I thought I would share my two most recent creations, and perhaps introduce another method of building a hollow surfboard. I think of these as Hollow wood/ EPS hybrids. They are an integration of the two surfboard technologies I have been working with for a few years now, so they are essentially Hollow wood surfboards with an EPS interior frame. They are built using a system of molds to create the perimiter wood frame or stringer and the internal EPS frame. The internal frame is covered with a thin ply or venner. These are the 15th and 16th Hollow wood surfboards I’ve built and the fourth and fifth using this technique. I really enjoy the weight loss, weight orientation to the perimiter, and controlled flex characteristics I can achieve using this method.
Thanks to the craftsmen at Stretch for their amazing epoxy work
I really appreciate the positive response. These boards are definitely made to be ridden and to endure lots of stress. No wall-hanging. OBSF is a great testing ground.
I’ve got to run to the shop now, but Ill dig up some photos of the insides and post them this evening.
So far I have not vented the first three I have built this way, and have not had any issues after riding them at OB for the last year or so. I’m torn about venting these two, though I think I will because I will be passing them around the S.F. surf community, and traveling with them as well.
I was about to post pics of my latest creation but it pales in comparison.
Do you mkae boards just for yourself? Or do you sell them? If so, how much? Although my means are limited those look so sweet I might put them on a wish list for sure.
Your boards just get better and better. Can’t wait to hear more about your construction technique. How do those quads handle in the big hollow stuff? Is that a leash loop made out of epoxy? Are you getting any cracking around those fin boxes?
I love to hear that those boards are made to ride!!! yesss, take it to the limit.
Is the deck curved at all and if so how did you deal with the compound curve issue? Weight is a big deal for me, I receintly cut the rails off my HWS and replaiced them with 2# EPS.
Beautiful! Which fins are those and where are they positioned (measurements). Like everyone else, I would love to see pictures of the construction process.
Well, I’m working on the photos, The wife is the photographer so I need to have her dig them up and resize.
In the meantime picture the perimiter frame or stringers and tail block with nothing in the center. Rocker and foil are already cut into them. then insert an EPS frame with the deck and bottom contours shaped into the eps. Like the skeleton of a fish.
Generally I use an 1/8 inch poplar bending ply for the skins to form the compound curves on the deck and bottom. I really have not been able to find anything close in terms of its strength to weight ratio, ability to form within compound curves, look, and availability. I have glued up my own skins ,though it adds a considerable amount of labor to each board without much, if any, weight loss.
There is a considerable amount of dome in both of these decks. It adds a great deal of strength to the skin. I’ve yet to see a pressure ding on any of my boards.
Those fins were developed by Stretch surfboards. the same guys who are responsible for the amazing epoxy job and leash loop.
I do love the way these quad fins handle in larger waves. I am now riding a 8’4" quad I developed for the larger days at the beach. These wood quads perform well in all sorts of waves, thought they really come to life when the waves become large and critical. The weight distribution to the perimiter, shock obsorbtion, and flex characteristics of this type of construction really lend themselves to a board with alot of control in larger waves.
Hey Daniel, I’m hoping you’ll post more more info about your process and boards. Maybe some close ups. Your logo looks cool too. Let’s see more. Those were some fo the nicest boards I’ve seen posted here.
It sounds like you cut the poplar ply after the perimeter stringer is already set up? How do you get such a great fit? Or is the perimeter shaped after the ply is bagged onto the EPS?
Can’t wait to see the construction process. I’ve been discussing some original (to us) techniques for “hybrid” EPS/holow wood boards with a friend who shapes traditional PU and EPS boards. Curious to see how your techniques compares with our theoretical plans.
…think of these as Hollow wood/ EPS hybrids. They are an integration of the two surfboard technologies I have been working with for a few years now, so they are essentially Hollow wood surfboards with an EPS interior frame. They are built using a system of molds to create the perimiter wood frame or stringer and the internal EPS frame. The internal frame is covered with a thin ply or venner… Single layer 4oz S bottom, 6oz S deck
6’5", 20.375, 2.5, 8.75LBS.
6’2", 20.25, 2.375, 8.25LBS.
I hope you enjoy
-Daniel Hess
Daniel, killer craftmanship and great looking shape. I too would like to see what you got going on under the wood skin and look forward to your posting that. But I’ve got to ask if you were going after something besides just knocking off a few extra ounces by going with an “interior frame” when EPS is already so light weight? Did you glass the outside skin only?
