For the production of surfboards, the most commonly used materials are foam, epoxy or polyester resin, fiberglass, glass microspheres, fin caps, and strap caps. We will explain each of them separately. Here we are!
Foam
Foam is at the bottom of the board. To get a good quality foam, it must be pressure-resistant so that the plate does not turn blue, clear, and white the whiter it is, the better it gets.
Although there are several foam manufacturers, the most widely used is polyurethane foam. For this to happen, liquid polyurethane is injected into a mold that fills when the polyurethane swells. Then the foam is cut into two parts and a wooden plate is inserted so that the foam does not bend.
Another type is expanded polystyrene foam. This material is used primarily for industrially manufactured surfboards. EPS foam is only used with epoxy resin as it is not compatible with polyester resins. You should also know that surfboards made with EPS foam have more than 90% of their volume absorbed by oxygen. This makes the board much lighter, which facilitates mobility in the water.
Epoxy resin
The epoxy resin gives the board greater rigidity, durability, and resistance. Epoxy resin sheets are lighter, have more buoyancy, and are perfect for catching small waves. It has much higher mechanical properties than polyester resins, but it is more expensive and therefore less used.
As we said before, epoxy in the surf world is mainly used in industrially manufactured boards. Be careful if you see epoxy sheets for the same price as polyester sheets. This means that the epoxy sheet will have poor-quality resin and foam. Do not be fooled!
Polyester resin
It can be said that 80% of current surfboards are made with polyester on average cost of a surfboard as it is more practical and economical than epoxy resin. At the time of production, the polyester is mixed with a catalyst (liquid or ultraviolet) so that the resin hardens. The polyester resin allows you to maneuver better on the board and has a faster response in the water. However, it has less buoyancy. This material is recommended for medium or large waves.
On the other hand, when you are wondering what a surfboard is made of, you might want to buy one. For example, if you do not know what type of resin is best for your board, type of foam, or other, you can read this post on how to choose a surfboard. It can help you resolve your doubts.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is used to make high-quality surfboards. By mixing the fiberglass with the resin, the plate becomes stronger and stiffer. Major brands in the surfing industry produce boards with this material for demanding surfers. They are very personal tables and therefore more expensive. The best-known manufacturers of this material are Hexcel, Aerialite, and Shapers.
For surfboards, a 4 oz fiberglass layer is used as standard at the bottom of the board and two 4 oz layers are on top of the deck. For longboards or retro fish, it is most common to use a 4 oz fiberglass layer on the bottom and a 6 oz fiberglass layer on the deck to increase the strength and inertia of the board.
The most widely used fiberglass is E-Glass, as it has excellent value for money. There are also better quality S-Glass fiberglass than E-Glass, but twice as expensive. In this case, manufacturers use fewer fibers to achieve the same strength that one would achieve with an E-Glass fiberglass panel. Fiberglass S is used by the most demanding manufacturers and surfers.
Glass microspheres
The glass microspheres are mixed with the resin. This mixture is used to repair the boards and attach the string cap, and the safety rope to one foot so as not to lose the board in the event of a fall or the fins. It is a very harmful product.
Fin caps
These plugs, which are inserted at the back of the bottom of the board, allow you to change the fins and remove them, for example, for a flight.
Belt cap
This cap is put on the tail at the end of the board to be able to tie a safety string called a string. After telling you what a surfboard is made of, we hope you enjoy it! Come and visit us at our surf school in Fuerteventura, Corralejo, Surfintrip, and learn to surf with the best equipment on the island!
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