The boards we ride
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RICK FIGNETTI
As time ticks on, we look to the future to see what technology
will be happening to our precious surfboards.
In recent years, there haven’t been too many major changes in
surfing equipment. Since the invention of the tri fin 10 years ago by
Simon Anderson, boards have basically stayed with the same outlines
and fin setups.
There has been some experimenting with bottom contours, single to
double concaves for more speed, replacing some of the old vee
bottoms. And a hard edge on the tail will give more holding power and
bite, setting you up with some speed to knock off that first big
maneuver.
Most shapers are using Clark Foam to build the surfboards, with
different weights for varying performance modes. Ultralite foam cores
will break down faster, resulting in more pressure dents, but offer a
little more speed in your surfing.
The squash tail has dominated the scene, but lately the swallow
tails, seen on fishes and other retro shapes have been making a big
comeback. Pintails, known mostly for big wave riding, have become
more popular again, too, as they have been widening them up.
Also, the widths on boards have begun to increase for more
flotation and more forgiving takeoffs. Most surfboards have
polyurethane/polyester glass jobs with double 4-ounce, or 6 and
4-ounce, or double 6-ounce fiberglass for more strength on the decks
and a single layer on the bottom.
The new epoxy resin makes surf boards lighter and actually
stronger, which could result in a longer-lasting board. Some
drawbacks are that they are heat sensitive, cost more and are more
difficult to have repaired because they still are relatively new.
We could be seeing some of the biggest changes in fin design this
year.
Already, FCS has a curved fin out that seems to generate speed
through your turns.
Australian Jim Banks has a new fin out that flexes at the base for
carving some tight turns. And surfers are out there testing some
different foils on the fins, as well. Can’t forget about Surf City
resident Bob Bolen and the Turbo Tunnel Fin, which gives longer nose
rides and more acceleration on your bottom turns.
This weekend is the National Scholastic Surfing Assn. at Seaside
Reef for the Explorer Division, which could be going off if the west
swell holds. The United States Surfing Federation will be heading up
north to Ventura’s, C-Street as the action picks up in this chilly
January.
See ya.
* RICK FIGNETTI is a seven-time West Coast champion, has announced
the U.S. Open of Surfing the last nine years and has been the KROQ-FM
surfologist for the last 17 years. He owns a surf shop on Main
Street. You can reach him at (714) 536-1058.
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