A Free Board Design and Build app (SurfCraft) In Beta - Need testing/inputs

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Hey Swaylocks community,

I’m new to the site but wanted to offer something after building several boards. Its got a touch of my overly comprehensive approach but it’s pretty powerful if used (and operating correctly). I’m still working the beta version. Overall, it covers quite a bit. I’m tweaking the interface but need some inputs from the community. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Constructive criticism welcome. If your a social media cop, don’t worry about it. I’ll become familiar with the site (I should be having built boards) and come back to check replies/messages over time. (Happy to send a link to the App for anyone wanting to give it a try.)

Here’s my AI generated description of the site in its current form:

"A surfboard design platform that helps match surfers with their ideal board specs and provides comprehensive build guidance and AI generated tutorials for each phase of the build.

What makes it different:
• 16-question professional interview system that analyzes surfing level, wave conditions, and physical characteristics
• Physics-based wave analysis (0-3ft to 20ft+) with real paddle speed limitations research
• Intelligent auto-fix system that applies professional design principles to correct compatibility issues
• Performance-based fin selection (not experience-limited) - fins chosen for board type, wave size, and surfing goals
• S.U.R.F. report generation for shaper collaboration - complete specs in professional format
• Free AI tutorial generation that works with ChatGPT/Claude for detailed build instructions
• 41 authentic workshop photos documenting real builds with learning stories

The system uses industry-standard Guild Factor calculations and evaluates selections against professional surfboard design principles. When it detects issues (like a beginner trying to build a gun for 2ft waves), the auto-fix feature applies evidence-based corrections across 9 categories.

It serves both DIY builders wanting detailed tutorials and people working with professional shapers who need comprehensive specifications. The S.U.R.F. reports include calculated dimensions, rocker profiles, fin configurations, and complete user requirements.

Been testing it with various board types and wave conditions - the physics-based approach seems to align well with what we know about surfboard performance. The fin selection algorithm considers wave size, board design, and rider goals rather than artificial experience limitations.

Would be happy to share the link if anyone’s interested in checking it out or providing feedback. Always looking to improve the system based on real shaper knowledge and community input."

Cheers and Aloha!
John - Developer/shaper

P.S. The app emphasizes that building surfboards is a journey of learning and growth - it’s designed to guide and educate, not replace the hands-on experience and intuition that comes from working with foam and fiberglass.er)

Screenshot 2025-07-20 140309
Screenshot 2025-07-20 1403091901×909 249 KB

SurfCraft

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Define physics-based wave analysis.
Parameters used?
Substantiating sources for parameters used?
How are you determining paddle speeds?

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Hello and thanks for the question. here’s what’s happening in the background. I’m in the process of confirming and retesting and updating the deployed App in these and other areas as I can. There are some differences between reality and physics that play and this gets into my experience, your experience and others experience. I tweak the algorithm accordingly. (Look at the Water Safety page and discussion on surf etiquette). Its got a little humor. Board pics in the photos and of the surf photography (Pipe in this case) are my own. (I do photography - Another old man hobby) I did the shark inlay on the balsa gun. Cheers…

Physics-Based Wave Analysis - Brief Summaries

Define physics-based wave analysis:
Physics-based wave analysis uses scientific wave measurements and hydrodynamic principles instead of subjective descriptions like “waist-high” waves. The system categorizes waves from 0-3ft to 20ft+ based on actual energy levels and power requirements. This approach matches board designs to real wave physics rather than personal interpretations. It ensures recommendations work in actual ocean conditions rather than theoretical scenarios.

Parameters used:
The system uses 7 wave categories (0-3ft through 20ft+), wave energy calculations, paddle speed requirements, and board length efficiency curves. Key parameters include wave power progression, human biomechanical limits, and hydrodynamic performance ratios. Guild Factor calculations determine volume needs while rocker angles match wave face geometry. These parameters create specific board requirements for each wave size range.

Substantiating sources for parameters used:
Parameters come from big wave surfing research at locations like Nazaré and Jaws, professional surfboard design principles, and oceanographic wave energy studies. Industry-standard Guild Factor methodology provides volume calculations while naval architecture principles guide hydrodynamic analysis. Open source surfboard building resources and established shaper knowledge validate the design principles. Scientific wave power progression data supports the energy-based categorization system.

How are you determining paddle speeds:
Paddle speed determination uses biomechanical research from elite big wave surfers showing maximum sustainable speeds of 8-10 mph. Studies from professional surfing locations confirm the 10’6" board length limit where human power efficiency peaks. Research demonstrates that longer boards become counterproductive due to increased drag versus available human power. These findings establish realistic paddle power limits that determine maximum practical board lengths for paddle-in surfing versus tow-in requirements.

John

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I am a resident Sways scientist (retired with 40 years of professional experience). I am fairly tolerant of most topics posted. However, my tolerance threshold for scientific hype in surfing is low.

These (and several others) are lovely buzz phrases which automatically trigger my skepticism.

“scientific wave measurements and hydrodynamic principles”

“energy levels and power requirements”

“7 wave categories (0-3ft through 20ft+), wave energy calculations”

“wave power progression, human biomechanical limits, and hydrodynamic performance ratios”

I am happy to be convinced otherwise. But these statements do nothing for me.

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I’d feel the same (If I was on the other end in your shoes. Congrats on the background, I respect it.) Keep in mind, this whole thing is optional and I’m not getting paid. I think that if you look at the App (or try it) you’ll see there’s a significant amount of work in it. (Thoughtful work). It’ll take some time. No claims to fame needed. My real job is aircraft test and procurements. I just happened to like doing alot. (Building planes, surfing, building race cars etc) I’d be happy to show a few if that helps. Anyway, back to the App…Its sole purpose is to help. (Mostly young people or others with little knowledge). It does way more. I’d suggest you run through the interview and get the code to have an AI model spit out an instruction and coaching specific to you, your experience and goals. Its pretty wild and you can control it and stay engaged via Chat GPT, Grok or whatever. If anything, it’ll tell someone about surfboards and run them through an AI learning curve. (Maybe worth the try by itself). Anyway, I appreciate you engaging and again, respect your expertise and contributions to the community. Keep it up and help me tweak it if you want…here or privately.

John

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Recent “brief” commentary I have made about physics at Sways.
(So far my grasp of physics has gleaned 3 physics-based patents for me in my retirement.)

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Yep and this is where some of the challenge is. It can’t all be overcome in an App and at some point the surfer (and shaper) head and feel needs to be in the equation. I’m trying to tailor this in with notes, comments and even in the code for the AI so that in the tutorials (and hand written stuff) it’s mentioned. Namely, the App is a starting point. I want the starting point as accurate as possible. Maybe a disclaimer on the rest that will be tweaked over time with expert input and research (or a data normalizing function). Physics/reality check = something in the middle. Thanks for pulling up these posts because it’s exactly the type of thing that has me diving back in AND solidifying the reality of the challenge. BTW…My background with surfing goes back to 1975. Lived in Laie and went to Hauula elementary. Born years before that :slight_smile:

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My brief bio;
I am no pro surfboard builder.
I started designing surfboards in the margins of my high school English notebook in the late 60s. Been doing it ever since.

Designed and built several surfboards in high school. I was paid for a few. Decided I could make more money doing other things.

Now, I’m a retired scientist who still designs surfboards, primarily for fun.

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Back to engage…sweating because I’m cutting grass too. That’s fantastic. I’m From Newport Beach originally. (Hoag’s Hospital). Moved to Hawaii twice. 68 (Diapers) and again in 76 as a Haole. That’s why I mentioned Hauula. It’s where the Bruhdas went before Kahuku. You might look up Plaudette Reed and surf trunks to hear about my grandmother. (Surfing history - Legendary Surfers “Beach Mothers”. My Grandfather was Bob Reed, Newport Beach Lifeguard chief, from 55-1972. So, lots of stories for sure. Later in life I got into aviation. Civil and military maintenance (depot on Helos and fighters). Then engineering and then program management. I’ll tell you where I work now after I retire.

Funny you mentioned the patents. Me and my daughter worked on a provisional for a science fair project. It won regionals and got a CIA award. I pulled it out the other day (The provisional). The package and maintenance was too heavy $$ for my pre-retirement planning. The idea was similar to the golf ball theory. (Fluid dynamics though) It boiled down to tailoring skin in a certain way to maintain boundary layer, reducing drag and pushing the turbulence break to the back of the wing. Its really a cool project. We pumped water prom a pool to a house gutter back to the pool with test cell set up with spring scales (pencil type)and 42 boogie board models (test articles with varying surfaces) to run in it. What a hoot that was and we won, proving the theory. (Smooth surfaces are actually really draggy) More theory in private.

I didn’t actually shape a full board until 2003. (The longboard with the stripes and Hibiscus flowers in the photos on the site. My daughter and I did the blue one. I did the Balsa board with a Blank made by George Robinson for my daughters wedding gift. (That was so cool). Anyway, you got me on a roll and I’ve got to get the grass cut before my wife gets back.

I’ll keep working the App with the intent of keeping it useful to help guide the unknowing and introduce a little theory, safety etc. It’ll be there…free. (Its pretty open as things should be in this community) I wouldn’t do it if I was worried about money. I just hope people appreciate the effort and pass it on. Thanks and we’ll re-engage as time passes. To good health and happiness! Hopefully I won’t get kicked out. I do have my email here and the contact (under resources) on the site gives people a form to throw darts at. Either way, hope to remain in touch. Back to the mower…

John

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Wave of change… Since late 50’s people know that growing capitalist consummer market will not work so long, now many know (even if they don’t want…) that we need a new model, a new way of life, to avoid ultimate catastrophe…
I doubt all this AI bullshit is what we need… I hope i am wrong because i start to be old (i start thinking that was better before LOL).
Guy make boards; explain why and how if you want to share, but why do you want to put a computer thinking in there ?

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I like it, congratulations for building that. For me it’s another call to look at what’s happening with AI ;).
Not turning anything down, but as all things AI I have tried in the last weeks , which is not much, it seems a bit shallow at the moment .
Curious to see how your app evolves. At the stage that it is now it’s hard to judge.

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hello Friend.
i think your volume and size calculator are wrong, i tried for a standard shortboard…maybe do some more tests.

This said i found your app hard to follow along, i can’t seem to understand what it does?

will the app at some point produce a printable outline or an acurate file to cut in a cnc?

i understand machines are here to help us (car, bike, sewing machine, calculator, planer etc…)
but machines giving opinions in my point of view is weird.
all this AI stuff is hard for me to digest and a bit anti human life, but once again who am i to criticize while holding a cell phone.

cheers and good waves.

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Perfect input I need and valid thoughts. Main point for ai output is that input is critical and human (for now). Experience, nuance, feel etc needs to be tailored into the input. I added the subtle surf lingo to not have it so dry. Still seeing how that works/feels. Priority now is spec output based on interview and analysis after. Then S.U.R.F. report for basic spec and creation of a pdf to be passed or retaineed for a shaper if the user aborts the build. Generated tutorials have nuance. Look at the generated code for cut and paste. It can be tailored. So, thanks and I’ll work it in and continue refinements.

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Yep. Really interesting and powerful but MUST be checked and fed with experienced input. I use it for some work stuff. DoD is also using it. Training and certification should be required. Its coming. We grabbed the Tiger by the tale and need to hold on. (Lots of reasons, personal and society as a whole). Im trying to use for good purpose. Thanks much!

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Because often times there’s not a single source or shaper that can consolidate and spend the time to cover in one place.

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All is lost!!!

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By the way. Thanks! Appreciate the positive side. I figured I’d be in a shark tank as soon as I posted it. (Rightly so) AI isn’t exactly exciting people and it’ll definitely be a societal balancing act. Its a hard concept to introduce and the arguments are legit. The power of it is pretty amazing. Tell Grok to go into “unhinged mode” on a controversial topic. It’ll drop the filters. Anyway, the models are worth exploring. Each has it’s own qualities and deficits.

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Thanks for trying it out-how many hours did it take to build that kind of interface? I appreciate the time you put in there. I should be doing the same thing to get an insight what it is all about.
I’ll check in once in a while and look where things are going.

I’ve been trying to use AI search on topics-stuff that I have been interested in for many years- and found the outcome marginal at best.
Searching for bird species or plants on the other hand is really amazing.

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Why not AI is only evolution of numerical tools. That will help people to be more efficient a real progess…if human society were not only build on buisness of human work. If you let machine do all jobs what will happens ?

A little philosophic… I don’t fully understand the goal of your tool: guy describe what feeling he want and your machine design the board and explain him how to do it ?

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I’m going to be pointed, sorry if it offends…

Putting a 6’ 200 pound person in the same catagory as a 6’5" 250 pound person is insulting and ignores scientific principals.

But what is worse is the app spitting out a small weak wave fish shape that’s 6’0" 21" by 2.5" at 61.9 liters. That’s gotta be a joke, right? Those dimensions cannot achieve that amount of volume.

I was one and done. I hope no one actually uses this to guide their choices.

Large Language Models pattern matching alogrithms sux… don’t even type “AI”… nothing intelligent about them.