Surfboards Through the Years

Olo/AliiAlaia feet long Reserved for commoners (length of board reflected social class) feet long Reserved for chiefs and nobleman The First Surfboards Both are wooden boards made from the native Wili Wili, Ula and Koa trees

Early 20 th Century George Freeth The 1 st professional surfer, George Freeth, brought surfing, then a dying sport, to California The surfboards were being made out of redwood then Freeth took the long Hawaiian boards and cut them in half The new surfboards were now 6-10 feet in length making them lighter; more accessible

Making the Board Lighter Tom Blake; Balsa Wood A less heavy wood, balsa, was introduced and surfboards became even lighter Redwood is water resistant, but it’s heavy To make it lighter, a surfer named Tom Blake came up with a hollow board design

Fibreglass, Epoxy, Foam A foam board is for beginners to avoid blood and bruises from a heavy and hard board New materials like fiberglass and epoxy resin have allowed for even lighter boards Cheaper to produce Dent resistant

Surfboard Leash The surfboard leash is a safety device as much as it is handy to have Attaches to the leg Ensures you don’t lose your board in rough water Pat O’Neill

Tail Designs Squash/Square tail – Enhances manoeuvrability – For small waves and heavier surfers. Pin Tail – Big wave surfboard – Allows it to hold in where a wider tail would cause the surfboard to spin out Swallow/Split Tail – Turning abilities of a wide tail design – The individual points act in a similar fashion to the pintail design.

Single Fins

Twin Fins

Three Fin Thruster

4 or More...?

Different Shapes of Boards Longer surfboards will paddle easier, glide better and make it easier to get around sections However they are less maneuverable than short surfboards Wider surfboards float better, are more stable and ideal for beginners and for surfing junk waves In large waves most surfers benefit from the increase in control that narrower surfboards will give

Other Design Points: Thick or Thin Bottom Contours Nose Lift Tail Lift Surfboard Rocker Surfboard Rails

Surfboard Future...

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