The shape, or outline, of a surfboard plays a major role in how the board is going to perform and which surfboard design-type it could be classified as. The shape is the result of lines coming together to form something that’s either going to direct water flow in a way that works or in a …
When the first fins were introduced and popularized in the 1930s – ‘40s, it changed surfing forever. Stability, control, and turning – which were all once extremely difficult on the heavy, traditional finless surfboards – were now attainable. Fins allowed surfers and surfboards to progress into a whole new era. In 1935, when Tom Blake …
The Rhino Chaser. The Elephant Gun. The Big Gun. The name themselves for this type of surfboard evoke a sense of gravity and weight. Which is fitting for what this type of board is designed for – surfing huge, consequential waves. What is a Big Wave Gun Surfboard? A big wave gun – or rhino …
The Fish: Is it retro? Is it modern? Or is it simply timeless? Some surfboard design elements stand the test of time – whether that’s due to stubbornness, naivety, or hype is one thing. When design elements stick around because they work, that’s another. That’s the category in which the fish falls into. What is …
If you’re doing it right, technically every surfboard should be a “fun” board. Right? If you’ve got the right board for the right conditions, your chances of fun increase greatly. That’s just science. While every board certainly presents the opportunity for fun, funboard is a legitimate category of surfboards for beginners and experienced surfers alike. …
The surfboard hybrid – a perfect blend of multiple board design elements or an ungodly Frankenstein monster? I think the answer is probably closer to the former. What is a Hybrid Surfboard? A hybrid surfboard blends the design elements of different surfboards in order to capitalize on the strengths of different boards in a wider …
The thruster surfboard best describes a fin setup rather than a particular board, but it has definitely become synonymous with high performance shortboards and competitive surfing over the last few decades. That said, you can find a thruster setup on everything from a small wave groveler to a 10’ longboard. When you click a link …
Everything in surfing design has variations – from single fin types to surfboard tail shapes. To the untrained eye or even the non-surfer, the most distinctive difference in surfboard design is probably the overall shape of the board itself. Each different surfboard design type has its own unique performance characteristics, strength, weaknesses, and history. Some …
The tail of a surfboard is an important aspect of its overall design. The tail marks the exit point for water flowing around the bottom of your board and affects the speed, hold, and turning characteristics of your surfboard. Common Surfboard Tail Designs Below is a breakdown of some of the common tail shapes and …
I originally started Wave Arcade with the goal of creating an eco-friendly surf brand. I’m also a big advocate for experimenting with your surfing. So naturally, I became interested in more natural surfboard materials. Wood and wood-like materials (bamboo, agave, cork, etc.) are some of the best ways to build more sustainable surfing products. Just …