Surfboard flexibility
Flexibility was the reason for the invention of the PP system.
For any given surfboard volume the greatest flexibility will be obtained via a parallel profile, as it reduces the maximum thickness of the surfboard.
It is thickness which is the main control element for flex, or rather the thickness to length ratio.
The amount of flex achieved is not critical, and even relatively stiff hollow wooden boards have a natural resonance which elevates them to a class of their own, but there's nothing quite like a board with the 'twang'.
Achieving the 'twang' encourages the parallel profile designer and builder to go longer and/or thinner, which keeps higher volume boards nicely sleek in profile.
More about utilising the flex via fin systems and surfboard type coming soon:
1) Riding position for the optimum utilization of surfboard flex ( The importance of a central riding position )
2) Fins as energy transfer units in flexible surfboards
Last updated 214 days ago by Roy Stewart
Hi Gaz,
The benefits are similar to flex in a skateboard ( That's the short answer anyway ) . When the board flexes it loads up and then releases energy. I haven't yet made a board which feels too flexible, the necessary buoyancy ( at least for paddle in surfing ) makes it a challenge to keep wooden boards thin enough to get flex a lot.Compsand ( EPS and veneer ) boards can be made too flexible so I've heard but with the thickness of deck and bottom planking we use with HWS the boards are a lot stiffer.
.
Roy Stewart 192 days ago
Cool, thanks.
GazInOz 192 days ago
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Roy would you mind explaining more about what the benefits of flex are? I imagine there is a point that is too much flex?
I am a little ignorant of flex in surfboards, due to an upbringing inland I have skateboarded heaps more than surfed. I know that a flexy skateboard can be pumped for more speed but you have to be careful, too much flex and you lose the control. Is this similar in surfing?
Cheers
Gaz
GazInOz 193 days ago