How to Use Templates When Shaping a Surfboard

Surfboard templates offer the basic overall shape of what the surfboard is going to look like when it's finished. Templates also take all the guess work out of figuring out the right-sized surfboard because they come pre-cut and ready for use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Surfboard template
• Marker or pencil

1. Decide on the surfboard length. Before you buy or make a template, you have to decide on whether you want a long board or short board. Long boards offer more stability and short boards offer faster maneuverability while surfing.

2. Lay the template flat on the surfboard blank. Line up the nose of the surfboard with the top of the template. You want to make sure the straight edge of the template is next to the stringer line of the surfboard blank.

3. Draw your lines. Using a pencil or marker, hold the template in place, and trace a line along the template onto the surfboard blank.

4. Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 on the other side of the surfboard blank. Once you finish the right side, the process is the same on the left side.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your own template. If you have another surfboard lying around, you can make your own template by tracing the shape onto lightweight, flexible material such as Masonite, and cutting the shape out with a jigsaw.
• Avoid templates made of rigid materials. Templates have to bend with the shape of the board; using a rigid material for a template will result in a misshapen surfboard.

Resources

• Learn how to make a surfboard template at surfvey.net.
• Buy surfboard template at swaylocks.com.