Construction guidelines for first directional build?

[kooshball]

I am planning to begin shaping some boards for the family and myself (SUP, surf and kite).

The kiteboard I want to build will be a lightwind directional for strapless riding perhaps based on the mini simmons concept if it would apply to kiteboards.

I am looking for links to a FAQ or books / design resources to determine the materials selection to make sure the board is light but durable enough for a kite board. are there any quidelines out there to help select foam type and density, fiberglass / carbon weights and number of layers, stringer selection, epoxy types, etc?

THX

[rynhardt]

There is a huge amount of information online. Swaylocks is probably a good bet. http://www.surfersteve.com/tips.htm is also good.

ultimately you're going to have pick something and try it. Your local materials availability will to some extent dictate where you start.

There is no one, right way. Enjoy the process.

[downunder]

I am planning to begin shaping some boards for the family and myself (SUP, surf and kite).

The kiteboard I want to build will be a lightwind directional for strapless riding perhaps based on the mini simmons concept if it would apply to kiteboards.

I am looking for links to a FAQ or books / design resources to determine the materials selection to make sure the board is light but durable enough for a kite board. are there any quidelines out there to help select foam type and density, fiberglass / carbon weights and number of layers, stringer selection, epoxy types, etc?

THX

It is quite big expectation for a first DIY board to be durable enough, etc. Are you skilled with the tools? Hot wire cutting? Epoxy wetting FG/CF? Vacuuming or hand laying?

If the answer is no, start with basics, build a few and refine the process as you go. I'm using wood, can't help with a foam. But be prepared to spend heaps, one surf blank is AU$80 if remember well, and with that money I can buy Paulownia wood for 3 TT's. Bamboo veneer per sheet 2400x420(or less?) is around $50, again costly exercise. Top pads are not cheap either.

Let us know!

[kooshball]

I am planning to begin shaping some boards for the family and myself (SUP, surf and kite).

The kiteboard I want to build will be a lightwind directional for strapless riding perhaps based on the mini simmons concept if it would apply to kiteboards.

I am looking for links to a FAQ or books / design resources to determine the materials selection to make sure the board is light but durable enough for a kite board. are there any quidelines out there to help select foam type and density, fiberglass / carbon weights and number of layers, stringer selection, epoxy types, etc?

THX

It is quite big expectation for a first DIY board to be durable enough, etc. Are you skilled with the tools? Hot wire cutting? Epoxy wetting FG/CF? Vacuuming or hand laying?

If the answer is no, start with basics, build a few and refine the process as you go. I'm using wood, can't help with a foam. But be prepared to spend heaps, one surf blank is AU$80 if remember well, and with that money I can buy Paulownia wood for 3 TT's. Bamboo veneer per sheet 2400x420(or less?) is around $50, again costly exercise. Top pads are not cheap either.

Let us know!

Skill and tools are not going to be problems, I just need to learn some basics on materials...for example, I assume the deck of a directional kite board is going to need to be tougher than the deck of a prone surfboard...how much tougher, what weight glass, how many layers, etc, are the types of things I will need to find out.

[downunder]

Awesome

I recon no need for tinkering much if using wood Yes, a foam volume is good but durability if wood is better!

Build an Alia for LW, you won't regret.

[RalfsB]

There is a huge amount of information online. Swaylocks is probably a good bet. http://www.surfersteve.com/tips.htm is also good.

I agree. Using information from www.surfersteve.com and advice from some local shapers I have learned and built several boards, all durable and good for kiting. If I sum up all expenses and time, it may not be much cheaper than commercial boards, but I like the process and enjoy the results. And I can build exactly what I want.

[kooshball]

Awesome

I recon no need for tinkering much if using wood Yes, a foam volume is good but durability if wood is better!

Build an Alia for LW, you won't regret.

i just looked up the Alaia...sick concept and looks pretty easy to build. Are there any design specifics that I should incorporate into one for dedicated kiteboarding like more concave or a bit of rocker?

[BWD]

A little rocker makes it easier to ride, especially if it turns out a little stiff.
If it slides too much, you can add little twin tip fins, though the purists might disapprove.

[TomW]

http://greenlightsurfsupply.com/pages/g ... -guide-a-z

read Swaylocks discussion forum. But highly focused on regular surfboards.

Basically-
If using more or less standard surfboard blank foam ( PU) then you should put 6+6+4 oz on the deck. One of the 6 oz layers can be deckpatch. Then 6+4 oz on bottom. This is pretty much minimum for board that will hold up to several years of use or more.
You can add 1 layer of 6 oz to tail in area of fin boxes to make fin boxes stronger- lots of forces on fins in kiteboards.

If you are using a lighter EPS foam- like a 1.5 to 2lb/ft3 ( difficult in thinner kiteboards= not recommended, but can b done) then you should add additional layer of 6oz all around- and should add some wood veneer or higher density foam ( 3mm thick Corecell or Divincell H80) to deck/foot area-
You also have to add high density foam around the fin boxes.
You have to seal the EPS with either light spackle or epoxy-glass balloon mix.
So if you can get a regular PU surfboard blank it is easier.

I´m building my boards so they will last a lifetime. Thats the best way to reduce waste and use resources most responsibly.
Using PU surfboard blank that is as thin as 10mm in spots.
Bottom is 7+7+4 oz- wrapped over rail to deck-( 7oz = 200g/m2)
Deckpatch is 6oz(165g/m2) under 1,5mm wood veneer, then 7+4oz wrapped over rail.
That us giving me 7+7+4+7+4 over rail. - keeps it tough in area where board gets a lot of bumps in transport.
Using Epoxy.
Board is 3200g including pad and fins.

I have also built EPS SUP boards- using builders EPS blocks - a 16ft 6" and a 10ft race board. Thats a different layup-
used 200g carbon twill then 7oz glass over- both sides
added HD 3mm foam on standing area with 7 oz under the HD foam.
HD foam inserts around fin boxes and leash plugs-

[Blackrat]

that board = sexy !