How to shape a surfboard

• Sebas R


• 3 Feb 2014

Building a surfboard begins with the shape of the foam. From a blank with a stringer, the goal is to give it the shape we want for our surfboard. The first step is to define the outline: shortboard, fish, hybrids, etc … And the size of the board: length, width, and thickness.

After defining these parameters, you will have to buid a template using a 3 or 4 mm thick DM.

This template will allow you to draw on the foam the outline of the board, using the stringer as a symmetry axis.

Then, used an electric jigsaw or a handsaw to cut the foam respecting the outline you have just drawn on the foam. Refine the outline by sanding manually, to obtain smooth curves.

With the electric toothbrush, lower the foam to achieve the desired thickness, and finish the job manually with sandpaper. To do this, follow the original rocker of the foam, and look closely the distribution of the volume.

It´s also time to shape the bottom of your surfboard, and define if you want flat, V, concave or double concave bottom.

It’s a tricky part, that’s where we see the great shapers. You can measure the thickness of the board nailing a very thin stick at the thickest point of the foam. There are special tools to measure the thickness, but hard to get, reserved for professional shapers.

The final part is to shape the rails. Use for that the surfoam and sanding paper. By alternating each side of the board, try to obtain a symmetrical result.

Rails should have an edge from the tail to the side fins. From the side fin, this edge must disappear; the rail should be round and smooth until the nose.

And as a video worth 1,000 words, here is a video which shows how to proceed, step by step. Let us a “Like” on YouTube, and share this tutorial on social networks, Facebook, tweeter and google +. Honestly, it would be very helpful!

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