So you've got your new foamie. How do you make it last a long time and look good? Here's some tips from those who've been around.
Hardening and seasoning
As soon as you have bought your foamie, take it home and leave it out in the rain and sun. This will enable the board to harden up and will result in it not being as likely to break.
Painting and sealing
You may paint your foamie. It stops it soaking up water and makes for easy identification on the beach. Your name on the foamie is also a good idea.
Use a water based paint, and you can do the top and bottom. If you use an oil based paint allow one week for drying. Don't use spray cans as the propellants will eat the foam, and don't use brushes that have been cleaned with turpentine. If you decide not to paint a coating of Boncrete mixture of 2 parts water with 1 part Boncrete will do the job, both sides 2 coats.
If you've got a cool design on your foamie take a photo, email it and we'll feature it on this page!
Transport
Transport your board on top of a car where possible. Use flat straps not rope. These do not have to be overly tight otherwise the edges of the foamie will get dinged. If you have to put the foamie on the car don't put it in the boot with the lid on it otherwise it will ding the board.
Waxing
You need to wax your foamie top. Do so after you have finished painting. Don't buy expensive surfboard wax as bees wax from your local hardware store will do the trick.
Heat the wax briefly using a hair drier when the surface is soft rub it on the board. Repeat until an area down the center of the board, where you lie, is covered.
Broken foamies
Foamies do break but they can be fixed by following these easy steps:
- Ensure you get all the broken pieces
- Allow the board to dry out thoroughly for a few days
- Apply Selleys Liquid Nails or Boncrete to both surfaces and arrange so the surfaces are pressed together
Broken handles
These can be repaired using Selleys Liquid Nails or the complete handle can be replaced using two champagne corks, plastic rope, plastic tubing and two washers. Cut the corks so you are left with the part that was out of the bottle when you bought it. Drill a hole in each cork piece big enough for the rope, Knot the rope close to the end and thread on a washer, a cork, 18cm of plastic tube, a cork, a washer and knot the rope and cut. Clean out the holes in the board so they are big enough for the corks and glue in with liquid nails. Be sure to seal around the top of the cork. Allow five days drying time.
The handles are not there to hang on to when catching a wave! If you are holding the handles while on a wave, you are probably too far forward and will nose-dive. The handles are there to help you get out through the waves - on the way in, move back and hang on to the sides of the board.
REMEMBER: Foamies are designed for children under the age of 14 years. Do not lend your foamie to anyone older without a $50 deposit!!
