How a Surfboard is Constructed

14 March, 2016

Imagine having fun surf lessons South Australia without the existence of a surfing board. Indeed, a surfboard is the primary and the most important tool in surfing. But do you know what a surfboard is made of and how it is constructed? 

Typical Modern Surfboard Construction

Polyurethane (PU) foam has been the number one material used for surfboard construction for a long time now. Surfboards are typically made from this material because they are very easy to handle and shape. The PU foam is placed with stringers towards the middle of the board to make it stronger.

When creating a board using PU, the foam is molded into a "blank" first. The blank is a rough shape pattern of the surfboard. Once blanks are done, they are then given to shapers to cutting and sanding according to specifications.
The board will be covered in layers of fiberglass cloth and resin after shaping. It is also during this stage where the fins are attached and leash plug is installed. For boards with removable fins, the boxes where the fins are attached can be placed during this stage.

However, a relatively new trend in the surfboard industry has been introduced because of claims that the PU foam uses highly toxic materials.

Epoxy Surfboard Construction

The combination of PU foam and polyester resin on the modern surfboards became the standard for many years but the surfboard industry embraced the idea of using epoxy resin because of its numerous benefits.

The use of epoxy was introduced only a couple of decades ago as a healthier alternative to polyester. Aside from it being more environmental friendly, the incredible strength and durability possessed by epoxy resin is also one of the main reasons why shapers prefer to use it.

Surfboards made from epoxy resin are considered to be lighter since epoxy weighs less than polyester. A lighter surfboard is a big plus for most surfers.
Viewing the epoxy surfboard practically, we can say that they are amazing. Compared to PU boards, epoxy boards are more buoyant. Riding shorter epoxy boards can surely improve a surfer’s performance. In learning how to surf, catching a number of waves with epoxy boards will no longer be a problem since paddling through the water is easier. The ability to surf mushier waves can also be enhanced with these boards.

However, you can also experience having a “corky” feeling towards epoxy boards when you’ve been used to the feel and flex of using a standard PU board. It can take some time getting used to the feel of an epoxy board. Windy conditions are also considered to be the Achilles heel of Epoxy surfboards. The water is unpredictable that is why perfect waves are not always present.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both PU and epoxy boards has great features that can be reasons why surfers prefer them. How about you, which surfboard will you choose? You need to get the board that you can use to have the most fun while surfing.  In the end it won’t even matter if you are surfing the hood of a car, as long as you are stoked.