The Basics - Natural Rocker and Gun Features

Archive 1999-2004
1

I’m hacking together a balsa gun. It’s not for sale or going to ride like a Phillip’s but I’d at least like to understand the important design decision in a gun – again if for no other reason than to appreciate what I see comming out of a pro shop. Can anyone suggest some common dimensions for a 10’ gun? I’m especailly concerned with the rocker and kick since I’m doing this from a balsa raft. Would you put lots of Vee in the tail or leave it fast? I assume you never add a nose riding concave to a gun. BTW what the hell is “natural” rocker? Does this mean that a 5" kick in the nose and 2.5" in the tail meet at the middle w/o and fast flat spot? jer

2

Natural rocker refers to the baseline blank rocker which can be ordered +/- in the nose and/or tail to suit your design. The other specifics are a tough call… for a comprehensive review of different aspects of board design, check the resources section or use the link below. Dave Parmenter wraps up all aspects of different board designs (including various guns) with rocker, outlines and thickness specs. A really good place to start. http://content.surfline.com/mag/features/anatomy/anatomy_flash.html

3

Natural rocker is the rocker the plug maker shaped into the plug. It is measured from the bottom of the plug before the mold is made. Sluggo

4

Where you gonna ride this beast? How big is the rider?

5

This is a great link. Thanks so much man!

6

I’m a big boy (200 lbs). I thought I’d take it out to SanO on a Saturday afternoon, aim it strait at the beach and just sit back and ride it really freakin slow. No really I’ll probably head south – something like K38.

7

Jeremy After checking out Parmenter’s article you should look in the archive’s in the 11’ foot category for a gun John Mellor built. It appears to lean towards a blend of a longboard gun and a classic gun in Parmenter’s terms. If you are going to cut this out of an old balsa raft you might want to seek out the help of friend who is a logger or works in a lumber mill. They have access to some large saws. Post the board when you get it done. Actually in process pictures would be interesting. Have fun. Patrick

8

Thanks man. This is a good blend. I’ll post the process pics after she’s floating but I doubt it’ll be much help since mine is a real skunk-works operation. jer