If you have not broken something yet you aren't trying hard enough. With that said here are some resources to help get you back on the water.
First off we are just getting this list going. If you know of any repair resources please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will add them.
Kite, Wing, and Windsurf Sail Repair.
If you have ripped the material but do not need any bladder or valve work these two lofts do first-class work and actually have some really quick turnaround times. Always call before heading down and please never bring a wet or sandy item to a sail loft. Lofts are notoriously clean and dirty gear is highly frowned upon.
- Quantum Sails - 1230 Brickyard Cove Richmond. CA (510)-234-4334.
- Leading Edge Sails -1125 N Amphlett Blvd. San Mateo CA 94401. (650)-347-0795.
- Pineapple Sails in Alameda - 2526 Blanding Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 (510)-522-2200.
If you have more serious issues you have two options. One is the SF Wing Foil Academy (located in San Rafael) or you can send it by mail to Airtime Kite. Joshua Waldman of SF Wing Foil Academy offers professional wing and kite repair as well as bladder and carbon fiber board repairs locally. SF Wing Foil Academy can also meet you at Crissy Field. Text for quotes on repairs to Joshua 415-350-5524.
While it's not inexpensive to use Airtime we can vouch for their quality work and reasonable turnaround times. With that said you will still need to UPS your gear to Hood River (or Fort Lauderdale) and then have it sent back you. The process starts by filling out a ticket on the Airtime website to ensure the proper parts are in place and to get an estimate of the cost.
If you are not sure if your bladder is leaking or your valve is failing then check out this trick. First, fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap. You do not need to add a lot. Once your wing or kite is inflated then spray all over the wing looking for little bubbles emerging from any suspect areas. If you are more of a do-it-yourself type small holes in the bladder can be relatively easy to fix. The hard part can be getting access to the spot you need to work on. Some brands can be notoriously difficult to work with. Valve replacements are also doable but a degree of difficulty is higher for sure. You can get all the parts you need from Pro-kitesurf wing repair kits and replacement valve parts.
Board Repair
From fin boxes to dings Derek at 101 Surf Sports can get you back on the water. One nice thing about Derek is you can trust he will not let you throw good money after bad with end-of-life gear. One more thing it's important any board you bring to 101 Surf Sports has had ample time to dry if there is any water in the wounded area. The shop does not have the space to hold onto gear waiting for it to dry out. And a word of warning. Sealing water in your board can result in delamination and the death of the board. 101 Surf Sports works on Surfboards, Wing Boards, Kite Boards, Windsurf Boards, and pretty much any composite board. Always call before heading down to make sure they are not full of repairs. 101 Surf Sports - 115 Third St San Rafael, Ca 94901 415-524-8492 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Joshua Waldman also does ding repair on fiberglass, carbon, or composite boards in Marin County. Text for quotes on repairs to Josh 415-350-5524. He may even be able to meet you at Crissy Field for pick up or drop off.
If you know of any other repair services let us know and we will add them to the list by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Self Repair
So you are the do-it-yourself type. Here are some resources to get you in DIY mode.
How To Repair Your Wing Video for only $6! Warning does take some skills.
Always Carry Sail tape for the session extending repairs that don't need immediate attention. While you can buy it by the foot for $16 bucks just get the whole roll and we guarantee you'll be a hero at the beach.
For Board repair how-to you can't beat the Board Lady. Her thorough site is jam-packed with information to help you fix your own gear.
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