Hi all,
I’m working on a new design that is still in the “thinking” stage of development. I’ve been pondering this design for a couple years, but recently a couple companies have released production boards that are similar to what I’d like to create.
The concept - Basically, I’d like to create a surfboard for kitesurfing that will perform like a surfboard in one direction, but I can also ride backwards (on the nose of the board) so I don’t have to do the “switch-stance dance” to turn it around. Although I’m a veteran surfer and kitesurfer, I’m just too much of a klutz to switch stance (or maybe just too lazy to learn). I’ll probably be riding this in fairly small waves (no bigger than hand-high sets) in the Great Lakes and the East Coast’s OBX (I’m moving there later this year).
The design - A couple companies are now making production boards that follow my general idea, but unfortunately are way too small for me. I’m 6’5" tall and weigh 240 lbs (110 kg) and the production boards are typically designed for guys who weigh 165 lbs ( 75 kg ). Attached are two examples of boards that are similar in concept to what I’d like to build. Both these boards are about 5’ (155 cm) in length, so by simple extrapolation I’m guessing my board should be about 6’6" or longer. I’d like to give the surf side a swallow tail (just cause I think they’re pretty), flat rockered (so it will ride fast while kite-powered) and fairly wide (or almost “fish” - like). I’m thinking I’ll use small, quad-fins for the surf side tail and either one or two fins for the kite side tail (nose).
Construction - since this board will be an experiment and I’ll be moving to an area where normal board building supplies will be hard to find, I plan on using a building technique similar to what I saw in the “Home Depot” and “$14 Blank” threads. My last 3 boards were all built with Divinycel and WEST epoxy, so I’ll probably try to build this one using Home Depot EPS foam, WEST epoxy and a fairly heavy layup. I’ve got a good vacuum pump that I can use and may even try to use wood veneers or door skin if it doesn’t make the board too much heavier.
Any and all comments, suggestions are welcome!