A gentle procedure for a fixed fin, meaning a fin that cannot be removed. Continue only when it is bent but has no cracks, cuts or lifting at its base.
No adhesive is required. Prepare everything before warming and keep water away from electrical equipment.
Deflate the SUP and view the fin from both sides. Flex its tip only slightly while looking for a crack, a white stress line, a cut or movement between the base and board.
A fin that is merely bent may recover its shape; a cracked, cut or detached fin requires replacement or professional repair.
Turn the SUP over onto soft, stable supports and leave the fin clear. Protect the work surface and prepare a safe path for the hot water.
The board must remain deflated and still. Do not rest it on the fin or try to lever the fin straight while cold.
Wet or wrap only the fin gradually with hot water that is not boiling until the material becomes more flexible. Distribute heat from base to tip without concentrating it on the PVC.
There is no universal temperature: stop if the material changes colour, becomes excessively soft or gives off an odour.
Blot the fin and board without rubbing. While the material is still flexible, check again that no cracks or separations have appeared at its base.
If damage appears during warming, do not continue with more force or heat.
Guide the fin towards the centreline with broad, progressive pressure. Compare its profile with a square and, if needed, use removable tape to hold it without crushing the base.
Do not bend beyond the centreline to compensate for spring-back. If resistance becomes pronounced, stop without adding more heat or force.
Hold the fin in line until it has returned fully to room temperature. Do not move the tape or place loads on the board while it cools.
A flexible fin designed to bend may continue recovering by itself. Do not stiffen it with improvised resin or reinforcement.
Remove the tape and compare the fin from the front and back of the board. Confirm that its base remains firmly attached and that a small bend returns without noise or new lines. If those checks are normal, complete a slow water test close to shore.
If it immediately bends far back, remains unstable, shows a crack or behaves abnormally during the test, return to shore and assess replacement.
Stop before adding more heat if any of these cases applies:
Identify the system, retain the base plate where required and replace the box without guessing compatibility or timing.
Confirm the material, prepare a patch and apply two-part adhesive without skipping waiting times, pressure or final checks.
Seven illustrated procedures, from diagnosis to the condition that says stop.
Send RiparoSUP side, front and base photographs. We will assess whether straightening, replacement or support repair is appropriate.