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Ow no , I really did not know that there were so many technical problems just to reproduce a board like this. So it is sort of a proto type “rolls” under the pro’s. It is often the Germans who come with these type (weird/briljant) inventions (=positive). They also came up with the huge sea steamer/ container ship which is pulled by a kite (and which the international community is now trying to close down). Funny, to me this is about the prettiest/funniest design in kiting I have seen (so many ugly kite stuff), just a matter of taste I think and the experience you hope to get from this design. I wanted to google this guy and ask him if I could play with his toy, well…… by reading these replies I just forget about it

I don't know, if he still has it, he might let you...
Why not?
I think it is cool but even if I could afford it,
I know I would lose it....

BWD wrote: I know I would lose it....

that's what a board leash and gojoe are for! double up the safety and never loose a board again!

My friend and I are in the process of building a similar board. The first prototype outlined a lot of the challenges faced when working with clear plastics...

1.) It's heavy... a 1400mm x 400mm x 4mm sheet weighs 2.67kg.
2.) It doesn't float well... (density: 1.19g/cc - as mentioned earlier in this post)
3.) It has a lot of flex
4.) Acrylic tends to shatter and leave sharp edges when it breaks

For the first build we used 3 x 4mm layers. Top and bottom solid, with a cut-out center layer that supports the center, fins and footpads. The aim was to reduce weight while preserving strength. I wasn't sure whether it would work, so used clear glue to stick the layers together for testing. Unfortunately... it sinks. The total weight of of the board adds up to 6.22kg! In retrospect I should have done the math before building, but that would have been no fun...

I'll be starting work on the second prototype soon. Decided to switch over to clear Polycarbonate rather than Acrylic as this doesn't shatter as easily and has virtually the same properties. I'll also be using different approach when layering. I'm thinking 7 x 2mm sheets with a much more complex cutout on the center layers. This should reduce the weight and add enough air inside to keep it afloat. It will however still be a bit on the heavy side(+- 4kg). I expect the rocker and flex will be the two biggest challenges this time round. On the first build there was enough surface area glued together to preserve the rocker and prevent excessive flex.

We didn't have a rocker table or work bench handy (was a bit of an impulsive project ), so we improvised a bit. The pictures show the center template half-cut, the top layer and makeshift rocker-maker!

amazing this information. So there are normal riders out there who really have this type of board. Can anyone give an honest review about the fact that these boards must be heavier to ride with, and just your experience how it feels like, flexibility. I m so curious

nomorebikinis wrote:amazing this information. So there are normal riders out there who really have this type of board. Can anyone give an honest review about the fact that these boards must be heavier to ride with, and just your experience how it feels like, flexibility. I m so curious

I tried Stephane's Seathroughboards twin tip, the yellow one i believe in Dumps, Co Kerry, ireland earlier this year in September 2010
Wind was a cross on 18kts on average - ish
I was on 13m Ozone Sport 07
I usually ride on a UG 09 FLX 135
I aint a wake styler, i like big jumps, big airs, i ride for fun really

The pop was good enough for me
Tacking up wind was as easy as my FLX
The North pads and straps were sweet as (snug, tight, all good)
Landings were soft enough
The board is good...
The colored frame helps seeing it when you wipe out
I believe it also gives buoyancy and strength to the TT

downside:
No handles , i like handles on my board...
The board edge is sharp enough nothing major though

So in Ireland i could not see much with the power of the waves moving the sand and seaweed in a constant tidal move... I tried focusing on it but thats when i would wipe out...
Did i see any fishes? No!

I would have tried the surfboard and the foil but i injured my knee later on that day on my FLX

For the see through part, it depends what you expect from it...
See little fishies or have your board disappear in the sea...

Stephane has done a good job developing the board which has nothing to envy from other boards on the market...

johandp wrote:
I'll be starting work on the second prototype soon. Decided to switch over to clear Polycarbonate rather than Acrylic as this doesn't shatter as easily and has virtually the same properties.

From memory, Polycarbonate is sensitive to UV light.

I believe the anti-vandal bus shelters that use polycarbonate actually have a coated version of polycarbonate to prevent the UV affecting the polycarbonate properties

Although super tough, it is also susceptable to scratches - lenses etc that use polycarbonate often use a coated version to prevent scratching. So you may find your transparent board could become opaque from damage.

Good luck though

Richie

@ Richie
That's why I am using UV treated polycarbonate!
(Although the non treated polycarbonate is often guaranteed for a few years for use in open space)

for the scratches, you have to avoid riding in 5cm of water right on the beach!
Otherwise it's fine! You will always have some small scratches, but once the board is wet or on the water you can't see them at all!
And you can always change the polycarbonate bottom (and try another outline!?) after a few years.
The cost of changing the polycarbonate is quite reasonable (around €40)
The vast majority of the work on the board goes into the frame... quite labor intensive

Stephane
www.SeaThroughBoards.com

I am in Tenerife (in lovely El Medano) for a few days if you want to see or try my boards
Well, weather permitting of course… because at the moment not much is happening!!
And the hydrofoil is getting a good use!

Stephane
www.SeaThroughBoards.com