Vent plug left out while surfing

[Frankfumich]

Anybody know if I really damaged my BRAND NEW board by going surfing withOUT the vent plug in like a DUMBASS!! Just got a brand new Naish 8'10 Mana and was so excited to try it out...I got distracted by my family and forgot to put the vent plug in. I was in the water for just about 30 min in small waves...didn't even fall really, but board flipped over briefly as I jumped off after riding a few waves and paddled back out through a couple crashing waves, I'm guessing some water had to have gotten in there maybe. I've got it turned upside down and even took a shop vac real quick to it just in case I could suck something out!! Will it be ok if I leave the plug out for a few day to evaporate out?? Sick to my stomach over this stupid ass mistake but I'm guessing I can't be the only one that's done this. Thanks for any advice

[juandoe]

http://boardlady.com/water.htm

[DavidJohn]

Don't worry.. it's not the end of the world.. These foam cores don't soak water.. Well not like a spong.. You just need to take the vent screw out and position the board to try and get any water that may have got in to drain back out.. You can try putting a vacume cleaner nossel over the hole while it's upside down and try and suck any moisture out.. Leave it a dry warm place for a couple of days and it should be fine.. Fingers crossed.. 

DJ

[J-Bird]

Ouch, it hurt me just reading your post Frank, but I agree with DJ you can most likely get the water out.  To help wick it out, you can use a paper towel inserted into the vent hole with a fan or the wind blowing over it and it will help draw out any moisture.  If you are going to suck it out with a vacuum pump or something, that will help, just be careful not too use too much vacuum, else you can otherwise cause more damage to the board.

With some patience I think you'll be OK.  Good luck man.