Have you just received your Newave modular board or do you want to understand how the modular board revolution works? You've come to the right place. Designing a board that can be disassembled offers complete freedom to travel and ultra-compact storage without compromising on performance, rigidity, or surfing sensations.
In this guide, we'll explain step-by-step how to assemble your Newave in seconds, how to maintain it to extend its lifespan, and we'll answer all your questions.
1. Receiving and unpacking: First steps
When you receive your Newave package, here are the first essential things to check to get started on the right foot.
Spare parts (Pins / Locks)
When opening the box, take a look inside your board's parts: you'll find two additional security locks taped inside. At Newave, these small security locks are what we call locks (or pins). They secure the assembly and ensure the rigidity of the shape. Keep these spare locks safe! The system is ultra-sturdy, but having two spare locks in your bag ensures you'll never miss a session if you drop one in the sand.
How to use your Newave transport bag
Each board comes with its custom-made bag, designed for modularity:
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The lock pocket: Inside the large front compartment of the bag, we've integrated a small dedicated pocket. Get into the habit of storing your locks there as soon as you disassemble your board.
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The Roll-Top system and straps: To prevent modules from rubbing against each other during transport, roll up the top of the bag (roll-top system) and tighten the side straps. Everything stays in place, no matter how many pieces you have.
BOARD BAG: If you're traveling with a large quiver or frequently flying, this large reinforced wheeled bag allows you to check everything in easily, without breaking the bank on oversized baggage fees.
ALL IN ONE TRAVEL BAG: The Swiss Army knife of surf trips. This hybrid bag combines a fully compartmentalized side to secure your board and another space dedicated to your clothes. You can either roll it or pull out the shoulder straps to convert it into a backpack. The result: one checked bag, no extra charges!
2. Step-by-step tutorial: How to assemble your Newave board?
Assembling a Newave is super simple, smooth, and it's done without tools.
(To see the actions live, check out the tutorial video: click on it to follow each step in images!)
Step 1: Fitting the sections together
Place the pieces facing each other (on a clean surface or on your lap). Pre-assemble the modules by pushing firmly. The secret to a good assembly is to have zero play and no gap at the joint before locking.
Step 2: Locking the locks (pins)
Slide your lock into the side notch. The fit is intentionally tight to ensure maximum rigidity once in the water. Push until it's fully locked.
(If the small plastic clip of the lock ever detaches during the process, don't panic: it's designed to do that and can be easily clipped back on by hand).
Step 3: Attaching the leash
Attach your leash cord to the tail. Pay attention to the length: the nylon cord should be as short as possible. If it's too long and extends over the rail, the tension from the waves could shear the epoxy laminate of your tail.
Step 4: Installing the fins
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Futures Fins boxes: Loosen the screw with your key, slide the fin from the back of the box, then tighten firmly.
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US Box (Longboard / Single) boxes: Slide the metal square into the rail, position your fin, align the screw, and tighten until it's snug.
3. Everything you need to know: maintenance and repair
Wax & Pad Tips
When storing your pieces in the bag, just be careful that the wax doesn't get inside the connectors. If you want to avoid this hassle, an integral pad/grip (made of EVA foam) remains the best alternative for keeping your joints pristine.
(We're also secretly working on a new wax alternative, ultra-clean and custom-designed for our boards. We'll tell you more very soon...)
Leash setup: beware of the rail saver!
It's a classic mistake that can cause real damage to the tail of your board: never let the nylon cord touch or rub directly against the rail.
Under repeated wave tension, the thin string acts like a blade and risks splitting or cutting the bumper and resin. To protect your board:
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Adjust the string loop to be very short and stay above the plug.
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Pass the leash's velcro strap (the rail saver) directly through the loop.
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The right reflex: It's the reinforced rail saver that should rest on the edge of your board under tension, never the cord!
Beware of sand in the bag
Rinse your modules thoroughly before putting them away. If you pack your sections full of sand into the bag, the grains will rub against the lamination during transport and may scratch your board's finish. A quick rinse or wipe with a towel before packing, and you're good to go.
Heat and sun: avoid delamination!
This is the golden rule for all Epoxy resin boards: never leave your board in direct sunlight or in an overheating car trunk. Extreme heat can build pressure inside the foam blank and cause delamination (the lamination peeling off the blank). After your session, keep your board in the shade!
What to do if you break or lose a lock/pin?
Our locks are designed to be ultra-resistant, but in case of a major mishap or if you drop one in the sand, no stress. If you've already used your two spare locks provided with delivery, you can reorder a pack of 4 locks directly from our online shop. We'll ship them quickly so you don't miss the next swell.
How to repair a ding?
Our boards are made of classic Epoxy resin. If you break a rail or the deck during a challenging session, no need to send us the board: you can take it to any local shaper or repair shop, and they will repair it without any problem.
Ready to hit the water?
Quick assembly, a bag on your back, and a complete quiver in the trunk of your car. Get your gear ready, lock your locks, and we'll see you in the lineup!
The rest is up to you. Send us your photos, your feedback.
To go further and choose your board with full confidence, discover all our models on newavesurf.com.
Come and test a board for free! Leave us your contact details and we'll arrange a personalized trial. You'll discover the simplicity of assembly, the exceptional rigidity, the different possible configurations... and above all, the freedom to surf wherever you want, whenever you want. See you soon!