Mastering the Dark Arts: Essential Care Instructions. 

At Surfboard Empire, we deeply appreciate the unrivalled durability and top-of-the-line performance that Dark Arts surfboards bring to the table. Unlike traditional high-performance surfboards with a lifespan of six to twelve months, Dark Arts boards shatter expectations with their longevity and lasting pop. Crafted from premium carbon materials, these surfboards are engineered to withstand harsh conditions while delivering unmatched float and manoeuvrability.

Dark Arts Factory Manager, Tony Curto states: "To claim our boards are indestructible or warrant an abandoning of conventional care and maintenance would be amiss. Our boards are the most durable product on the market by far, but looking after your board is an important part of ensuring its longevity."

Sun and Heat: Protecting Your Dark Arts Surfboard

While your Dark Arts surfboard is designed to deliver high performance and durability, it is essential to shield it from the damaging effects of the sun and excessive heat. The core of your Dark Arts surfboard is made of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam, which provides buoyancy and responsiveness. However, subjecting the board to abnormal levels of heat damages its foam. The heat causes the EPS foam to expand and bubble, which could lead to permanent damage. Here are some practical tips to ensure your surfboard stays in mint condition:

• Protect with UV Reflective Day Bag: Store your Dark Arts surfboard in a UV reflective day-bag to prevent the board from absorbing excessive heat while not in use.
• Seek Shade When Not Surfing: Whenever possible, park your Dark Arts surfboard in the shade when you're not scoring waves, safeguarding your board from potential heat-related damage.
• Store Indoors: When your surf session is over, resist the temptation to leave your Dark Arts lying around in the sun. Instead, store it indoors or in a cool, dry area to maintain its structural integrity and avoid unnecessary heat exposure.

"There isn't a surfboard out there made to take on heat and fair well. Our boards are no different. Keep it in a day-bag, in the shade, and you'll have no problem." - Tony Curto.

Surfboard Maintenance

In addition to protecting your Dark Arts from the sun and heat, adopting a proactive approach to any board's maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity and peak performance. The following care instructions are true for any board, Dark Arts or not:

• Rinse After Each Session: After every exhilarating surf session, take a few minutes to give your board a thorough rinse with freshwater. Saltwater, sand, and other debris can accumulate on the board's surface, potentially causing damage over time.
• Repair Dings Promptly: No matter how cautious you are, encountering dings or cracks on your surfboard is not uncommon. Promptly addressing these damages is crucial to prevent water from seeping into the board's core, which could lead to further delamination and weakening of the structure. Keep an epoxy ding repair kit handy, or seek assistance from a professional ding repair service to ensure your Dark Arts remains in top shape.
• Transport with Care: Avoid placing heavy objects on top of your Dark Arts or stacking other boards on it, as excessive pressure can lead to unsightly dents or even structural damage. Instead, opt for soft racks or a roof rack system specifically designed for surfboards.

"We use EPS foam in our boards. This foam is light, two-pounds per square foot. It works perfectly with our carbon vacuuming technique. It's one of the reasons our boards perform so well. Like any other board, though, it's important to keep it watertight. Any ding that has an opening needs fixing. These repairs are just as simple as a normal ding repair on an epoxy board. Out of all the hundreds of boards we've sold, I've had to do major work on only two of them due to neglected care." - Tony Curto

Dark Arts Surfboards and Dings

When it comes to caring for your Dark Arts surfboard, occasional ding repairs are part of the process, especially after a brutal wipeout on a reef or other tough conditions. While Dark Arts boards are more resistant to dings compared to PU and Epoxy models, they can still bear the marks of intense surf sessions. Ensuring your surfboard remains watertight is crucial to maintain its peak performance. Thankfully, Dark Arts boards offer a dual advantage in dealing with dings:

• Carbon Toughness: Carbon construction provides increased durability, making Dark Arts surfboards more resilient to dings. Minor bumps may result in surface-level scratches on the coating, leaving the board largely unscathed.
• Efficient Ding Repair: Should a ding be substantial enough to create an opening for water, fear not, as fixing it is a manageable task. Using epoxy resin, and if necessary, fibreglass, you can quickly repair the damage, just as you would with a standard epoxy-built surfboard.

By addressing dings promptly and efficiently, you can keep your Dark Arts surfboard performing at its best, even after challenging surf conditions.

In conclusion, by protecting your Dark Arts surfboard from direct sunlight, avoiding rocky encounters, and promptly addressing any dings that may occur, you can ensure its longevity and top-notch performance. While the dismal six to twelve-month lifespan of typical surfboards may be disheartening, Dark Arts surfboards stand as the exception. With their robust carbon construction and enduring quality, we proudly offer you a surfboard that will last a lifetime. Embrace the art of caring for your Dark Arts surfboard, and it will reward you with countless exhilarating rides and unforgettable moments. Happy surfing!