I'm a new, but enthusiastic SUPer and after renting SUPs a few times just purchased my first board, a 10' Evoke Bamboo, from The Surfboard Warehouse. Through no fault of theirs, the board arrived slightly damaged with two minor chips / dents on the underside. I was really keen to go SUPing this weekend so I'm now torn... TSBW will send a replacement board one I return the damaged one, but that may mean being boardless through 2 more weekends! I'm interested in feedback: is minor damage inevitable in the long run and should I just keep the board, see if they'll offer a discount of something and tape / repair the board or is it better to summon some patience and get a perfect board from the get go?

A second part of this I guess is whether or not I should be concerned about the water proofing / structural integrity of the board.

Put a sticker over them and get out on the water

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riverider said..
Put a sticker over them and get out on the water

Thanks riverider. That's kind of what I was thinking, but was wondering if this type of damage is a normal part of owning and using SUPs (i.e. no point getting a replacement that will just get dinged in the future) or if this would be unusual damage in normal usage.

I would get it replaced so there is no doubt on potential water entry now or the future - even thou it looks like only a scrape. Why pay good $ for someone else to damage your board - sure you will do damage esp if the board is cheaply made but would you take the same view if you bought a new car? Nah you'd get in fixed then do the same with your board

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Loquah said..
is minor damage inevitable in the long run and should I just keep the board

It seems like a very minor damage. Keep the board, a replacement might get bigger damage :-)

To be sure, just put some soapy water on the ding and expose the board to the sun 1mn. If no bubbles, it is waterproof, no need for repair. Or some solarez or paint+varnish.

You will make more dings :-)

Agree - I'd keep it but put some duck tape ( or as suggested, a sticker, ) over it and get out there and shred. You will inevitably do more damage to it in the very near future. Have fun now

I'd agree with Colas, I assume damages in surfboard freight would be high and that's just a paint scratch, one swipe with some coloured nail polish and you wouldn't even no. All boards get scuffed about, especially your first few times in the surf... In saying that I'd still ask for some cash back as compo though

Thanks for the great responses everyone. That makes me feel heaps better. I'll likely ask for some compensation and do some repairs myself given how minor the damage is. You've confirmed my thinking that bumps and bruises go with the territory

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CheaterFive said..
In saying that I'd still ask for some cash back as compo though

If you didn't signal the damage to the transport company before signing the delivery papers, I wouldn't.

Because then, you are making the shop pay for something which is not their fault, as the transport company insurance will refuse to pay anything. And it is not in your interest to antagonize a shop you may need in the future over such a trivial issue.

What you can do is tell the shop you have a minor scratch, and ask for what paint to apply to fix it. The shop may offer you the paint or not. But again, you will do much more "damage"... wait for your first paddle marks on the rails :-)

Are you sure that it was the freight company that damaged it?