How to Build Your Own Indo Board

Indo boards imitate the motion of surfing to improve core stability.

Indo Boards can help users to improve their core strength, as well as their balance and coordination. This is important for efficiently completing everyday tasks and reducing the risk of falls and injury. Physiotherapists use balance boards such as the Indo Board to help patients recover strength in their knees, ankles and hips. Building an Indo Board is a cost effective way to get the benefits that using a balance board can bring. It is also a fun project that can be shared with friends and family.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood sheet, 42-inch by 20-inch
• Jigsaw
• Hand-held sander
• Coarse grain sander paper
• 2 clamps
• Pencil
• Wood glue
• Fine grain sandpaper
• Friction tape
• Scissors
• 18-inch Pipe, 6-inch diameter

Instructions

1. Measure and draw out a 35-inch by 20-inch rectangle onto the plywood sheet for the main body of the board.

2. Cut out the rectangle using a jigsaw. Keep the off-cuts to one side.

3. Sand the corners of the rectangle into smooth curves with the hand-held sander and coarse paper to create a surfboard shape.

4. Measure and draw out two two-inch by 20-inch pieces of plywood from the off-cuts for the bumpers.

5. Cut out the two smaller rectangles using a jigsaw.

6. Clamp one of the smaller rectangles underneath each end of the main board so that they are flush with the straight ends and the sides.

7. Mark out the curve of the main board onto the smaller rectangles, using a pencil to trace around.

8. Release the smaller rectangles from the clamps and use a jigsaw to cut along the curved lines.

9. Glue the two bumpers back onto the ends of the main board and clamp them in place until the glue dries (consult the packaging instructions for drying times of the glue).

10. Sand the curved corners of the main board and bumpers by hand using the fine grain paper to create a smooth, even finish.

11. Cut and stick friction tape along the pipe lengthways at one-inch intervals around the circumference.

12. Lay the pipe on the ground and place the main board on top of it to complete a basic Indo Board.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate your board using varnish, stencils, spray paint or any other decorations to suit your tastes.

• Create a textured finish using a non-slip additive for extra grip on the board.

• Always follow manufacturers' usage and safety guidelines when using power tools.

References

• Surfing Waves : How to Make a Balance Board and Improve Your Surfing
• X Shelton : How to Build a Balance Board
• Indo Board : Therapeutic Effects