The core of the board is a hand shaped EPS (expanded polystyrene) blank.
The deck and bottom, or 'skins' are applied with glass under the wood and above the wood. If glass on fins are not used, a fin box system of choice can be added. Resin Research epoxy is used and post cured (heated for a length of time) to give additional strength.
The deck and bottom, or 'skins' are applied with glass under the wood and above the wood. If glass on fins are not used, a fin box system of choice can be added. Resin Research epoxy is used and post cured (heated for a length of time) to give additional strength.
The resulting board is a very strong composite sandwich. The wood, layered between fiberglass, forms an I-beam like structure. This structure does not heal dent and pressure ding like a traditional board. The wood skins will also retain its spring, or flex return, through the entire life of the board, unlike a foam only board (epoxy or polyester). Solid wood nose, and tail blocks are added to prevent the little dings that always plague these areas. Wood rails can be added for ultimate durability and visual appeal.
Cork and red cedar rail
The flex, and weight of the boards can be infinitely adjusted to suit riders weight and wave type. Wood species, thickness of skins, glass schedules, and chambering of the blank are all manipulated for different results. My goal for weight has always been the most durable board that weighs the same as a heavily glassed polyester board.
I primarily use red cedar, Lombardi poplar, Port Orford cedar, and redwood. These woods are used because they are light weight and they grow locally. All of the woods are either re-claimed, locally milled, or cabinet shop scraps. You will find small stripes and leash loops out of exotics like Mahogany. These are cabinet shop off-cuts or local second hand finds. Epoxy resin is far less toxic than polyester resin. Less resin and glass are used compared to a traditional polyester board. The wood and composite sandwich nature of the construction allow for this reduction in glass.
The resulting board has a unique lively ride, uses less toxic materials than a traditional board, and looks good enough to hang on the wall even after years of surfing. In the long run, a more economical surfcraft.
The resulting board has a unique lively ride, uses less toxic materials than a traditional board, and looks good enough to hang on the wall even after years of surfing. In the long run, a more economical surfcraft.
