I was googling for “smallest surfboard”, and I came across the Wave Skate used for wake surfing behind boats. Dimensions are listed here. Some are finless and allow for interesting skateboard-like manuevers (see the video clips).
I have a sheet of 2lb density, 4ft x 2ft x 2" EPS sitting in my garage. I am wondering if such a board could be used on traditional waves, specifically in ankle to knee high, glassy conditions. It seems like the toughest part would be paddling/standing. But if the board was very light and responsive, you might be able to drive it enough to keep it going. I have read about “blackball beater” type boards that are soft for skirting surfing restrictions at certain spots…with some EVA foam glued to the deck, this might qualify.
I am thinking of shaping the piece of EPS with a mild, symmetrical rocker set by a center stringer. Obviously, I would need to preserve most of the size for maximum planing surface, so the shape will be similar to the Wave Skate. Any suggestions for fins?
I know…“just build it and tell us about it”…but I was looking to the wisdom of the experts for some preliminary advice.
Around summer of ‘68 we were mostly fooling around with 5’ x 19" diamond and swallows, and found at that size, any weight was acceptable, as mostly poly weighed in around 8 lbs even if you botched the glass job a couple times.
Heavier was easier. Lightly was flickier, of course.
Some guys preferred really thin, like 2", since they sometimes jumped into the waves in chest deep waters (talking 3’ waves now).
Some guys preferred 4" thick, so they at farther out and floated like their normal 7’ boards.
Thanks for the input, everyone. It seems like it would work…just not the same as a “standard” board. As soon as I get some cloth, I think I’ll give it a go.
Soul, please let me know when you try to stand on the board you posted. That would be a good indicator of what I am trying for. P.S. I love the super turtle (the one in your avatar). If you get a chance to post those boards with dimensions in the resource section, please do so.
I tried the little board, but for standing up it felt a bit too instable, I think because the fat tail and lack of volume in the nose. The take off was easy without flippers but I was already a little tired from testing my little turtle, whow I already love that board, what a speed in the headhigh windswell and so easy to turn. My friend was freaking out with his new bodyboard, he said he never went that fast. I saw him fly by few times with only one fin and a bit of rail in the water, maybe overdid the concave a bit? For a stanup board I think the volume and width should be more in the front of the board with a thinner tail too get better control, but I should try more to standup in better conditions. Lots of things to workout for the next version.
May creativity be with you and think how the water should move under and over the board
