The Surfboard Book

How Design Drives Performance Have you ever wondered how changing design will effect the performance of a surfboard, wanted to really understand what your shaper, surf shop or mates are talking about when they discuss bottom curve or rocker, or more importantly why a particular surfboard goes really well or struggles to perform in some situations? The Surfboard Book includes advice stories and design details from some of the most experienced and credible subject experts in the history of the surfboard in Simon Anderson, Dick Brewer, Steve Lis and Bob McTavish: each are known not only as surfboard shapers and designers but as innovators with a combined design experience approaching 200 years. The Surfboard Book explains: elements of surfboard shape and their effects on performance construction types: from traditional to modern sandwich construction important material properties including environmental issues basic types or classes of surfboard and how they perform how to go about choosing or specifying your next surfboard

The history of the surfboard is one of innovation---innovation that has in turn shaped the sport of surfing. The Art of the Surfboard follows this history, from the first "wave-riding" redwood planks crafted by ancient Hawaiians to the vacuum-sealed, lightweight, "plastic fantastic" technological marvels of today. Beautifully illustrated with historical prints and engravings, as well as the latest surf photography and detailed closeups, this book documents the surfboards evolution as a perfect convergence of form and function.

"Surfboard Shaping and Glassing" is the fast and easy way to master the art of designing and building modern, high-performance surfboards. This definitive guide provides detailed and clear instructions along with scores of pictures, charts, and illustrations at every step of the building process. All that is needed to begin creating surfboards are a good attitude and some readily available tools and materials.Drawing on decades of design evolution based on the work of scores of master shapers, the book guides the shaper in choosing the correct shape and measurements needed to tailor the surfboard to a given wave type and surfer. The shaping process is then detailed. Time honored techniques usually handed down from master to apprentice are exposed in detail. It also details the steps needed to permanently seal a shaped surfboard using fiberglass and resin. After fins are added, the result is a complete, high-performance surfboard comparable in quality to even the most expensive brands.

This book describes in detail 'How To Make A Surfboard'. It covers all the pitfalls, secrets and tools required. Includes from basic shaping to laminating, sprays, sanding and finishing. In fact it covers everything. With this book you will make a surfboard that will make you proud...!

The evolution of the surfboard, from traditional Hawaiian folk designs to masterpieces of mathematical engineering to mass-produced fiberglass. Surfboards were once made of wood and shaped by hand, objects of both cultural and recreational significance. Today most surfboards are mass-produced with fiberglass and a stew of petrochemicals, moving (or floating) billboards for athletes and their brands, emphasizing the commercial rather than the cultural. Surf Craft maps this evolution, examining surfboard design and craft with 150 color images and an insightful text. From the ancient Hawaiian alaia, the traditional board of the common people, to the unadorned boards designed with mathematical precision (but built by hand) by Bob Simmons, to the store-bought longboards popularized by the 1959 surf-exploitation movie Gidget, board design reflects both aesthetics and history. The decline of traditional alaia board riding is not only an example of a lost art but also a metaphor for the disintegration of traditional culture after the Republic of Hawaii was overthrown and annexed in the 1890s. In his text, Richard Kenvin looks at the craft and design of surfboards from a historical and cultural perspective. He views board design as an exemplary model of mingei, or art of the people, and the craft philosophy of Soetsu Yanagi. Yanagi believed that a design's true beauty and purpose are revealed when it is put to its intended use. In its purest form, the craft of board building, along with the act of surfing itself, exemplifies mingei. Surf Craft pays particular attention to Bob Simmons's boards, which are striking examples of this kind of functional design, mirroring the work of postwar modern California designers. Surf Craft is published in conjunction with an exhibition at San Diego's Mingei International Museum.

One of the greatest surfers of all time, Greg Noll has built a considerable reputation as master of surfboard making, or "shaping." Today, collectors and surfers alike prize his unique brand of board. Recently featured in the award-winning documentary feature, Riding Giants, "Da Bull," in his iconic black-and-white striped trunks, was emblematic of big surf and fearless commitment. In addition to being a pioneer of big-wave surfing, surf movies, and surf magazines, by the mid-1960s, Noll was one of the largest surfboard manufacturers in the world. Now living in Crescent City, California, Noll still shapes twelve boards a year out of old-growth salvage woods-replicas of Duke Kahanamoku's olo and other exotica for collectors. The Art of the Surfboard combines the art of building extraordinary surfboards with fascinating surfing history and photography. It's a must-have for surfers and surfing history buffs of any age. The Art of the Surfboard includes: A biographical introduction to Greg Noll A concise history of the evolution of surfboards and construction techniques from ancient Hawaii to the modern era Descriptive step-by-step photo sequences with explanatory text on building balsa, foam, and classic wooden surfboards A chronological gallery of Greg Noll surfboards, vintage 1950 to 2005, featuring photographs, action shots, commentary from surfers and shapers, and from Greg himself on the boards and their eras Portraits of several important Greg Noll surfboard collectors and their collections, with accompanying bios and information on the boards A guide to the various Greg Noll surfboard labels and the years each was used Illustrated throughout with action surf shots taken by some of surfing's master photographers

This delightful picture book featuring two little pigs and the treasure that washes up on the beach will entertain waves of readers! Fergus and his little brother, Dink, love collecting the treasures that wash up on the beach, especially if it means that Fergus doesn't actually have to go in the water. One day, they spy the greatest find of all--an abandoned surfboard! When no one comes to claim it, they make it the star of their collection and name it "Dave." But when Dave gets cast back into the ocean, can Fergus find the courage to rescue him? Whimsically brought to life with Jennifer Sattler's bright, comedic style, young readers are sure to have a "swell" time with this story about bravery and brotherhood.

By using our hands to transform natural materials into objects of beauty and utility, we reconnect with our creativity, our environment, and back to ourselves. Includes how to make a handplane for bodysurfing.