Hi all
What are the benefits/disadvantages of concave decks? How much if at all do they affect flotation?
They affect flotation relativ to how much foam you take out. I used one on a super skinny fish but wasn’t too stoked on it. I di notic a little better flex though.
.Concaved decks are a perfect match for kite surfboards…If you don’t have to paddle, you don’t need excess foam…You can build using tougher skins and thinner cores…
I think I recall Bert Berger refering to a tennis raquet annalogy… Where the parabolic rails acts as a frame and the concaved deck acts as the flexible “strings”… Correct me if I’m wrong, I’ve read a lotta’ shit since then…
But for what it’s worth, the tennis raquet design goal is the most sensible concept… to this builder…
But then I don’t have to design a board with paddling as a consideration so I keep the thickness to around 2"…
You surfer guy’s . especially the heavy dudes like me, have to build a surfboard that paddles well, but hack waves equally as well…
I have no idea what you’re going through…I can hollow out the deck without any consideration of the board’s paddle-ability or floatation… Dudes, Go buy some used kites…")
I LOVE MINE!
Since I read Bert’s explination I started making all mine with concave decks. When you prone paddle the board or when surfing it… it just feels like it’s a part of you. You feel more connected to the board.
Most of my boards are in the 9 to 10’ size… the concave is from 1/8" to 3/8". I like to knee paddle so when I go shorter in length I have to make the board thicker. My last, and best board, is 9’2"x24"x3 1/2", step nose and tail with ‘Harbor’ nose rails, deck is the 3/8" concave!
When someone in the line-up whats to try my board I trade with them for awhile and usually have trouble staying ballances on their boards because of the domed deck.
Do it, you’ll love it!
Les