I believe you stated earlier that you only shape for yourself? Or do you make boards for others? I like the sound of some of your ideas to build a board strong enough, yet still remaining conscious of weight, flex and performance.
Curious Was the rusty a tufflite or no?
I believe it was, but I brought it to the repair guy, so do not have access to it. This board did seem to stand up well to my riding style, I am just having some trouble getting the repair to hold up.
Looking at your board selection you're primarily riding SURF surfboards. Which aren't designed for impact AT ALL.
(excluding the SS board)
Most kite surfboards are WAY more reinforced for impact but are often times heavier than sin.
I agree and accept breaking boards is the price for light weight and flex.
As for the SS celeritas, it is a poorly designed board. They put a reinforcement square under the front foot under the bamboo, and naturally it broke along the front edge of the reinforced area. This board was ridden lightly and has no other mark or dent, other than the failure of the top deck and bamboo.
There is a local shaper I am working with on a board, but my board is his first attempt at a strapless kiteboard. Both of us are aware that there might be a brutal learning curve as we try different things, but your info will definitely be applied towards the next construction. I am picking up my new board next week, and will try your suggestion of a front stomp pad. Fortunately, the shaper and repair guy I use work together so they have a good idea of the stress I put on a board.
I will start taking pictures of the failures. I do have photos of the SS if you are interested.
Thanks again for your thoughtful reply.