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Every time I sell gear, its invariably to a beginner, I bring up the idea of making their first board a la gonzo. They all look at me in disgust and usually dont buy my stuff!

I wish people would get over themselves and give this a try. You can make a light wind beater in no time at no cost and its gonna get you further along the learning curve than the $700 board your going to end up on two seasons in.

you've inspired me to attempt to make something similar. I've got a board already , but I wanted something bigger
to make it easier for me to learn on.

I was thinking of using my board and making an attachment like the way you
use the second part of yours. I'm gonna get some 1/4 " plexi and attach it using the exisiting holes for the fins.
Stay tuned for the photos.

We built this in 2008... 2nd season of kiting... wanted to go in light winds. It works... no fins. We built two of them cause the first one worked so well.
It's roughly 50cm by 165. No fins... goes upwind real easy. It satisfied the light wind craze we had starting out. I haven't used it much since then tho.
That's an old pair of windsurf straps and some boom wrap for pads. Used a marine paint, 3 coats... still half a quart left.
Was a low cost alternative to 700 for a new one.
Also should add that it saved me from having to buy a light wind kite... used my regular kite and switched out boards when the winds picked up. So it was good for that... extended the session on both ends you might say... get out earlier and stay out longer I guess. Now I'm to old to stay out long

My first board was a 160 X 47 ; made it with 1/2" exterior ply
that i scored off a job-sight in the rubbish pile.

I measured the rocker off a similar board, and chocked up
some 2X4's that i ripped to the proper thickness.

Next up i tossed the pre-cut ply in a Hot jacuzzi for an hour or so, then
put it on my spacers with bricks on top & waited for it to dry.
Took two tries to get it right.

Bit of paint & cheep fins along with used bindings off a wind-surfer
and i had a board for under $30 bucks.

A (Fast / Cheap) Build, is a Better Build !!

Bille

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Still trying to get my stuff together and refine some design techniques and such, but it'll come.

SweetDoug

I was thinking of using my board and making an attachment like the way you
use the second part of yours. I'm gonna get some 1/4 " plexi and attach it using the exisiting holes for the fins.
Stay tuned for the photos.[/quote]

I've been rolling around a design idea very similar, with a secondary hull that is the footpad/handle, and swappable primary hulls of different sizes from small to large.

Looking forward to the pictures.

SD

I've wondered about the hot water treatment to bend the plywood. I figured it woodn't work.

I'm going with the glue setup for the rocker. Although I'm not sure I'm sold on what rocker actually does.

SD

rocker makes surf sports fun for mortals
dont knock it