Surfboard Repair Technician - Career Advice - Manufacturing and Production

Manufacturing & Production

A surfboard repair technician is responsible for repairing, maintaining or improving surfboards belonging to his or her customers.

People who enjoy surfing tend to find the sport takes a seasonal toll on their equipment. As well as impact damage from rocks and flotsam, many surfboards sustain damage whilst being transported to and from the beach. Small impact marks (“dings”) are very common but must be repaired quickly to avoid further damage to the board. The surfboard is also susceptible to picking up cosmetic damage, so in either case, the surfer must find someone who is capable of carrying out an effective repair. Many surf shops have their own technician to complete customer repairs from within the retail store.

Surfboards are constructed either from epoxy or polyester resin. The type of construction depends on the climate where the user lives, and repair techniques are specific to each construction. It is crucial the repair tech is able to understand board construction in order to not make the surfboard’s condition worse. The mixing of resin to the appropriate ratios requires skill and experience. Most technicians are avid surfers anyway, but some prior knowledge is essential in carrying out this work. A full joint repair to a completely “totalled” board is a complex procedure requiring knowledge of sanding, filling, jointing and finishing. Future Growth Strong

Most repairs fall into one of several categories. The most common are surface dings. Next up you have damage to the shell or core, and then beyond that, complete full repairs to boards which have snapped into two pieces. These are obviously the most complex to put right.

Working on board
(Source: South Pacific Surf)

ANZSCO ID: 399999

Alternative names: Board Tech, Surf Tech,

Specialisations:

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Must have a passion for surfing and a desire to help other surfers
It is crucial the tech has an understanding of differences in surfboard construction
Must have a complete grasp of repair techniques necessary in carrying out a “board fix”
Artistic skills are required for surf techs who wish to offer cosmetic improvements to customers’ boards.
Must be flexible with regards hours and be prepared to work evenings and weekends when required

Did You Know?

The four golden rules for buying your first surfboard
Source: ABC Every Day

If you've caught the surfing bug or have a wannabe Mick Fanning in the family, the first thing you're going to need is a board.

Surfboards can be incredibly specialised pieces of equipment, which can make board shopping a difficult and confusing experience when you're just starting out.

Fortunately, there are some clear-cut options for newcomers.

To help you get out beyond the white water this summer, we asked three surfing gurus for what to look for — and what to avoid.

1. Be humble

The single biggest mistake that beginner surfers make is getting a board that's too advanced for their skills, says James Murphy, who runs a surf tour business on Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

"I often see parents who go out and buy their child a high-performance shortboard. The kid will get on the board and get disheartened, because they can't use it," he says.

"Anyone who starts out needs to be humble about their ability, humble about their intentions, and humble about the equipment they're going to use."

If you're a complete beginner, the best board to start with is almost certainly a softboard, explains former pro tour surfer Harry Mann.

You might not have the steeze like surfers in magazines, but you'll get plenty of waves, and that's what matters.

If you want to start taking surfing really seriously, the other major option is a fibreglass mini mal, short for mini Malibu, the common name for longboards.

Fibreglass boards are easier to turn than softboards, but can be less stable and are more likely to cause injury due to their hardness.

"When you're getting to your feet the majority of the time and are ready to start manoeuvring, that's when you'll start to get frustrated with a softboard," says Dylan Schulze, who manages an independent surf shop in Torquay.

"You'll get a lot more progression out of a mini mal, and it'll allow you to advance a lot further. If you're not surfing a whole heap, you could be on that board for years and years to come."

2. Ask the experts

Whatever your skill level, the best advice you're going to get is from the guy or girl with wetsuit tan lines at the surf shop near your local beach.

People who work in board shops will be able to find a board that suits your skills, your body and the beaches you're surfing.

"You can walk in and talk to somebody about where you're surfing, what you're looking to do, and they can put you on the right board," James says.

"That's not something you're going to get buying something online."

3. Try before you buy

If you're just starting out, surf instructors are another great source of advice, adds Harry.

If you have a good time on a particular board during a lesson, ask the instructor for details and whether it's suitable for your skills.

Many surf shops will let you trial or hire a board before making a purchase, which can help you avoid something unsuitable.

"Surf hire can be a great way to go," James says.

"Talk to the person you're renting from and listen to their advice about where to surf, too."

4. Be careful buying second-hand

Unless you have done a lot of research and know what to look for, the second-hand market for surfboards can be a minefield.

You might end up buying a board that has been broken and incorrectly repaired, or a board designed for waves beyond your ability.

"What you can sometimes find with second-hand boards is that you look for something a certain size. You might have someone saying, get a 6'8" board, 20 inches wide, two-and-a-half inches thick," says James.

"You will find something like that online, but it might not be a beginner's board at all — it might be designed for a powerful wave."

The second-hand market can come in handy when you're looking to upgrade, though.

Duties and Tasks

talks to clients about their needs
repair and maintain customers’ surfboards
advise the customer on ways in which they can best utilise their equipment for a given location
carry out modifications, including some improvised repair techniques
complete cosmetic modifications in line with customer’s request
assist with store retail operations when time allows
actively promote the surf shop within the local surfing community for the good of the business
orders materials and equipment
designs and shapes the blank (polyurethane board)
applies colour to the board
covers the blank with fibreglass cloth and resin
draws designs on tissue and transfers them onto the board
attaches fibreglass fins and/or fin systems
sands the board to achieve a smooth finish and sprays or brushes the board with a chemical finish.

Pouring Resin
(Source: South Pacific Surf)

Working conditions

Although technical in nature, the surf shop does not tend to place staff in particularly hazardous working conditions; this would class as a medium-risk environment. However, you should be aware that you will be working with industrial-strength resins, electric sanders, drills, and fibreglass dust and, in addition, the job does involve some moderate lifting, so care and common sense is called for.

The manager of the surfing store should provide a walk-through of all of the equipment in the shop, and make you familiar with areas of particular risk. Protective eyewear and breathing protection should be worn when working with the sanding equipment. The tech must be aware of what others are doing in the workshop, and also make sure their actions do not place co-workers at risk.

Tools and technologies

working with industrial-strength resins, electric sanders, drills, and fibreglass dust

Protective eyewear and breathing protection should be worn when working with the sanding equipment.

Grinding
(Source: South Pacific Surf)

Education and training/entrance requirements

Most surf techs begin working in this field because they enjoy surfing and want to earn some extra money to augment a full-time income. Often, technicians will begin to learn the skills necessary by completing simple repairs on their own equipment, and then attempting more involved repairs for themselves or others. A completely broken surfboard (“the snap”) is an involved and difficult problem to correct; it requires a wealth of previous experience gained in more simple repairs such as “shatters” and “fractures” (damage to the core and finish).

Whilst definitely a technical role, many of the repair skills required to work in surfboard repair are learned either on the job or in training prior to commencement of the role. For this reason, there are no formal academic requirements. It is not necessary that the person complete additional training outside the business either. In fact, many techs take advantage of the seasonal nature of the job and work around commitments to their own courses, enabling them to support their study for other careers.

Employment Opportunities

As most surfing shops have a small number of staff and are effectively not trading for several months of the year, the chance of progression is quite limited. Some surf techs explore the opportunities offered to skilled surfboard repairers overseas; this can yield some amazing adventures and the chance to explore some beautiful places. It should be noted, however, that these positions will not offer a big salary or the chance for career improvement. Often, working in a surfing shop is a means to an end; either it provides a basic living allowance whilst the candidate is studying, or it affords them the chance to travel.

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