yes, I’ve done a trickle of boards using EPS with many variations in many ways, for about 2 decades. I think this is how our group came to realize that urethane/polyester shortboards have such a distinct “feel”.
Over that time span I was a bit frustrated as to why I could not get that feel using styro/epoxy BUT saw many other advantages, eg. (sometimes) durability, lightness, less toxicity, longer life and more quickness/sensitivity.
Recently (read in the last month) we were approached by some guys who were really close to getting a really good board “feel” and yet different from the PU/PE feel. We collaborated with them and messed with their concept (see my website under “emerging tech”) and all I can tell you is that although a bit difficult to build, it is possible to get a really good feel.
Now we are trying to be sure that there are no mistakes with findings since everything is SO SUBJECTIVE. We’ve just finished our sixth prototype and so far no stiff, skippy, or errant behaviors. Funny thing is the best refinements were neither super-noticible nor exotic things, they have been pretty basic “why didn’t I think of that?!!” kind of things.
This is the first time for us in over 20 years that EPS/Epoxy has made a progression that was fairly appreciable.
I am told that I am extremely picky/particular so what I’ve said could easily be taken out of context for many surfers. I’m not sure, I can only speak for myself. I can’t see how we are anywhere near “the leading edge” by any stretch but the “thing” we’ve been chasing using “other” materials seems to be appearing…
FIRST ANNUAL SURFBOARD DESIGN COMPETITIONS AND CHILI COOKOFF how about free foam for people who go to shops selling custom boards who fill out a simple entry form and bring their shaped board to the glass shop by deadline. Some local judges pick winner and runners up. Winner seeds to region, with a world design runnoff. The top 5 go to the award ceremony in Thailand. Of course, the judging criteria is what rides best. I see prize money coming in from chemical companies - Mr. TDI for one, tools(Stanley) and 3M and 3M’s competitors. Since the new designs may be way outside the foamer’s molds, this competition may have to factor in the annual retooling costs. Steve Shaw 808-521-0800
Looks like 2.5 # EPS with RR 2020 isn’t going to do it for everyone then, - look forward to hearing about your new boards when you get them on the market.
word i have been surfing for 35 years and bought my first eps epoxy from Steve Forstall,man did i love um,before i got him to shape it i tried a surftech just to see if it rode good,i could’nt stand it,it was stiff and too bouyant,Steve’s board was smooth and responsive,i had him shape me 7’0 x21"x2 1/2 fat for a recovering disc blow out in neck,was riding p/u 6’5" and 6’6" and 6’8" potato chips.got the stall in 2000,had him shape me a double wing rocket fish last spring,i’m almost 50 and am surfing better than i ever have!!some people say epoxy boards are stiff,no flex i don’t see that at all in Steve’s boards,so all you disbeleavers,don’t knock it if you haven’t rode one!!!