Help on repairing a soft top

[illegalsmile]

I have an 8ft Cabo that I noticed when paddling out I feel it bending and flopping a bit under me. Now looking at it there are creases widthwise on the bottom of the board (see attached image). On the opposite side there is a small tear in the soft top going into the foam.

Any advice on fixing the board? I called one shop and they cant fix it. Then I called another shop and the guy said he hot glues it. If that is the best I can do how will the integrity of the board hold up for future use. What do you think is a fair price for a shop to hot glue the board?

[saltydog]

Just grab your own hot glue gun for a quick diy job. But I don't think that would take care of the crease. It's either the stringer is broken/bent or the board doesn't have a decent stringer inside to begin with. It might be time for you to switch to a hard surfboard.

[waikikikichan]

when paddling out I feel it bending and flopping a bit under me.

Sorry to say, but the board is gone. Next time you ride it and pearl dive, it'll probably fold in two. If it doesn't snap, the rails will start to pop off.

[illegalsmile]

I was afraid I'd get that answer , was hoping to keep her as a backup board. I am ready to upgrade to a funboard or the Modern Blackfish X2, but I don't have $460 to shell out for a new board anytime soon. Moving into an apartment with the lady by years end so budget is tight. Maybe I can weasel it in as a birthday gift haha.

[waikikikichan]

was hoping to keep her as a backup board.

My sponge board had that same crease and later another one a bit higher. It never rode the same from the first one, then the rails started to pop off than scrape my forearms. I would go ahead and put some hot glue on it, just as a bandaid. Just know its better days are over. Keep an eye out for a good used molded-epoxy board like a Torq or NSP. You don't need to buy new, beginner-intermediates are always down sizing ( too early usually ), and you can find some 7'10"-8'0".

[RinkyDink]

Any advice on fixing the board?

Don't pay a dime to get it fixed. It's money down the drain. If you want to keep that board working, then only use it to ride white water. The board should just stay flat on the water and be pushed by the broken wave. Anything other than that and you're risking a break. Welcome to surfing. Unfortunately, it's an expensive sport.