e.g. with heavy oil stains.
❌ ATTENTION:
NEVER use acetone or acetone-containing cleaning agents!
A single application is enough to ruin the surface.
This includes e.g.: Brake cleaner, K2R, acetone cleaner.
Acetone = poison for kiteboards.
Stones and Scratches
A kiteboard is designed for water – but you still ride over a stone in shallow water every now and then.
What to Do with Scratches?
- Only superficial? → Remove protruding material with a sharp knife.
- Fabric damaged? → Seal with fiberglass particles + superglue.
Small scratches are usually not a problem, as long as no water penetrates. Because due to hygroscopic expansion (the wood core absorbs water and swells), the board can otherwise delaminate.
Important:
- Seal first, then continue using.
- The above method works very well with a little skill.
Storage
If a kiteboard is not used for a long time:
- Rinse thoroughly
- Protect from temperature differences
- Store in a dry place
- Board bag only when completely dry: trapped moisture promotes mildew
Why Dry?
Mildew stains can form on the surface in damp cellars. A contributing factor is mold spores. These can be removed with acetone-containing mold removers – but as you know:
Acetone must NEVER be used on a kiteboard!
Conclusion:
A dry, cool place is the best storage place for your kiteboard.
Maintenance
Straps & Pads
- Disassemble, rinse, dry, store separately
- Remaining salt water can drastically reduce the lifespan
- Worn pads or brittle straps? Replace them in time, e.g. with our Pads and Straps Combo.
Inserts & Screws
- Lightly grease, e.g. with:
- Machine grease
- Olive oil
- Lard
- Butter (yes, it works!)
- Check before each session that all screws are tight. A loose fin is quickly lost.
- Tighten firmly, but without force, otherwise the thread in the insert can be damaged.
- Lost a screw or a fin? Replacement screws and fin sets are available in our shop.
Conclusion
If you take care of your kiteboard, you will enjoy it longer. The most important rules at a glance:
- Rinse with fresh water after every session
- Never use acetone or cleaners that contain acetone
- Keep the board out of the midday heat and out of a hot car
- Seal scratches before your next session
- Store it dry and cool, pads and straps separately
- Lightly grease inserts and screws
With a few simple basic rules, you can significantly extend the fun and lifespan – no matter whether you are on the lake, in the sea or in the tropics.
Still looking for the right board? Our guide Which kiteboard is the best for me? walks you through the criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rinse it with fresh water after every session and clean it thoroughly before winter. Water is the best cleaning agent. Olive oil removes adhesive residue, diesel oil or gasoline help with heavy oil stains. Never use acetone or cleaners that contain acetone, such as brake cleaner.
Prolonged UV exposure can make the surface cloudy, matte or yellowish, but the riding characteristics are not affected. Cheap foam core boards should never be left in the sun, because the heat can cause bubbles. In tropical regions, protect high-quality boards from the midday heat as well, especially dark ones.
A bubble is always a sign of delamination, which means the layers of the board are separating. It is usually the end of the board. Bubbles mainly occur on cheap foam core boards, when the air in the foam expands in the heat.
Small scratches are usually not a problem as long as no water gets in. Remove protruding material from superficial scratches with a sharp knife. If the fabric is damaged, seal the spot with fiberglass particles and superglue before you ride again. Otherwise water can get into the core and the board can delaminate.
Rinse the board thoroughly, let it dry completely and store it in a dry, cool place without large temperature differences. Avoid damp cellars, where mildew stains can form. Remove the pads and straps, rinse and dry them and store them separately. Lightly grease the inserts and screws.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
