Materials and Construction
Surfboard Blanks
I am currently
using
US Blanks blanks and
Surfblanks America aka Foam Corp. & Arctic Foam
Stringers
Stringer material is spruce,
cedar or redwood in 1/8" - 1/4" in thickness. . All the blanks are glued up with my own custom
rocker especially designed for these designs.
Fabric
Fabric is 6 oz. flat weave
volan and 6 oz or 4 oz flat weave silene in combination. The flat weave
holds less resin and gives the board more flexibility and life.
The fabric also has higher tensile strength that twist weave fabric
of the same weight. In small surf this is particularly important for flex to access the sensation of power, particularly in weak surf.
Resin
UV and Standard Surfboard Laminating Resin via Fiberglass Hawaii.
Finish
Coat
My personal boards do not
have a finish coat on top or bottom to keep the save weight. A more
practical approach to maximize longevity is to finish coat the
bottom and leave the deck unfinished. . Finish coated
deck and bottom is howeve the most durable.
Wet
sanding
I suggest that
the finish coated bottom be wet sanded with #320 or #400 wet/dry
sandpaper. Use water and sand in same direction as the stringer
from nose to tail, tail to nose, do the fins and rails too. You
will notice that the water will stick to the wetsanded bottom
and feel very different from the finish coated and polished bottom. To me, the result
feels faster, more under control and more conected to the
wave. You can try it on any board. Ride it glossed
first, wet sand the bottom and try it again to feel the difference.
The board can be freshened periodically in this way if it becomes
dead and sluggish.
Fins
The fins I use are flexible
and adjustable. They are made from the same volan fabric which
enhances their flex and longevity. The adjustment is necessary
to get the correct release from the fins when changing direction
or during particularly long turns. The position seems to be a
bit different for everyone so adjustment is an absolute necessity.
Fin
Boxes
The fin boxes are from Fins
Unlimited aka Bahne.They are reinforced with two layers of 6 oz.
fiberglass fabric layered over the top and onto the bottom of
the surfboard. They are quite secure. It is essential to be able
to adjust the fins to the feeling and reaction you want from the
board. There are small marks at the edge of the fin box to note the position.
Leg Rope Insert
All stock boards have a leash plug insert on the deck as close to the tail as possible.
Each insert has the edges is secured with 2 layers of 6 oz fiberglass over the edges to prevent failure.
Inscription
click on photo for inscription explanation
