DIY Surfboards - has anyone tried this

[uplander]

I was on the phone today with a supplier in California. They sell the blank and supplies to shape and coat your own board. I thought this would be a cool winter project until I got the final cost with shipping.

Just wondering if anyone has tried this with supplies from a local Home Depot or Menards. It looks like it would fun and you get to surf with it when done.

[81SNS]

I have thought about this myself, I saw a thread on it on another forum, it looks like a pretty good job. I do have a local company that deals in Balsa wood and had wondered about using it and then sealing it with fiberglass, or just fiberglass resin. Interested to see what other replies you get.

[rgardjr1]

Some build threads over at the wakeworld forum in the wake surf subforum.

[rydog]

I have made my own fiberglass and wood skimboard, and my dad has made his own windsurf boards. I have been seriously thinking about trying a wakesurf board.

[uplander]

I think I am going to try the wood skim board, there are some good videos on making one

[kgrove]

It would really depend on your intent. There really is an art and science to shaping, so if your intent is to create a high performing board capable of tricks, I wouldn't even think about it if you have no experience or detailed knowledge of rockers, rails, tail shapes, etc. I've seen videos of people surfing on ironing boards and doors, so if your intent is to have a fun experience and have a board that is truly yours, then go for it.

[TLR67]

Just buy an Ironing board and be done with it!!!

[kgrove]

Or better - a coffee table.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ4owd3yQ_4

[chrislandy]

Originally Posted by kgrove

It would really depend on your intent. There really is an art and science to shaping, so if your intent is to create a high performing board capable of tricks, I wouldn't even think about it if you have no experience or detailed knowledge of rockers, rails, tail shapes, etc. I've seen videos of people surfing on ironing boards and doors, so if your intent is to have a fun experience and have a board that is truly yours, then go for it.

I agree with a BUT or a HOWEVER, you never gain the experience until you've done it.

I've built a fair few wakeboards now, each one is a learning experience. I've found a shape and internal structure that seems to work quite well.

My first board was a "because I want to try" board and the rest have evolved from that, so my advice is if you want to build one and have the knowledge to handle the chemicals and processing (sanding cutting etc) safely then go ahead and do it. The likelihood is that it will cost more than buying one off the shelf though. - But it's more fun