Armstrong Foil Product Care Guide
At Armstrong Foil, we are dedicated to delivering premium quality foiling equipment built to perform at the highest level. Proper care and maintenance of your Armstrong gear are essential to preserve its durability, safety, and performance over time. Whether you own a foil, board, wing, or accessories, following these detailed care guidelines will maximize your investment and keep you riding confidently season after season.
1. General Principles of Product Care
Before diving into product-specific care, it’s important to understand a few universal principles that apply across all Armstrong products.
1.1 Cleanliness Is Key
After every session on the water, thoroughly rinse your equipment with fresh, clean water. Saltwater, sand, dirt, and other contaminants can accumulate on your gear and cause corrosion, abrasion, and material degradation if left unaddressed. Use a gentle spray or hose—avoid high-pressure jets that can force water into sensitive parts.
1.2 Protect From UV and Heat
Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat can degrade materials such as composites, fabrics, and plastics. Always store your equipment away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place when not in use. Consider using UV protective covers or bags designed for foiling gear.
1.3 Regular Inspection
Routine checks are essential to catch early signs of damage or wear before they become serious problems. Inspect all parts carefully—look for cracks, dents, loose fittings, or corrosion. Addressing minor issues early on prevents costly repairs or replacements down the line.
1.4 Proper Handling and Storage
Treat your equipment with care during transport, assembly, and storage. Avoid impacts, dropping, or stacking heavy items on your gear. Use padded bags or protective cases, and store your components on racks or shelves that prevent deformation or pressure damage.
1.5 Follow Manufacturer Instructions
Each Armstrong product comes with detailed manuals and usage guidelines. Always adhere to these instructions for assembly, use, cleaning, and maintenance. Using the correct tools, parts, and procedures ensures the best care and safety.
2. Foils: Care and Maintenance
Your foil is the heart of your foiling experience. Its precision engineering demands attentive maintenance to keep it performing optimally.
2.1 Rinse After Use
After every ride, rinse your foil thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris. Pay special attention to joints, bolts, and moving parts where residue can build up.
2.2 Inspect for Damage
Regularly inspect your foil for cracks, chips, or bends—especially on the wings, fuselage, and mast. Small damages can affect performance and safety. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for wiping, avoiding abrasive materials.
2.3 Tighten Bolts and Fittings
Check all bolts and screws regularly for tightness. Vibrations and water pressure can loosen fittings over time. Use a torque wrench and follow manufacturer torque specifications to avoid overtightening.
2.4 Storage Tips
Store foils disassembled if possible, with components separated in padded bags to prevent damage. Avoid stacking or placing heavy objects on top. Keep the foil in a dry environment to prevent corrosion.
3. Boards: Care and Maintenance
Your board is your platform and must remain in excellent condition to provide stability and safety.
3.1 Cleaning Your Board
Rinse boards with fresh water immediately after use. Use a soft sponge or cloth to remove sand and salt buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that can damage the surface or coatings.
3.2 Protect the Deck and Rails
Use deck pads or traction pads to protect the board’s surface from scratches and wear. Avoid standing on rough or sharp surfaces. Inspect rails regularly for dents, cracks, or delamination.
3.3 Check Footstraps and Inserts
Ensure footstraps are secure and free from damage. Check inserts and screws regularly and tighten if necessary. Replace worn straps promptly to maintain safety.
3.4 Repair Minor Damage Promptly
Small dings or scratches can lead to water ingress and structural damage. Use recommended repair kits for minor fixes or seek professional repair for serious damage.
3.5 Proper Storage
Store boards horizontally on padded racks or vertically with support to avoid warping. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
4. Wings: Care and Maintenance
Wings require careful handling to maintain their shape and airtightness.
4.1 Inflate to Recommended Pressure
Always follow Armstrong’s specified PSI for inflation. Over-inflating can stress seams and materials, causing leaks or damage. Under-inflation reduces performance and control.
4.2 Rinse After Use
After use, rinse wings inside and out with fresh water to remove salt and dirt. Open valves to allow air and water to escape and dry thoroughly before storage.
4.3 Inspect for Tears or Leaks
Check the fabric, seams, valves, and bladders for any signs of wear or damage. Repair small tears immediately using repair patches or kits recommended by Armstrong.
4.4 Avoid Abrasion
Avoid dragging wings over rough surfaces or sharp objects. Use wing bags or protective sleeves during transport and storage.
4.5 Store Dry and Flat
Store wings fully dry in a cool, dry place. Fold loosely or roll without sharp creases. Avoid placing heavy objects on top.
5. Accessories: Care and Maintenance
Accessories such as leashes, handles, straps, and pumps also require care to ensure longevity.
5.1 Rinse and Dry
Rinse accessories with fresh water after use and dry thoroughly to prevent mold, mildew, and corrosion.
5.2 Inspect Regularly
Check for wear, fraying, or damage. Replace any worn or compromised parts promptly.
5.3 Proper Storage
Store accessories in dry, ventilated spaces, away from UV light and extreme temperatures.
6. Seasonal and Long-Term Storage
If storing equipment for extended periods, such as offseason, follow these additional tips:
Thoroughly clean and dry all gear.
Disassemble foils and store components separately in padded cases.
Loosely pack wings to avoid stress on seams.
Store boards away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Check gear periodically during storage and re-inspect before use.
7. Transporting Your Gear Safely
Proper transport prevents damage from shocks, vibrations, or exposure.
Use padded bags, racks, or hard cases designed for foiling gear.
Secure all parts to prevent movement during transit.
Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your equipment.
Protect sensitive parts such as foil wings and mast edges with foam or bubble wrap.
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
8.1 Leaks in Wings or Bladders
Locate the leak by submerging the wing in water or listening for hissing.
Apply a patch kit designed for your wing material.
Avoid using inappropriate adhesives that can worsen damage.
8.2 Loose or Missing Hardware
Replace missing bolts or screws with Armstrong-approved parts.
Use thread-locking compounds if recommended by Armstrong.
8.3 Surface Scratches or Dings on Boards and Foils
Repair small dings with epoxy or repair kits promptly.
Consult professional repair services for large cracks or delamination.
9. Environmental Considerations
Armstrong is committed to sustainability. Proper product care not only benefits you but also reduces waste and environmental impact. By extending the life of your equipment, you minimize your carbon footprint and help protect the oceans and waterways we all cherish.
10. When to Seek Professional Help
If you are unsure how to perform maintenance or repairs, or if your gear suffers serious damage, contact Armstrong’s authorized service centers or customer support. Using unapproved repair methods or parts can compromise safety and void your warranty.
11. Contact Armstrong for Support
For any questions on care, maintenance, repairs, or replacement parts, reach out to our expert support team at:
Email: info@armstrongfoils.com
Website: https://armstrongfoil.shop
We’re here to help you get the most out of your Armstrong gear!
Conclusion
Your Armstrong foiling equipment represents a significant investment in quality, innovation, and performance. Treat it with care and respect, and it will reward you with countless unforgettable experiences on the water. Regular cleaning, proper storage, vigilant inspection, and timely repairs are the cornerstones of great product care.
Thank you for choosing Armstrong Foil. Ride safe, ride smart, and enjoy the freedom of flight on water!