grabbing the rail...how to stop destoying my board

[sf_firestarter]

After some time off due to a knee injury I'm back in the water. When looking over my board after a recent trip and doing some ding repair I noticed a nice series of depressions along the rails.

I've developed a habit of actually putting depressions in the base at the bottom of the rail from my fingers. I've got very strong hands but I'm sure others due as well and I haven't noticed this on any other board. There are actually finger depressions up and down 3/4 of both rails. I'm not sure if this is happening while riding or duck diving...but I assume both.

Does anybody else do this? If not how should I be grabbing the rail to avoid continuing to do this.

[surfhorn]

Its possible to put finger impressions in a board. Could be that the resin went off a little hot or not hot enough making the 'glass job a bit weak.

I've had impressions left on a board from the palms of my hands when I pushed to standup. Everyone is a unique individual and, as such, impacts a board differently. I've learned where my 'spots' are and add extra glass patches when laminating a board.

My KB decks run 2 layers of 6oz with a 6 oz deck patch. I also add two rectangles of cloth where my knees impact. In the past I've also done a hanging tail patch for extra strength.

[sf_firestarter]

my deck and rails are all carbon fiber (its a beautiful board) but as soon as the carbon ends the agony begins. I didn't think I needed any extra glass on the bottom but maybe I'm going to have to add a ring around the base edge on the next board.

I still feel like I must be doing something wrong.

[Beeline2.0]

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[ScottMac]

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[Kauaikneelo]

That's called "Monkey Grip". be glad you have it for the big days

[DrStrange]

SF - from your handle I'm guessing you surf OB, which can mean lot's and lot's of duckdiving in powerful surf. Most likely that's the source of your fingertip dings on the rail, holding onto your board.

The only thing I can think of to remedy it is going with
a heavier glass job on the bottom of your board.

Or you could just learn to "bail your board and trust you cord!"

BWA-HA-HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kneelingBROTHA]

That's called "Monkey Grip". be glad you have it for the big days

I was glad I had monkey grip when my donkey ass paddled out for the first time on the Blue Bottle and forgot to wax it up before hand.

[K-man]

Sounds like...light glass job syndrome.Double 4 on top 4 0n the bottom,strong hands.....multilated board.
next board,try the surfhorn approach.
More glass cloth etc means more strength,also means more weight.Might need more volume.A Good shaper will know.This is assuming you order a custom board,as most rack boards tend to be light.
My 2 cents

cheers