SURFING LAGUNA: Q&A; on surfboard repairs

Have you experienced that much ballyhooed new car smell? As surfers we have something similar called the “new board smell.”

It must have to do with all the potentially epic moments that these new toys embody. Oh, the positions we want to ride these new boards on waves, places never before seen by human eyes. These boards will change lives, we think, most notably our own.

Back to reality. Unfortunately, purchasing a new board has fallen down my list of “essentials” due to the current economic challenges, so I thought I would look at how to keep the quiver I currently have ready for active duty.

I found myself over at Victoria Skimboards talking to General Manager Trigg Garner. I’ve known Trigg for years, and we had a nice chat about the subject of “ding repair.”

SL: So Trigg, Victoria fixes surfboards?

TG: Oh yeah, we fix tons of surfboards, skims, kayaks, paddleboards and pretty much anything else made out of fiberglass, but the majority of our repairs are surfboards.

SL: What are some of the most common dings on surfboards you guys see brought in for repair?

TG: We see it all, but probably the boards that have three or four dings in them and the owners know it’s time to have us clean the boards up and get them water tight. It’s super important to get the boards fixed and sealed as soon as possible to prevent a compromise in the structural elements of the board.

SL: What’s the feedback you hear after a board’s been fixed “” do they feel and ride the same?

TG: We have put many boards that were in two pieces back together and they actually work good, but that’s the extreme end. We hear excellent feedback on how we’ve extended the life of a magic board for many more years of enjoyment by putting a fin box back in, or a nose or smoothed out a rail.

SL: Do you guys ever fix what guys like me have tried to repair?

TG: Yeah, (laughs) we see a lot of people do a quick fix with solar res and similar ding repair products, and that’s good as a temporary fix, especially to keep the water out. What we like to do is really get the boards back to a very sound working condition and that involves a little more time and knowledge. We’ve been riding, building, breaking and repairing boards for more than 20 years so we feel good about helping get these things fixed right.

SL: How long does it take to get a board fixed?

TG: Turnaround time is dependent on the season and the type of ding. Summer is obviously a busy time, as is late spring. Right now we can get boards in and out of the shop usually in about a week or less for minor to moderate dings.

SL: I was stoked to see the pricing on your website because it gives me a good idea what I’m signing up for in terms of financial commitment.

TG: Repairing boards really is a good investment and extends the life of our toys by two or three life spans, so yeah, it makes sense.

Like Trigg, all folks over at “Vic” are great people who will take the time to help you get your equipment back out in the water. Check out their killer shop in the canyon and/or their website for more information.

Victoria Skims is located at 2955 Laguna Canyon Road. They’re open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Call (949) 494-0059 or visit www.Victoriaskimboards.com.

CHRIS WILLIAMS is the father of four surf-crazy sons, a surfing coach and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at chris@soulsurfingschool.com or (949) 497-5918.