Best Surfboard Ding Repair Kits 2026
Published July 10, 2026SurfSpotGuide Editorial
Every board gets dinged. A small crack left unrepaired lets water into the foam, adds weight, and eventually ruins the board. Most dings take under 30 minutes to fix with the right kit. Here is what to buy and how to use it.
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The short answer
For most boards (polyester/PU): Solarez Poly Ding Repair Kit ($15–$25). Solar-cure resin that hardens in sunlight in minutes. Keep one in your boardbag permanently.
For epoxy boards: Solarez Epoxy Ding Repair Kit. Same system, different formula. Check your board construction before buying.
Emergency car park fix: Solarez Epoxy Putty Stick or SurfCo clear tape. Keeps water out for one session until you can do a proper repair.
Our Top Ding Repair Picks
Solar-cure resin and putty kits that fix a ding in minutes, not days.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Solarez UV-Cure Epoxy Ding Repair
Solarez · AmazonCures rock-hard in minutes of sunlight — the fastest fix for epoxy and EPS boards.
Ding All Standard Repair Kit
Ding All · AmazonAll-in-one resin, cloth, and filler kit for polyester boards — everything a beginner needs.
Phix Doctor Fiberfill Repair Kit
Phix Doctor · AmazonWorks on both epoxy and polyester with sandable UV filler — a versatile travel kit.
Ding Types: DIY vs Professional
| Ding Type | Severity | Fix | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
Surface crack / pressure ding Small cracks in the fiberglass surface without foam damage. Common from pressure or light impact. Can be patched without removing material. | Low | Solar resin or Q-cell paste | Yes |
Hole through to foam Impact damage that exposes the foam core. Needs a proper glass patch, not just a surface fill. If foam is wet, let it dry before repairing (24–48 hours in sun). | Medium | Solar resin + fiberglass cloth | Yes |
Rail crack Cracks on the rail affect board flex and can spread under surfing stress. DIY repairs here often reopen. Take to a shaper for a proper fiberglass wrap. | Medium–High | Professional repair recommended | Pro recommended |
Fin box damage A loose or cracked fin box affects fin security and can cause catastrophic fin failure in big surf. Fin box repair kits are available but the repair is fiddly. When in doubt, take to a shaper. | High | Fin box repair kit or professional | Yes |
Delamination The fiberglass skin separating from the foam core. Feels like a bubble or soft spot under the glass. DIY patches do not fix underlying delamination. Professional repair required. | High | Professional repair only | Pro recommended |
Picks by Category
Solar resin kits (most useful)
The industry standard for polyester (PU/PE) boards. UV-cure resin that hardens in sunlight in minutes. Comes with sandpaper and mixing instructions. Works on most standard fiberglass boards. Get the Epoxy version if you have an epoxy board.
Same solar-cure system but formulated for epoxy/EPS boards. Critical to use the right version — using poly resin on an epoxy board can cause the repair to fail or yellow badly.
A reliable alternative to Solarez. Slightly thicker consistency — easier to work with on vertical surfaces like rails. Available in polyester and epoxy versions.
Quick fixes (car park repairs)
Two-part epoxy putty — mix and press into a ding in seconds. Sets in 20 minutes without sunlight. Not as cosmetically clean as resin but ideal for emergency field repairs when there's no sun.
Simple wax-based temporary filler. Not a permanent fix — keeps water out for one session until you do a proper repair. Useful to keep in your boardbag.
Transparent adhesive patch tape. Peel and stick over a ding to seal it before paddling out. Holds for a session or two. Good emergency backup when resin is not available.
Full repair supplies
For patching holes through to foam. Cut a patch slightly larger than the damage area. 4 oz cloth for surface repairs, 6 oz for structural work.
Mixed with resin to create a thicker paste that fills deep dings and holes without running. Essential for larger repairs where resin alone would drip through.
For feathering the repair edges before glassing and wet-sanding the cured repair smooth. 80 grit for shaping, 220 for final smoothing.
How to Repair a Ding
For standard cracks and holes through to foam. Use direct sunlight for solar resin cures.
Dry the board completely
If water has entered the foam, leave the board in direct sun for 24–48 hours with the ding exposed. Trapping moisture under a repair causes discoloration and foam rot.
Sand around the ding
Use 80 grit to rough up the area around the damage, feathering out 2–3cm from the ding edge. This gives the resin something to grip.
Mix or prepare your resin
For solar resin: apply directly. For two-part epoxy: mix equal parts per instructions. Work in shade until you are ready to cure.
Fill and patch
Apply resin to fill the ding, then lay fiberglass cloth (if needed) over the top. Saturate the cloth with resin. Remove air bubbles by pressing gently.
Cure in direct sunlight
Move the board into direct sunlight. Solar resin sets in 3–10 minutes depending on UV intensity. Overcast days significantly extend cure time.
Wet-sand smooth
Once fully cured, wet-sand with 120 then 220 grit to smooth the repair flush with the board surface. Wipe clean and optionally polish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair a surfboard ding myself?
Yes, for small to medium dings. Solar-cure resin kits work well for cracks, small holes, and surface damage. Large structural cracks, delamination, or fin box damage is better taken to a professional shaper.
What is the difference between polyester resin and epoxy for ding repair?
Use polyester resin for traditional PU/PE fiberglass boards. Use epoxy resin for epoxy/EPS boards. Using the wrong type causes poor adhesion and yellowing. Check your board construction before buying.
How long do I need to wait before surfing after a ding repair?
Solar resin cures in 3–5 minutes in sunlight, but full hardness takes 24 hours. You can surf after visible cure for small repairs. For structural repairs, wait 24 hours.
How do I know if my board is already waterlogged?
A waterlogged board feels heavier than new. Soft or spongy foam near the ding, or brown/yellow discoloration visible through the glass, indicates water intrusion. This requires professional repair.
Related Gear Guides
Find Surf Shops Near You
Local surf shops carry ding repair supplies and can advise on repairs beyond DIY.
Find Surf ShopsMore Surf Guides
// Free Gear Checklist
Don't buy the wrong gear.
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
No spam · Instant delivery · Unsubscribe anytime