Surfing Waves

I just ordered a new board, and it was shipped via airplane and delivered today from hundreds of miles away from where I live. I just now opened the package, and first thing I see is a (very) small crack and indentation on the tip of the nose. This brand new board cost $430
Please see attachment! I just ordered a new board, and it was shipped via airplane and delivered today from hundreds of miles away from where I live. I just now opened the package, and first thing I see is a small crack and indentation on the tip of the nose. This brand new board cost $430. So please give me advice, this is the first board I have bought on my own. Do I return it for a new one? Or is this something small I should expect from shipping from far away, and deal with it??. So please give me advice, this is the first board I have bought on my own. Do I return it for a new one? Or is this something small I should expect from shipping from far away, and deal with it?? The indentation is really small, but I don't know if it will take on water. I feel like even though the board was only $430, it should be freaking pristine when I get it, not busted.

nuh, definitely a problem. That crack seems to go all the way through the outer layer, which means water will enter into the board and be a real issue. It could be fixed professionally without any long term issues, but its a new board and you deserve one without a big crack

I would immediately send that photo to the store you bought it from and demand a replacement. Alternatively, if they want it repaired, they have to pay for the repairs and give you some kind of refund or discount or a set of free fins or something. I don't know where you are, but I imagine a repair like that might cost $100? Not really sure, looks like an epoxy board so I don't know much about them.

Did you contact who you bought it from? I don't know what type of agreement you had but things happen in shipping. I am not familiar with contracts for boards that are shipped but I think contacting the seller is the first step. They may offer something ....or not. It would seem likely that at that price you would have to pay for shipping and handling to send it back and what will stop it from getting damaged again? But maybe the board maker could agree to pay for a local ding fixer to fix it....or not. I think not but you never know if you don't contact them.

I would also look seriously at the packaging for insight and look at the airline policy.
Airlines are notorious for treating boards badly.
Let the surf shop know and see what their response is , also let them approach the airline.
Realistically just head down to a good local repair shop and get it fix professionally.
You are going to do worse to the board in its life time.

It's a bummer, but do you want to surf now or in about two months?

I'd a) see what the T&C's say about damage during delivery, b) phone the shop and see what they say, c) try and get them to pay for a professional repair at your end, d) get it professionally repaired whatever they say, e) go for a surf.

I had a similar problem once (and it was the shaper that delivered it...) and just fixed it myself. It's heartbreaking as you want your new board to be perfect, but most of all you want to surf it, so just get it done asap.