SB-issue59_digital

gear
KNOW
YOUR
BOARD
Floatation or ‘volume’ as we refer to it.
Floatation! It’s kind of important if you intend on surfing. If you’re
sinking down to Davy Jones’ locker, perhaps you need to turn up
the volume.
So, what the hell is volume exactly? It’s a complex question, but
here are some hot tips on determining the ideal volume you may
require.
Surfing style
‘Power surfers’ who are less ‘light on their feet’ need a board with more
volume for when they shift their weight on the board.
FOURTH, TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH?
Too much volume
Your board will go real fast but lack control.
Too little volume
The rider will be able to sink a rail but lack speed coming out of the turn,
almost stalling on the wave.
Plus, the board will be bloody hard to paddle, making it a pain in the arse
to get out and hard to get on waves.
FIFTH, WHERE’S BEST TO TURN UP THE VOLUME?
Going thicker by 1/8 will deliver up to four times more volume than going
up an inch in length and be almost equivalent to making the board a half
inch wider.
Buying a board and getting one just right for you is tricky. That’s why
it’s important to talk with your local surf store board expert or your local
shaper.
FIRST, WHAT IS VOLUME?
It’s not easily calculated without a comprehensive understanding
of surfboard design but it relates to length, width, and thickness.
It also takes into consideration surface area and displacement
volume. We’ll stop there before it becomes too confusing. If you’re
keen to know more, read this article in depth.
In short, it is one of the ingredients that floats you and your board.
SECOND, WHAT IS LITREAGE?
Is used to measure the volume of the board. Many shapers now
use this measurement along with the length, width, and thickness
of the board.
Please note: EPS/epoxy boards can have up to 30% more
floatation but the same volume as a normal PU style board.
THIRD, CONSIDERATIONS
Ability level
If you’re developing as a surfer, the wider and thicker your board,
generally speaking, the easier it will be to catch waves and provide
you with a stable platform.
Size and weight
Your size (weight and height) is important when determining the
correct volume board for you. Weight and buoyancy work against
each other, so a general rule of thumb is that a bigger, heavier
surfer needs a board with more buoyancy, while a lighter surfer
needs less volume.
Types of waves
On a gutless small wave, most surfers can control a board with
more volume. For bigger waves, the surfer still needs enough
volume to get onto the wave, but not so much that it sends the
rider skidding across the surface of the wave without being able to
dig in a rail to turn.
Remember, no one surfboard design will work in all
kinds of waves for all types of surfers. That’s why you
need a quiver, so get building it! For some inspiration,
see our board profiles starting on page 94.
# 59 // smorgasboarder //
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