So I just shaped my first board...

So I just shaped my first board (a 5’8" Lis Fish) and it was amazing. I took pictures and will post them when I finish glassing.

I have a problem! I was getting carried away with my final finish sanding and I had been shaping for 4 hours, so I decided to come back the next day with fresh eyes and a good nights sleep. When i did come back, I found that my buddy had moved the board and stood it upright against the wall. To my horror I found out that one of the tails had been rested on some debris and had a good sized dent in it - right on the tip of the tail!

  1. Is it possible to glue in some foam and shape it down?
  2. Do I need to just shape the tail down and alter my shape (i am very happy with where it WAS)?
  3. can I heat it up to expand the foam again?
Kelby

I am so lucky to have stumbled upon this swaylocks.

Depending on how deep the dent is, I would try using a blow dryer on high heat to expand the foam. (assuming you are talking about PU and not EPS).

Anyone else?

heat gun will pop it right back out. If it is torn it might not come all the way back. Don’t charr the foam!!!

Kelby,

Your “Buddy” did it?

You need a better class of friends…

If he surfs, NEVER lend him your board…

If he needs wax, charge him for it…

Never let him talk to your girlfriend/wife…

Good suggestions above (re: repair techniques) just don’t burn the foam if you try a heat gun.

Also, you could try a hot iron and a wet wash-cloth. Dampen a cloth and put it over the dent so at gets wet then push a hot iron over the area - steam it real good - and see if it doesn’t pull it out some. This is an old woodworking trick to raise dents in grain but I’ve had success on heel dents and dents in pre-glassed blanks. The wet cloth helps to prevent burning and generates that hot air like a dryer/heat gun. It works great on flatter surfaces, your spot is a bit delicate.

Good Luck.

Pete

If heat doesn’t do it you can spackle it. Or, laminate the board and build the tip up later. I’ve done that after ruining a tip during shaping. Mike