Feeling excited to start paddle boarding season again? I know we are! However, as you may have noticed, getting started with paddleboarding after a long winter of storage time can be a little tricky. 
One of the most common challenges that paddleboarders face is dealing with a detachable tail fin that's difficult to slide into a paddleboard, This may be due to the hardening of the tail fin base caused by the low temperature in the garage, and the deformation of the tail fin base caused by improper folding and storage，or a dirty tail fin base. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some helpful tips and tricks to overcome this challenge.
- Check the direction of the fin
It's essential to make sure that you're inserting the fin in the correct direction. Typically, the fin's wider side should be facing down towards the board's underside, and the smaller side should be facing up towards the surface of the water.
- Apply some lubrication
Applying a little bit of lubrication, such as soap or wax, to the fin's base and the board's fin box can help make it easier to slide in. This will reduce friction and allow the fin to move more smoothly.
- Wiggle the fin back and forth
Gently wiggling the fin back and forth can help loosen it up and make it easier to insert. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or force, as this could damage the fin or the board.
- Using a blow dryer
Turn the blow dryer on heating mode and try to warm up the fin base for about 5 minutes and slide the fin in. This should help soften the base that has become rigid throughout the winter.
- Seek professional help
If you're still having trouble inserting the tail fin, you may want to seek professional help.Contact the customer service of the paddle board brand, or find a repair shop nearby.
Before you set off next time, you must check whether your tail fin is working normally. If it is lost or damaged, it is recommended that you purchase a generic version of the tail fin through the brand to ensure you have a better paddling experience.
Learn more:
How to Improve your Paddling by Replacing the different shape of Tail Fin