Hi there. I’m seriously considering building my own surfboard this coming summer. I have a few favorite boards that I can take measurements directly from, as I plan to simply copy one of these subjects. My question is: Should my first board building attempt be on my (1) 7’8" fun board, (2) 6’10" thruster setup for larger, performance surf, or (3) 5’10" quad kneeboard. My favorite kneeboard of all time is aging and I want to ‘clone’ it using a Clark Foam 6’2"C blank. Also, I was thinking that the shorter board would be easier to deal with. Thanks a lot! I look forward to reading your thoughts. Scott
Hi there. I’m seriously considering building my own surfboard this coming > summer. I have a few favorite boards that I can take measurements directly > from, as I plan to simply copy one of these subjects. My question is: > Should my first board building attempt be on my (1) 7’8" fun board, > (2) 6’10" thruster setup for larger, performance surf, or (3) > 5’10" quad kneeboard. My favorite kneeboard of all time is aging and > I want to ‘clone’ it using a Clark Foam 6’2"C blank. Also, I was > thinking that the shorter board would be easier to deal with.>>> Thanks a lot! I look forward to reading your thoughts.>>> Scott …The kneeboard would be the easiest to shape,glassing might be another story.The 6’2"C blank is a good choice for that kneeboard,I might custom order it with a heavier stringer,and foam.Herb
Scott After having shaped a handfull of boards and still being pretty new to the whole construction process I find the most hazardous (mistakes wise) and generally most pain in the ass part of it is the glassing stage. I have found that bigger means more difficult as you are working against the clock to get all the cloth wet through. I personally suggest the smallest option. Hope this helps.
…The kneeboard would be the easiest to shape,glassing might be > another story.The 6’2"C blank is a good choice for that kneeboard,I > might custom order it with a heavier stringer,and foam.Herb Thanks Herb! I appreciate the feedback and I’ll probably order a custom 6’2"C blank with green foam and a thicker stringer. I have a whole semester to get through before I can begin shaping, so I’ll have plenty of time to place the order with Clark Foam.
Scott After having shaped a handfull of boards and still being pretty new > to the whole construction process I find the most hazardous (mistakes > wise) and generally most pain in the ass part of it is the glassing stage. > I have found that bigger means more difficult as you are working against > the clock to get all the cloth wet through. I personally suggest the > smallest option. Hope this helps. Hampo- Thanks for taking the time to respond. Having glassed other things (w/epoxy resin), I can empathize with your viewpoint. I certainly will stick with the kneeboard in part because of the relatively easier glassing. One of my surfing buddies has his PHD in chemical engineering and another good friend has a master’s in physiology. Both related horror stories of individuals getting MEKP on or in places where it just wasn’t meant to be. Stay safe.