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Surfboards: Carbon Fiber And Aluminum
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Published: December 19, 2006
Surfboard designers have always looked for ways to enhance both the board and the surfing experience. They have evolved their designs from the old Hawaiian Olo boards, to the classic Malibu, to the varying long and shortboards which can be found cruising the waves today.
In the quest of surfing advancement, lightweight surfboards give the rider some major advantages.
They are easier to ride and can save the rider from physical stress.
The original surfboards were sculpted from wood and most current ones are made from fiberglass or foam. Some companies take a different approach to how they create their surfboards. Instead of using the usual materials, they make custom surfboards out of aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials help cut down on the weight of the board and can offer other benefits as well.
Surfboards made from aluminum are designed to be light and stable. When used to make surfboards, aluminum allows for unmatchable designs. These boards are formed with a honeycomb structure on the inside, which leaves some open space to cut down on weight but still gives the rider the necessary support. With this honeycomb structure, the board will not crack or break.
Aluminum surfboards have benefits besides their lack of weight. Because they are aluminum, they are completely recyclable; if a surfer decides to get rid of his or her board, it can be recycled to make other products. Also, losing a surfboard at sea is one of the most frustrating situations a surfer can encounter. However, aluminum surfboards can be found by radar or other methods of metal detection.
Carbon fiber is a newer form of surfboard design. Although it can be expensive, it produces a durable board. The carbon fiber is formed into a shell, which is held together with epoxy resin, leaving the board hollow and lightweight. Though surfers may worry about the carbon fiber board cracking, but these boards actually can be 10 times stronger and 15 percent lighter than the traditional fiberglass or foam surfboards.
Though carbon fiber surfboards are more expensive in the beginning, carbon fiber surfboards can outlive fiberglass boards. By the time three foam boards have been trashed, a carbon fiber may still be going strong.
Weight is an important feature of surfboards. Nobody wants to struggle to get their board from the top of their car to the water, or have little control due to its heaviness when surfing. Lightweight boards made from these materials provide a safer and smoother ride for surfers. The idea is for the board to float and provide a fast and easily controlled ride.
Sources:
Aluminum Surf Board. Suzki Tool Die Co., Ltd. 14 December 2006. http://www.suzukitooling.com/index.cfm?PID=13142&a mp;PIDList=13136,13142
Koteen, Casy. New Carbon Fiber Surfboards Hit Retail. 6 October 2005. 2004. Transworld Media. 14 December 2006. http://www.twsbiz.com/twbiz/features/article/0,212 14,1114896,00.html
Anders, Mark. Fresh Loot. September 2002. 2006. Meriah Media, Inc. 14 December 2006. http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/200209/200209 _fresh_loot.adp
In the quest of surfing advancement, lightweight surfboards give the rider some major advantages.
Related Articles
The original surfboards were sculpted from wood and most current ones are made from fiberglass or foam. Some companies take a different approach to how they create their surfboards. Instead of using the usual materials, they make custom surfboards out of aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials help cut down on the weight of the board and can offer other benefits as well.
Surfboards made from aluminum are designed to be light and stable. When used to make surfboards, aluminum allows for unmatchable designs. These boards are formed with a honeycomb structure on the inside, which leaves some open space to cut down on weight but still gives the rider the necessary support. With this honeycomb structure, the board will not crack or break.
Aluminum surfboards have benefits besides their lack of weight. Because they are aluminum, they are completely recyclable; if a surfer decides to get rid of his or her board, it can be recycled to make other products. Also, losing a surfboard at sea is one of the most frustrating situations a surfer can encounter. However, aluminum surfboards can be found by radar or other methods of metal detection.
Carbon fiber is a newer form of surfboard design. Although it can be expensive, it produces a durable board. The carbon fiber is formed into a shell, which is held together with epoxy resin, leaving the board hollow and lightweight. Though surfers may worry about the carbon fiber board cracking, but these boards actually can be 10 times stronger and 15 percent lighter than the traditional fiberglass or foam surfboards.
Though carbon fiber surfboards are more expensive in the beginning, carbon fiber surfboards can outlive fiberglass boards. By the time three foam boards have been trashed, a carbon fiber may still be going strong.
Weight is an important feature of surfboards. Nobody wants to struggle to get their board from the top of their car to the water, or have little control due to its heaviness when surfing. Lightweight boards made from these materials provide a safer and smoother ride for surfers. The idea is for the board to float and provide a fast and easily controlled ride.
Sources:
Aluminum Surf Board. Suzki Tool Die Co., Ltd. 14 December 2006. http://www.suzukitooling.com/index.cfm?PID=13142&a mp;PIDList=13136,13142
Koteen, Casy. New Carbon Fiber Surfboards Hit Retail. 6 October 2005. 2004. Transworld Media. 14 December 2006. http://www.twsbiz.com/twbiz/features/article/0,212 14,1114896,00.html
Anders, Mark. Fresh Loot. September 2002. 2006. Meriah Media, Inc. 14 December 2006. http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/200209/200209 _fresh_loot.adp
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