Thursday, 08 December 2011 - Posted by Roger at 10:02 am

one Comment

First post – “A Curious Thing…”

Here is a curious thing about surfboards:

If we isolate one design element that we know works very well and then think about the total opposite design element, often we will find that it too will work very well. For example: you may like the feel of a concave bottom in your shortboard, then one day you jump on a board with roll and the waves just happen to be peaky and bowly; you may be pleasantly surprised! 

It is just that they will create a different effect and, therefore, feeling to the ride.

Here are a few examples:

Light – Heavy

Short – Long

Thick – Thin

Narrow – Wide

Hard – Soft

Curved – Straight

Concave – Convex

Stiff – Flexible

Low Volume – High Volume

Non Buoyant – Buoyant

Upright – Raked

Square – Round

The important thing is in the overall combination of design elements, opposites can be combined along side one another in the same board.

I think this is the key to advancing surfboard design and how to get the most from your overall surfing experience.

Be open to change, and be prepared to embrace the unfamiliar.

Free your mind and the rest will follow.