First real board :) Does this crack need to be fixed?

[shakedown]

Hey all,

Yesterday I upgraded from my 8ft foam wavestorm board, and bought a 7ft 6 Robert August "August X" board. It's kind of a mini mal /funboard shape, i'm stoked on it.

There is this small crack on the rail. It doesn't seem very deep at all. I've attached a photo. I really value the folks on this community, and was wondering: do ya'll think I need to have this fixed before I take out in the water? I want to keep the board in good condition.

Thank you!
-Steve

[pandarturo]

Is it tuflite?

[shakedown]

Is it tuflite?

Yes, it's Surftech Tuflite

[pandarturo]

Just sand it down and use some epoxy solarez you should be fine.

[AJR]

Put a strip of clear packing tape over it for now until you get a chance to fix it...

[jaffa1949]

note the words EPOXY SOLAREZ because ordinary solarez will eat your tuflite

[shakedown]

Right on, thanks guys. So it sounds like putting a piece of tape over it will be good for a few sessions?

[AJR]

It's worked for me in the past - keep an eye on it. And use the clear packing tape - not the brown stuff or duct tape...

[jaffa1949]

Fix it early if you get water in an epoxy sandwich layer board you will be starting a process of destruction that will cause delamination.
Simply put an early fix stops a bigger and more difficult fix!

[shakedown]

Cool, thank you for all the responses folks.

I ended up taking this to my local surf shop, and the owner confirmed that this is just a paint crack, and not necessary to have filled up. Saved me $15.

-Steve