cracked wind surfing board

Question
Hi Patrick
I purchased a JB150 X-CITE Board last June, I have only used it a dozen times and keep it in a protective board bag all over winter. I took it out of the bag and a hairline fracture about 2 inches long has appeared on the edge of the board towards the back of the board, some black resin looks to be oozing out and it looks like the wood is cracked, maybe dried out and then cracked. It has had no knocks and bumps and I am itching to get out on the water. Is this a common fault, a manufacturing defect, or somthing to expect?
Hope you can help me out
regards
Simon

Answer
It's certainly not something to expect but the fact is that you did use it and the damage may have been caused inadvertantly by you.  You may not have noticed the damage last year.  If in fact this was not the case, I would call the shop where you bought it and tell them that after storage this winter the board inexplicably cracked open and see what they say.  If they try to beg off then your next step would be to go directly to the manufacturer and advise them that you feel this was a manufacturing defect. Do this immediatly as there is usually a 1 year warranty if any at all. If there is any evidence of the board being dropped or dinged in any way you probably won't have much recourse except to repair it.  Do not use it as it is since it will absorb water and will be useless afterward.  Good luck and I hope you find a way to get out on the water as soon as possible.