Taking care of your kiteboard off the water is just as important as how you ride it. Proper storage will extend the lifespan of the board, protect its materials, and keep it performing well over time.
- Rinse with fresh water
Always rinse your board with clean water after each session. Salt, sand, and dirt can damage the surface and hardware over time. - Dry before storage
Store your board completely dry. Moisture trapped in board bags or on the surface can cause mildew, corrosion on screws, or damage to pads and straps. - Avoid direct sunlight
Prolonged UV exposure can weaken materials and fade graphics. Keep your board out of direct sunlight when not in use, especially in hot climates. - Temperature control
Extreme heat can damage the core and cause delamination. Avoid leaving your board in a hot car, direct sun, or next to heaters. A cool, dry environment is best. - Use a board bag
A padded bag protects your board from scratches, dings, and unnecessary wear during storage and transport.
Yes. Both sunlight and salt water can affect the lifespan of your kiteboard if it is not cared for properly. While kiteboards are designed to handle harsh marine environments, long-term exposure without maintenance can cause visible and structural damage.
- Sunlight (UV exposure)
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can weaken materials over time. UV radiation can fade graphics, dry out pads, and in extreme heat, it may even cause delamination of the board’s layers. Storing your board in the shade or in a board bag will reduce UV-related wear. - Salt water
Salt itself does not immediately damage the board’s composite structure, but when left to dry, salt crystals can scratch the surface, dry out pads, and trap moisture. Rinsing your board with fresh water after each session prevents this buildup and keeps the surface and components in good condition. - Surface rust on stainless steel
Stainless steel hardware and inserts are resistant to corrosion, but they are not immune. Tiny salt particles can stick to the surface and cause a thin layer of surface rust. This does not usually harm the strength of the hardware but should be cleaned off to prevent further oxidation. Regular rinsing with fresh water and occasionally drying or lubricating screws and inserts helps to keep them in top shape.
Yes. ROODE kiteboards are designed for use in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The materials, construction, and finishes are made to withstand the elements.
- Saltwater use
Saltwater is harsher on equipment because it can leave behind salt crystals that dry into pads, straps, and hardware. To prevent long-term damage always rinse the board with fresh water after your session. - Freshwater use
Freshwater is less aggressive on materials, but boards should still be rinsed and dried before storage to prevent dirt buildup or unnecessary wear.
We know how frustrating it is when your board gets damaged. Please send us a clear photo of the damage on your board together with your ROODE Boards serial number, and we’ll do our best to find out whether it can be repaired and how we can help you get back on the water

