Surfboard Building
What surfer has not thought about making her very own surfboard? Maybe its because you think you can build a better board than are commercially available or maybe its because you are an experienced surfer and want a specific type of ride on the waves. Or maybe the thrill is that it's less expensive to build your own surfboard than to buy one new.
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Things You'll Need
- Foam Board blank Power sander Epoxy kit Paint Clearcoat Fin Kit Bandsaw
Instructions
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Shaping
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1
Begin by deciding on a surfboard design (based on your riding style). Build a short board for carving big waves and doing stunts, longboard for small waves and general riding, and medium length board for a mixture of both. In general your board should be a foot to a foot and a half taller than you for overall surfing.
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2
Layout your design on a piece of felt and then tape the felt to your board blank. Now trace the design onto your blank (this method allows the felt bend and mold with the shape of the board blank and allows a more accurate transfer than freehand design).
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3
Now, using the bandsaw and power sander shape your board to your desired specifications. Take off small sections at a time as it is much easier to remove board stock than it is to replace it.
Glassing
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4
Before you glass your board, mount the fins. Your fin kit should have come with instructions and recommendations on placement, so follow the manufacturers recommendations. However, as a general explanation the fins will have mounting bays that need to be mounted in the bottom of the board first. The fins will then snap into place.
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5
You will glass each side of the board (deck and bottom) separately, starting with the bottom. Lay your board on a level surface (sawhorses) and begin by mixing the epoxy and hardener according to the manufacturers instructions. Then, pour a thin layer of epoxy on the bottom of the board.
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6
Spread the epoxy evenly and then lay your fiberglass fabric on top of the resin. As epoxy has different physical properties than other resins, let the fabric soak up the resin slowly. When the fabric is saturated, use a flat sided squeegee tool to press excess resin out of the sides of the resin, starting in the center of the board.
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7
Let the resin dry a minimum of 6 to 8 hours and then flip the board over and repeat steps 1 through 3.
Painting and Clearcoat
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8
Add any graphics kits you have bought or paint your own design on the board.
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9
Following graphics application, lay several layers of clearcoat down on the board to protect its finish.
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10
Let the board cure for at least 24 hours and then get surfing!
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1
Tips & Warnings
There are many board shops and suppliers that now offer mail-order surfboard building supplies to the "backyard builder." Just perform a Google search to find a whole host of possibilities.
While epoxy resins are much less toxic than any other resin types, it is still advisable to wear a mask, gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Resources
- Photo Credit blog.makezine.com
