Looks like that is going to be a great time
Fantastic job - looks like a winner! Just out of curiosity, may I ask why you chose to glue the balsa patch on op rather than glassing over it? Basically, I’m curious whether the issue was related more to function, cosmetics, or “assembly”…
-Samiam
Janklow,
Thanks again for your help coming up with the design! As for the fin…11" version?! Whoa, that would be fun, but holy kelp batman. And besides, I was amazed what I was able to get out of a starfin on my big board, and those are not very long. I have to admit, though, an 11" fin on this board would be pretty funny.
Humandrive,
Thanks! Stay tuned for the ride report once I get the fin in.
Samiam,
Sorry, forgot to put those steps in. I actually put two layers of glass over the knee-paddling balsa deck-patch. First I glued it down, then I flooded to fill voids and coated it with epoxy, sanded it down to level the whole thing, then two layers of 4 oz over it, in addition to the 4 oz under. It feels really nice under the knees, very solid. I weigh 200lbs, so I wanted to minimize knee dents and maximize longevity of the board. Benny1 suggested going with the balsa knee paddling patch.
–Ben
Today I took her out on the inaugural surf. Guy in the parking lot takes one look at it and says, “that’s…interesting.” I flip it over, and he says, “wood on the deck, that’s…interesting.” I think to him, anything different than what he surfs is…interesting.
As for the board, to keep it short, it was really fun. Waves were small point break, but I was able to catch ankle to knee high gutless waves. On the big waves…knee to waist…the board was really fun, and I got a small taste of its capabilities. I like the fin combo, but need to try it out with other fins, too. When knee paddling I was able to keep up with my buddy on his 9’8", so that was nice. The lack of rocker was not too much of a problem.
Here are pix of the finished Thing. Thanks again for help and support. After I ride it more, and ride it with twin keels, I will give a more informed ride report.
Alright, I’m ready to give a ride report on this beast. I’ve gotten it out in the water about 8 times now, and it is so fun. It is such a joy to be riding something that I made. I am limited to boards that I can knee paddle at least some of the time, and at 8’, this is the shortest I’ve got that works. It is definitely my own little trip, and I don’t expect anybody to join me on it (but if you want to try it out, just let me know). I can tail ride it in shore break, but then it is a short trip to the nose and then zoom! Took a while to figure out the lack of rocker thing on such a short board with my small brain and limited skills, but I’ve got it figured out now. I can catch a ripple on it, but it is also fun in pitching beach break. Less fun paddling back out through the pitching beach break with 4 second period, though.
Also, I love the spitfire fin in it. The board has thick (>3.5") soft rails, but the spitfire seems to allow me some good down the line speed in spite of the soft rails. Can’t wait to try my Probox Flex-keels when they come!!! Also plan on trying some other single fins out…eventually. Need to save up some more cash, I guess.
EDIT:
Oops, forgot to say that the balsa, she’s holding strong. Not even a hint of knee dings. Thanks Benny1!
11ft, that thing looks the goods mate.
very unique board and cool to see a surfer on his own trip… not conforming.
Charge!
Looks great, love the balsa
Quote:
Alright, I’m ready to give a ride report on this beast. I’ve gotten it out in the water about 8 times now, and it is so fun. It is such a joy to be riding something that I made. I am limited to boards that I can knee paddle at least some of the time, and at 8’, this is the shortest I’ve got that works. It is definitely my own little trip, and I don’t expect anybody to join me on it (but if you want to try it out, just let me know). I can tail ride it in shore break, but then it is a short trip to the nose and then zoom! Took a while to figure out the lack of rocker thing on such a short board with my small brain and limited skills, but I’ve got it figured out now. I can catch a ripple on it, but it is also fun in pitching beach break. Less fun paddling back out through the pitching beach break with 4 second period, though.
Also, I love the spitfire fin in it. The board has thick (>3.5") soft rails, but the spitfire seems to allow me some good down the line speed in spite of the soft rails. Can’t wait to try my Probox Flex-keels when they come!!! Also plan on trying some other single fins out…eventually. Need to save up some more cash, I guess.
EDIT:
Oops, forgot to say that the balsa, she’s holding strong. Not even a hint of knee dings. Thanks Benny1!
Looks like fun. We have hurrican surf head high…but filled with Jellies.
WakeBorris,
Thanks! Next one, maybe a hollow wood board? Any opinions on that?! I’m thinking maybe pine?
Woody,
Thanks! First time balsa user, and I will definitely use it again.
Solo,
Thanks. Might look even better with twinfires, eh?
Ha! No, don’t lower your sights on the pine. Balsa baby, balsa!! If i could afford it, id use it.
The paulownia has got some of my attention, burlap, brown sugar and caramel. Very lightweight.
Nice board!
