The boards we ride

RICK FIGNETTI

As time ticks on, we look to the future to see what technology

will be happening to our precious surfboards.

In recent years, there haven’t been too many major changes in

surfing equipment. Since the invention of the tri fin 10 years ago by

Simon Anderson, boards have basically stayed with the same outlines

and fin setups.

There has been some experimenting with bottom contours, single to

double concaves for more speed, replacing some of the old vee

bottoms. And a hard edge on the tail will give more holding power and

bite, setting you up with some speed to knock off that first big

maneuver.

Most shapers are using Clark Foam to build the surfboards, with

different weights for varying performance modes. Ultralite foam cores

will break down faster, resulting in more pressure dents, but offer a

little more speed in your surfing.

The squash tail has dominated the scene, but lately the swallow

tails, seen on fishes and other retro shapes have been making a big

comeback. Pintails, known mostly for big wave riding, have become

more popular again, too, as they have been widening them up.

Also, the widths on boards have begun to increase for more

flotation and more forgiving takeoffs. Most surfboards have

polyurethane/polyester glass jobs with double 4-ounce, or 6 and

4-ounce, or double 6-ounce fiberglass for more strength on the decks

and a single layer on the bottom.

The new epoxy resin makes surf boards lighter and actually

stronger, which could result in a longer-lasting board. Some

drawbacks are that they are heat sensitive, cost more and are more

difficult to have repaired because they still are relatively new.

We could be seeing some of the biggest changes in fin design this

year.

Already, FCS has a curved fin out that seems to generate speed

through your turns.

Australian Jim Banks has a new fin out that flexes at the base for

carving some tight turns. And surfers are out there testing some

different foils on the fins, as well. Can’t forget about Surf City

resident Bob Bolen and the Turbo Tunnel Fin, which gives longer nose

rides and more acceleration on your bottom turns.

This weekend is the National Scholastic Surfing Assn. at Seaside

Reef for the Explorer Division, which could be going off if the west

swell holds. The United States Surfing Federation will be heading up

north to Ventura’s, C-Street as the action picks up in this chilly

January.

See ya.

* RICK FIGNETTI is a seven-time West Coast champion, has announced

the U.S. Open of Surfing the last nine years and has been the KROQ-FM

surfologist for the last 17 years. He owns a surf shop on Main

Street. You can reach him at (714) 536-1058.