Okay, here’s the story: Ever since I surfed my first wave about 2 years ago I’ve been hooked, in my opinion, nothing beats that feeling. I’ve been going up to Tofino BC almost every weekend this summer (4 hour drive) and paying $40 a day for suit and board rentals just to get my fix, and I find it’s completely worth it. Anyway, my stepdad’s being a sweetheart and for my birthday he’s offered to build me a board. He’s crafty with all sorts of things especially wood, so he’s thinking a solid balsa wood board would be the best bet. Now, what I need help with is all the specs; design plans, shaping tips, well actually anything to do with building a board, anything you think we’ll need to read up on. Also I’ve read about Clark Foam Blanks, and i was just wondering if getting one of these $73 8’6 blanks and glassing it would be a better idea since neither of us knows anything about board making. Anyway, all information, tips, webpages, ideas etc. will be apreciated! Thanks heaps, Liv
P.S. Oh yeah I’ve been riding an 8’6 since i started and i really like it, but if you guys think that an 8’6 woody is a stupid idea or know a good size for one, let me know…thanks!
That’s great that you’re enjoying surfing. You definitely need your own board to save some cash. $40 bucks a day…wow! Ok, your dad sounds like a great guy but if he doesn’t surf (I assume he doesn’t since you are renting boards) it may be a little challenging to get a decent shape out on his first try. For me, it makes sense to buy a board from an experienced shaper rather than blow the cash on a less than sufficient board. There are a lot of guys on this site that would be able to create something that fits your needs for a good price or that might have a used board available. Look under resources/photo archive and your can see all the boards people have posted, then talk to people. I personally have a Hunt Custom Imperial 9’10" shaped by Gregg Hunt. It’s a freak’n unbelievable board. I ride it all the time. He has a distributor up in San Francisco. Craigslist is also a good resource or E-bay for used boards. I looked under sporting in PORTLAND/Craigslist and found these:
Your dad, crafty as he may be, is gonna have a tough time shaping and glassing a board. Building a wooden board might be a bit more up his alley - but I’m not sure, as I’ve only dabbled in that woodcraft.
On the other hand, if you are spending 40 bucks a day - I would suggest you simply buy a used board. You’ve probably spent enough for a full quiver of brand new boards by now - even if you dont surf everyday. Up to you. If you have ANY questions on shaping, the shaping process, glassing, the glassing process, or where to start or how to design, feel free to email me - soccer_kicker@hotmail.com - I would love to help you out.