I have been using the tendons for many years, and very satisfied with the durability of them. But that changed yesterday !

Being ever such a nice amigo, I loaned my almost brand new mast foot with a near-brand new tendon which only been used no more than 5 times, to a complete stranger from Europe. He looked desperate, and the wind was blowing hard, so I took pity on him.

He had it for about 2 hours, and when I got it back, he didn't even bother to say "thank you" Perhaps that is how some Europeans meant to behave ?

Anyway, a lesson learned. Not to loan to a stranger again.

This morning, I took a good look at the tendon, it shows a great deal of damage. It has lateral cuts across the base and top. Not deep, but I can foresee cracks will form from these shallow cuts.

It is only a tendon, I suppose. But then I wonder how the bloody hell did this bloke manage to create so much damage to the tendon in a 2 hour session? My tendons usually last at least 2 years. I believe he is into freestyle and perhaps loops. Could these moves do so much damage in such a short time ?

Anyway, a second lesson learned. Don't ever loan perishable to anyone except to your best mate !

Yep. You work hard to be able to buy windsurfing gear. Lend to besties only.

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Jupiter said..


Anyway, a second lesson learned. Don't ever loan perishable to anyone except to your best mate !

On the other hand, he might have saved you a hole in your board or a long swim - they can break frequently and inexplicably.

And they usually break at the bolt holes where you can't see the wear! I'd advise changing them yearly, unless you always sail on-shore conditions in shallow water close to land.

Yep some people are just bloody rude ..lesson learnt ..
I don't reckon you could damage them ..in that time ,The rubber is pretty strong.on most brands.
I have had some break,and the rubber was old with cracks.(3 -4years old)I get a new one every year because I sail a long way out in the ocean
And it was the worst feeling breaking one out to sea.As Azymuth said ..as rude as he was ,he might of saved you a swim.or dings in the top
of your board sailing it back on the safety strings.
I don't lend stuff unless they are very good friends.And respect you and your gear.
but I do keep all my old stuff for them ..

It sounds like it was a faulty rubber neck. Hire your gear out next time.in euros.

More info (actually theories) here~
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/Mast-base-tendon-breakages/