I have run across a few threads concerning those who are embarking on the journey of creating their first board and it appears that quite a lot of swaylockers like to see what the new kids are cooking up. I figured I would document my own experience for my self, to provide some insight to other “virgins” and to welcome the wisdom and creative criticism of the veterans.
To give some background, because I know the Coelacants like to know who they are talking to. I live in Michigan, and as such do my surfing on lake michigan, because of this I have to take in to account the lack of boyancy provided by salt water. I’m 5’6 and about 120# so I dont think i have much to worry about.
My plan for the first couple of boards is to use two sheets of 2" thick 8’ by 4’ polystyrene foam boards from home depot. I am looking for experince and something to test my ideas on and as such I am trying to be cost effective. For those of you just starting your surfcraft research I will save you some time. For a foam core you have two options so to speak, Polyurathene and polystyrene. If you use polyester resin and polystyrene it will melt the foam, as such you will need to use epoxy resin. Epoxy is more expensive, however stronger and can be used with both types of foam.
I am still doing research on gluing the two foam pieces together and contemplating incorporating a wood “core” so to speak between the foam pieces. Thoughts and comments welcome- I don’t want to use a stringer, I know a lot of builders don’t use them and i feel that cutting the foam and then re gluing it together can change the dynamics and flex of the board/shape. Also by adding the thin layer of wood between the foam I would like to try and add the “flex” dynamic to my shape. As of now it is an idea as i really know nothing on the subject. But I love trying things just to see if they will work.
Now for the shape and specs. Hopefully everyone can see the attached pdf file.
5'6, 19 3/4" wide, 1 3/4 thick (I want to put in a concave top and bottom. Thus i am not sure what the final thickness will be or how thick i want the rails to be. once again thoughts and ideas are welcome.) Under these specs the volume would be 20.63 liters or 58.15 beers. Honestly this doesn't make much sense to me as i have not taken a physics class. I understand the basics so please no smart ass remarks. ;) I know that I need to make sure the board can float me, isn;t too difficult to paddle but at the same time i want to avoid the "cork" feeling. Tentatively the nose rocker is 3 3/8" and the tail rocker is 1 5/8"
As a side note in the pdf file i didnt’ add in the concaves or adjust the rails. My plan is to have a 50-50 rail in the nose gradualy getting sharper towards the tail. From my research some say to begin with a sharper rail 1/3 or so from the tail. My plan is to begin sooner to help keep the nose from catching during turns.
Also the tail design is inspired from one of Bert’s designs. I have never seen the board but read about the S desin in another thread and this was inspiered by him. Thanks Bert.
For those who have not heard or seen it the theroy as i understand it is that the smaller section of tail aids in turning quircker and faster while still having the wider area for stability, boyuncy and planing abilities and such.
As of now I am waiting on my epoxy resin to arrive and am in the process of buliding my stand. Best of luck to everyone in your endevers and I hope you find this thread at the very least entertaining. Will post pictures and updates soon.