Countdown to obsolescence?

General Discussion
1

I love making surfboards, and I love riding them (although I'm an amateur at both). 

The discussion on the "Why are Surftech boards so expensive?" thread got me thinking though:- Given the inevitable progress of technology, for how much longer can the surfboard building industry last in its current labour-intensive, "cottage industry" incarnation?  Surely it's only a matter of time before a truly game-changing technology arrives. 

Tufflite wasn't it, but was certainly a pointer of things to come.  Then TL2, various Firewire technologies, and others, all improving and getting closer to the ideal feel.  And now, looking at some of the discussions here on Swaylocks, it seems to me like there is now more focussed research than ever before on what makes a good surfboard good.  The more we know what we're aiming at, the easer it is for new alternative technologies to hit the mark.  

And when it comes, how will the industry react?  I, for one, don't expect it to be welcomed with open arms.  Particularly so, as I expect that it will involve a far higher degree of automation, and less customisation.

Every other board sport has already gone that way.  Modern windsurfers, for example, are so much stronger and lighter than old surfboard-similar pu/pe custom windsurfers, that I don't think anyone misses custom windsurfers.  There are a very large number of windsurfer "models" available, and surfing is so much bigger than windsurfing that I'm sure there would be an even far greater variety of different boards available. 

I'm not suggesting that this is necessarily good, but I do think it is inevitable.  I do think it will be a pity to lose the craftsmanship of custom surfboard shaping, but I'm not convinced that the majority of consumers will mind that much.  My brother has a joinery business, and used to make handcrafted furniture.  His problem is that most people want a cupboard to keep their junk in; they don't really want a work of art.  The next guy is prepared to make the customer a chipboard box, which is all the average customer wants in the first place. 

Is the average surfer the same, or does he/she really value the craftsmanship (sufficently to pay a premium for it)?  And what if the new alternative is truly superior?        

 

2

Better technology doesn't have to lead to standardization of design.

3

Countdown to obsolescence?

My brother has a joinery business, and used to make handcrafted furniture.  His problem is that most people want a cupboard to keep their junk in; they don't really want a work of art.  The next guy is prepared to make the customer a chipboard box, which is all the average customer wants in the first place. 

Well I look at surfboards differently:

A funboard just buy it from China.

Serious surfer buy a custom from your local shaper.

Your brother needs to change his customer base or his product offerings and adjust his business to make money?

If you make boards for beginners you may as well stop making surfboards. It would be like making a chipboard box!

If you make art pieces sell to art collectors not the general public?

Serious Surfers need custom boards. Surfing is a specialized sport and everyone expresses it differently.

Every other board sport has already gone that way.  Modern windsurfers, for example, are so much stronger and lighter than old surfboard-similar pu/pe custom windsurfers, that I don't think anyone misses custom windsurfers.  There are a very large number of windsurfer "models" available, and surfing is so much bigger than windsurfing that I'm sure there would be an even far greater variety of different boards available. 

Windsurfers play with the wind so the sail provides a source of power. Surfing is different than many water sports because you have to depend on your relation and conection to the wave to create movement. (self powered) A Surfboard is a very sensitive water craft that needs to be customized to fit a surfer of various sizes and abilities including the type of waves he rides. So many variations. So to say we are on a countdown to obsolescene? Depends how important surfing is to you?

SD

 

 

 

 

4

Tim B,  I think your assuming too much. The technology you speak of is nowhere remotely in sight .Its my honest opinion that by the time it gets here , it won't be needed. Since the Clark shut down in the US , neccessity , pure resourcefullness and history are the 3 main ingredients of the modern surf board...........as it should be.

5

OK, I accept that the game-changing technology I have in mind is not here yet, but to my mind the alternative technologies are improving all the time. 

I expect a division in the market between "commodity" surfboards and "pro" boards.  Commodity surfboards will be mass produced, whilst pro boards will remain custom.  Of course, this division has already existed for a long time, but currently custom is standard.  Mass production techniques will improve, and as they improve, mass produced boards will inevitably draw more of the market.  The line between these categories will move.

Now, I certainly don't have this technology in my secret garage laboratory.  I just find it difficult to believe that in another 10 or 20 years, the average surfboard, at the average beach around the world, will be a hand-shaped custom board.  

Of course, my board may be, but then I'll probably make it myself :-)     

6

The technology that has the most advanced results is more suited to the small operator , and that is where the growth is . The mass producers are in decline.

7

In surfing and surf-craft, which by definition must be a reflection of the experience in the surf line, arrival is not the ulitimate experience. The process, the turns, wipe outs, happy accidents, discoveries, new manuevers, foils, etc will always be what drives our culture. It will never be about the kick out but the ride. We now see more and more punts. We surfers constantly blend the beginning and the end.

 

Mahalo, Rich

8

Tim_b

if i look at how slow the industry has shifted in using adjustable fins systems in order to maximise board performance, i don;t think we have to worry andy time soon. However, whereever there is demand there will be supply, the traditional problems with most of the surf industry worldwide is that few of us are able to capitalize on the growth of a market in a  "custom" basis due to the very structural nature of our businesses.

Sure, CNC shaping machines have helped increase our productivity, but also have increased our costs too.

i agree, our sport is a very dynamic one, that is ever-changing, and as such will take a while before we ever reach a situation of saturation by moulded "pop-outs" or mass-produced boards bought off the shelf.

cheers

deano