Welcome back to part 3 of our Surfboard Series! As we continue on our path towards envisioning our perfect surfboard, we should also keep in mind which options exist for building materials.  The four main options for surfboard materials are Resin, Epoxy, Carbon Fiber, and Balsa Wood.

1. Resin: This is the standard option for shaping surfboards and has been since the 1950s.  These surfboards are made of a fiberglass or polyester resin.  Also known as Glassing, the resin options include light (for competition board), medium (standard), or heavy (extra strong) with a wet rub matte finish or polished glossy finish.

2. Epoxy: These boards offer a stronger, more resilient, lighter surfboard option.  The epoxy resin is more difficult to shape which translates to its pricing structure.  Typically, these boards are well worth the higher price tag as they have a long life expectancy.

3. Carbon Fiber: A completely hollow board recently introduced to the industry.  These boards have the best strength to weight ratio as a result of the high temperature fiber placement process.  And, like the Epoxy board, will have a heavier price tag than the standard polyester boards.

4. Balsa Wood: First used in the 1930s, the Balsa wood boards are the heaviest by far.  Mainly used for longboards, the Balsa wood’s natural buoyancy had help it stand the test of time.

 

Don’t Forget to check out the rest of the posts for our Surfboard Series:: Board Styles and Finding Your Perfect Board