How to Care for Your Hurley in the Off-Season
Photo by William Wayland
The San Francisco GAA is already looking forward to the 2026 season, and we want to make sure every hurler and camogie player is ready when the games return in the spring. A bit of off-season care can make a big difference. A hurley’s performance starts long before you step onto the pitch. The way it’s stored and treated during the winter can determine whether it feels right in your hands on game day or will let you down.
Understanding What Affects Your Hurley
You probably know that most hurleys are made from ash, a natural material that reacts to its environment. Too much moisture and the wood swells; too little and it dries out, making it brittle and more likely to crack. Add fluctuating temperatures, and have have an increased likelihood of warping, splitting, or loosening of bands.
The ideal moisture content for ash is around 10%. Once your hurley is balanced, the best thing you can do is keep it that way.
Storage: The Golden Rule
Over the winter, store your hurley in a cool, dry place that stays relatively stable year-round. Garages or utility rooms can work well. Avoid direct sunlight, heaters, radiators, or car trunks; all of which can cause uneven drying and shrinkage. Over time, heat can rob your stick of flexibility and leave it warped or brittle.
If your home tends to be dry in winter, a light misting of moisture, or wrapping your hurley in a slightly damp towel for an hour every so often can help keep the timber balanced. Remember: damp, not soaked. There’s an old myth about soaking your hurley in a bathtub that does more harm than good.
Off-Season Maintenance
Before storing your hurley for the winter, give it a quick check-up:
Clean off mud and grass, then let it air dry fully.
Inspect for cracks, splits, or loose bands, fix small issues early before they turn into big ones.
Apply a light coat of linseed oil if desired, but don’t overdo it. Too much oil can gum up the surface and reduce flexibility.
Hang or lay your hurley flat, away from pressure points that could cause warping.
If you use a composite stick, maintenance is even simpler: check for cracks, soft spots, or rattling (the classic “maraca” test). Compare the feel against a newer stick. Composites degrade slowly, and you might not notice the loss of touch until you do a side-by-side test.
Pre-Season Prep
When spring comes, don’t take your hurley straight from storage to the pitch. Ease it back into action with a few wall-ball sessions and older sliotars before full-speed training. It gives the wood a chance to “wake up” and flex naturally again.
Final Thoughts
A hurley is more than just equipment, it’s a piece of craftsmanship that deserves respect. Keep it cool, dry, and cared for, and it will return the favor when the first sliotar drops next season.
Look after your hurley, and it will look after you.
