Why is my surfboard turning orange?
Why Your Surfboard Turned Orange After a Crack
If your once-white surfboard suddenly looks like it’s rusting from the inside out, you’re not imagining things. When a board cracks and takes on seawater—especially during an algae bloom—tiny marine organisms can get trapped inside the foam. In the warm, airtight environment of a sealed surfboard, that algae can actually multiply, staining the interior core orange or reddish as it spreads.
Unfortunately, once this “internal bloom” begins, there’s no chemical or topical fix. The only way to stop the damage is to open the board up, dry it thoroughly in the sun or gentle heat, and let every trace of moisture escape as vapor. Trying to ignore it will only allow the algae and saltwater to eat away at the foam and resin, eventually softening the board and ruining its flex.
At Calibunga Surf Lessons in Santa Monica, we see this kind of surfboard damage more often than you’d think. Our instructors and repair partners help local surfers spot early warning signs and learn proper ding repair before sea life moves in. Whether you’re tackling your first wave or maintaining your favorite stick, Calibunga is your go-to local resource for keeping your gear (and your surf stoke) in top shape.
Surfers often ask if the orange color inside their board is rust, mold, or a resin issue — but it’s actually living algae trapped in the foam. Others wonder if rinsing the board or drying it in the sun right away can prevent it. The truth is, once saltwater and microorganisms are sealed inside, they’ll keep spreading until the moisture is completely removed. That’s why we always recommend opening up damaged boards fast, letting them fully dry, and learning basic repair techniques to stop future blooms.
