Hey guys, just purchased a new Falcon 14' in the carbon model. I've only owned glass boards in the past. I know the relief plug is there to combat against the board expanding and contracting with temperature change, but what's the generally accepted norm? Do I need to remove the plug whenever not in use? Board will be stored in shade under the house. What about on the beach or on the roof of the car?

I always release the vents when my boards are not in use even though they are stored in a shed. I use the type of vent screw where you only have to loosen them a couple of turns to allow the air out so I don't remove them completely. I also tie a string to the leg rope attachment to remind myself to tighten the vent every time I go paddling.

When you would want to release it is if you ever send it by plane when traveling.
Because of the extreme fluctuation in atmospheric pressure.

14' is a lot of volume, so you should take care of avoiding extreme temperature changes:

- avoid letting it in the sun at all times
- if in the sun, do not go straight into cool waters, try to splash it a bit before to cool it progressively. I have seen some boards (not Fanatics, though) get some depressions in the hull by the sudden drop in pressure.

If you unscrew the vent, know that there are some risks
- forgetting to re-screw. You should find some way to never forget to put it pack. On my sailboards I kept a plastic tag on my screwdruiver that I put under the opened screw as a visual reminder
- damaging the O ring. always oil it with non agressive oil (vegetable cooking oil is nice), and change it very often.

Most boards are fine without ever touching the screw. Some don't...