Glass Flex Surfboard

Glass Flex Surfboard

Wooden surfboards have been making a comeback on the beaches since their disappearance in the fifties, when foam boards became the standard. Many see these beautiful wood creations as a green alternative to their foam counterpart, and are attracted by the hip new look. If you are interested in buying an expensive wooden surfboard what should you be looking for? Here are some pitfalls that have led to sorry buyers posting sad reviews on the internet.

Finboxes leaking: There is a thread on surfermag about a 'wooden board' which leaked at the fin box, staining the bottom planking, and leading to the user selling his new board in disappointment. Wooden boards flex, and wood is naturally designed to do this, trees need to handle high winds. However plastic flexes less, and where these two mediums meet cracks will inevitable appear, making a leak in the surfboard. It is better to choose a board with glassed on or glassed IN fins.

No vent: Novice wooden surfboard builders tend to omit a vent, objecting to their non 'traditional' looks, air expands inside the board on a hot day and will delaminate the board. The whole board will literally 'blow up' like a balloon. There are those boardbuilders who install tiny vents which need to be operated with a key, again this is vanity, to limit the visual impact of the vent. This could lead to problems as you rummage around in your car dashboard looking for your key, and then try to operate this key with possibly cold hands which are not used to the micro movements , after surfing, which had the body all geared up for hard physical exercise. The best vent to choose for your wooden surfboard is a big hand operated one with an 'o' ring, which can be undone as soon as you exit the water.

Butt joins: this is another common mistake made by budding new wooden board manufacturers. A butt join is a join between two planks which is at ninety degrees straight across the plank. When the board flexes, pressure mounts at this type of join, and eventually develops a leak. When this leak is fixed another leak soon develops in the same spot, because of the pressure which still works on this spot. Look for a board with full length planking or with slash joins. Slash joins run diagonally across between the planks and will handle the build up of pressure.

On the subject of joins, avoid boards which have lots of butt joins all crowded in the middle of the board. Such a board is just asking for trouble.

Wood grain criss crossing every which way: This is a widespread problem. Tail blocks, nose blocks and rails are the most common places for this type of problem. As the board flexes the grain running in one direction will meet a block with grain running across. this will cause another build up of pressure. Criss crossing grain will work in a sandwich type layered surfboard such as the 'parallel profile' designs by Roy Stewart, but not in hollow construction which has the skin joined by a rail at ninety degrees to it. Such a board will develop problems, as was found in a recent case which went to court, after a couple bought an expensive surfboard from a supposedly reputable manufacturer only to find that the board cracked at the rail.

Glass cloth: Wood grain is naturally resilient so there is absolutely no reason why there has to be glass cloth on a wooden surfboard. If the cloth is used to 'seal' the board or hold it together then there is a problem with the construction. A wooden board (with the exception of balsa, which is similar to foam and needs a cloth layer) should be able to surf without a cloth layer. Glass cloth is a habit left over from the foam and glass era, and it speeds up production,as the board does not have to be as accurately and finely shaped before the cloth is laid. The cloth then provides a fairing layer. Glass cloth on wooden boards is bad for similar reasons as mentioned above. Glass is rigid, wood is flexible. Eventually the cloth will lift and make a 'bubble' underneath, which will fill with water... The best wooden surfboards are finished with resin or oil. No Glass.

And last but not least, design: Wood is heavier than foam. Foam boards have developed their shape to be specific for foam. Wooden surfboards are a different beast. As a rule of thumb add at least two feet to the foam board design you are surfing currently, to make up for the lowered buoyancy. Be prepared for a heavier board.

Emma Stewart from http://www.olosurfer.com

Surfboard $4.49 Surfboard Patch Quality embroidered patch featuring a surfboard. Size is approximate.

Flex-bar Reinforcement Braid $7.95 Pre-tinned wire braid offers superior flexibility and strength for reinforcing irregular edges on panels and lamps. 18 ga. 1/8 x 1mm x 10 ft.

Chintaly Imports 7228-CT-CHE Cocktail Table with Surfboard Glass Top - Cherry $464 Cocktail Table with Surfboard Glass Top - Cherry by Chintaly Imports 7228-CT-CHE. Curved Wood BaseFinish: CherrySpecificationThis item includes:CI-7228-CT-CHE Cocktail Table with Surfboard Glass Top - Cherry 31W x 49D x 16HPlease refer to the Specifications to determine what items are included since sometimes the image shows more or less items. If you are not sure, please contact us and our customer service will be glad to help.

Replacement Ball Point For Engraver $14.95 Ball point replacement engraver tip fits the Diamond Tip Glass Engraver by Inland 6930, Inland Flex Shaft 50019 and Rotary Tool Set 67310. Measures 1/16. Tip will allow you to quickly and effortlessly create decorative etchings on any glass.

Cone Tip Point For Engraver $12.95 Cone replacement engraver tip fits the Diamond Tip Glass Engraver by Inland 6930, Inland Flex Shaft 50019 and Rotary Tool Set 67310. Measures 1/32. Tip will allow you to quickly and effortlessly create decorative etchings on any glass.

Surfboard Couple $34.99 Surfboard Couple - Stand Up

Surfboard Rentals $59.99 Surfboard Rentals - Wood Sign

Girl with Surfboard $19.99 Girl with Surfboard - Premium Poster

Scroll Garden Stake $37.95 Add Art Glass To Your Garden Enchanting color can be a part of your garden all year with wrought iron garden stakes. Display your glass or mosaic art creations in this stylish garden stake. It easily displays an 8-1/2 round panel on a 43 high ornamental wrought iron stake. Quality matte black finish provides superior durability. Artwork not included. Delphi Tip To ensure a perfect fit, buy your frame first. Each frame may vary slightly in fit due to manufacturing or finishing. The best way to make sure that your project fits a frame neatly is to purchase the frame first, then adjust the pattern as needed to fit the opening in the frame. Creating your own stained glass or mosaic panel is easy. Project shown above comes from 20 Pieces or Less book 5967. Snowman project shown below created by artist Roy Kapp. Fused surfboard project created by artist Denise Christmas-Gibson.

Surfboard Ceiling Fan with Light by Ellington Fan $323.75 The Surfboard Ceiling Fan by Ellington Fan satisfies with its refreshing airflow while inviting leisure with its great sun-n-surf light and blade combination. Ellington Fans designs ceiling fans with key visual elements in mind, creating a balance between aesthetics and function in the final product. The Surfboard Ceiling Fan by Ellington Fans is available with the following: Body/Blade Finish: Antique Nickel/Walnut with Birch trim Blade Diameter: 58 in. Control: Hand-held remote control (included). Control Range: 40 ft. maximum Downrod: 6 in. (included). Lighting: Provides diffused lighting through a White glass diffuser (included). It utilizes one 75 Watt 120 Volt Halogen lamp (included). Lifetime warranty. UL Listed. Shipping: This item usually ships within three- to five business days. Dimensions: Overall Height 16 in. Blade: Diameter 58 in. Blade Pitch: 14 deg. Downrod: Length 6 in.

Duke with Surfboard $79.99 Duke with Surfboard - Framed Giclee Print

Surfboard Riding $174.99 Surfboard Riding - Framed Giclee Print

Diamond Engravers Tip Set $26.95 For All Your Engraving Needs This set includes twenty tips to engrave on glass, stone and plastics to create custom designs, add detail and sign your work. Features the most popular types of engraving bits, including cylinder/cone combinations, cylinder tips, ball tips, cone tips, and an assortment of other specialized tips. All tips are diamond plated and come in a handy self storing case to keep them neat and orderly. These tips work great with the Diamond Tip Glass Engraver by Inland 6930, Inland Flex Shaft 50019, Rotary Tool Set 67310 or any other hand held rotary tool with an adjustable chuck.

Art Clay Silver Advanced Book $11 Making Pure Silver Accessories Art Clay Silver was developed so that anyone could easily make their own fine silver jewelry. Knead it, roll it out, tear it to pieces and put it back together again. You can freely shape it like molding clay you used when you were a child. You will get a one-of-a-kind, pure silver piece after firing to the proper temperature and hold time. Art Clay Silver Advanced Book features 16 advanced projects to move your metal clay work to the next level. Techniques include bezel setting non-firable stones, brasswork, firing glass and silver, braiding clay, use of natural stones, carving techniques, working in gold clay, use of a flex-shaft and more. Note Unfortunately, we are unable to ship Art Clay titles outside of North America.

Rotary Tool Workstation $69.95 Like Having 3 Tools in 1 Convert your rotary tool into a drill press, polisher or engraver. Easy-adjust press changes from perpendicular to 90 degrees horizontal in 15 degree increments. You can also hand your rotary tool from the adjustable telescoping stand to use your flex shaft extension for intricate carving and engraving. Stand adjusts from 16 to 29. Workstation includes storage for bits. Rotary tool not included.