Ok I’m no mathematician or physicist so I pose the question to those who are.
Assuming that it is generally agreed that:
a) different design types will perform differently depending on conditions and rider experience
b) changing one variable in a boards design changes all other variables
c) a board which does not float the rider well will not work as well as a board with adequate float
The question I have is regarding float. Is there way to create some sort of algorithm that could be used to determine the volume needed for a board, regardless of design (retro, performance, etc) for a particular rider?
Example: say I am 5’7” and weight 170 lbs. I want a modern quad fish made from a poly blank, heavy glass and resin tint and gloss. I am an average surfer. Could not then, there be some formula by which you could determine the minimum overall volume of a board of this design for my weight and ability? That same formula could be used for any other person and board types.
The person would get the design characteristics that they requested (if a performance board then performance or if a retro single-fin then the same) and yet be able to also get the most ideal amount of float.
I see a lot of guys on hi-performance boards that are too small for their weight and ability. The formula could help them in getting the same design concepts but suited their specific needs.
I imagine it would something like:
Rider weight (displacement) x desired float for board design (lower volume for high performance and more volume for fish etc.) – weight of finished board (gloss and polish will weigh more than the same exact shape in EPS) = total ideal volume for that design.
Any thoughts? Am I missing some really important variables? I know that it’s practically impossible to calculate volume of a compound curve object like a surfboard by hand but it can be done buy computer no?
This formula would also help all those poor souls lining up to get Slater’s latest BMI challenedge board.