| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the questions we get most often. |
Question: What do the kits contain? Do they have everything I need?
Answer: The regular kits consist of the ribs and spar pieces that make up the frame. They also include a full
instruction manual that covers every step of the build in detail. You will need wood for the outside planking as
well as glue, fiberglass and shop supplies like sandpaper. You can buy or build a fin to be glassed on or
mounted in a fin box. If you want a complete kit we have a full green kit that has everything you need
including the wood planking and glassing materials. Check the Surfboard Kits page for details.
Answer: The regular kits consist of the ribs and spar pieces that make up the frame. They also include a full
instruction manual that covers every step of the build in detail. You will need wood for the outside planking as
well as glue, fiberglass and shop supplies like sandpaper. You can buy or build a fin to be glassed on or
mounted in a fin box. If you want a complete kit we have a full green kit that has everything you need
including the wood planking and glassing materials. Check the Surfboard Kits page for details.
Question: What is the best kind of wood to use?
Answer: Recycled lumber is the eco-friendly, cost effective choice. Reclaimed lumber such as redwood and
cedar are an excellent wood choice as they are often already light and dry. If you are going for a light board
you will want to use soft woods like redwood, cedar, pine, paulownia, or balsa. If you don't care about weight,
go for exotic hardwoods. We have used mahogany, ebony, oak and others. The hardwoods are really
strong but heavy.
Answer: Recycled lumber is the eco-friendly, cost effective choice. Reclaimed lumber such as redwood and
cedar are an excellent wood choice as they are often already light and dry. If you are going for a light board
you will want to use soft woods like redwood, cedar, pine, paulownia, or balsa. If you don't care about weight,
go for exotic hardwoods. We have used mahogany, ebony, oak and others. The hardwoods are really
strong but heavy.
Question: What's in an export kit?
Answer: An Export Kit that contains the same parts as the regular kit but the spar has been cut into approximately 24" pieces.
These pieces are glued together using the backing blocks that come with the kit. For most kits that means 3 or 4 glue joints. We
have spoken to many users and they say the extra work is no problem and there is no loss of strength. We can ship an export kit
anywhere in the world using US Postal Service First Class mail.
Answer: An Export Kit that contains the same parts as the regular kit but the spar has been cut into approximately 24" pieces.
These pieces are glued together using the backing blocks that come with the kit. For most kits that means 3 or 4 glue joints. We
have spoken to many users and they say the extra work is no problem and there is no loss of strength. We can ship an export kit
anywhere in the world using US Postal Service First Class mail.
Question: Does the export kit cost more?
Answer: An export kit costs about $20.00 more than a domestic kit on average. This is because of all the extra handling,
packaging, and paperwork required. You should be aware that there may be additional taxes or duties once the kit arrives.
These fees vary by country and are your responsibility. We have no control over these fees.
Answer: An export kit costs about $20.00 more than a domestic kit on average. This is because of all the extra handling,
packaging, and paperwork required. You should be aware that there may be additional taxes or duties once the kit arrives.
These fees vary by country and are your responsibility. We have no control over these fees.
Question: How do I pay for a kit?
Answer: We can accept any credit card over the phone or through PayPal. Using a card with PayPal is free for you - we pay all
the fees. You don't need an account, just sign up by answering a few questions and you can use your credit card. Also, you can
pay from anywhere in the world and PayPal does the money conversion.
Answer: We can accept any credit card over the phone or through PayPal. Using a card with PayPal is free for you - we pay all
the fees. You don't need an account, just sign up by answering a few questions and you can use your credit card. Also, you can
pay from anywhere in the world and PayPal does the money conversion.
Question: Do I have to glass the board or can I just varnish it?
Answer: If you are only going to hang the board on a wall simply varnishing it is adequate. You should always glass a board that
is going to be used. Not only to seal the water out but to give the board the strength it needs.
Answer: If you are only going to hang the board on a wall simply varnishing it is adequate. You should always glass a board that
is going to be used. Not only to seal the water out but to give the board the strength it needs.
Question: Is paying on-line secure?
Answer: PayPal in one of the most secure payment methods on line. All transactions are encrypted and they offer fraud
protection on most transactions. We have never had a problem with a PayPal transaction.
Answer: PayPal in one of the most secure payment methods on line. All transactions are encrypted and they offer fraud
protection on most transactions. We have never had a problem with a PayPal transaction.
Question: What kind of fiberglass do I use?
Answer: Our glassing kits contain enough glass cloth and epoxy resin to apply 2 layers of 4 oz cloth to the deck and one to the
bottom. This is industry standard glassing. Bigger boards such as the SUPs use 2 layers of 6 oz cloth on the deck and one on
the bottom.
Answer: Our glassing kits contain enough glass cloth and epoxy resin to apply 2 layers of 4 oz cloth to the deck and one to the
bottom. This is industry standard glassing. Bigger boards such as the SUPs use 2 layers of 6 oz cloth on the deck and one on
the bottom.
Question: What's a vent for, is my board going to explode without one?
Answer: Explode? No. But if you leave in the hot sun it can puff up and weaken the inside glue joints. It can also delaminate
the glass from the wood in places. A vent is cheap insurance and most of the new EPS foam boards even have them too.
Answer: Explode? No. But if you leave in the hot sun it can puff up and weaken the inside glue joints. It can also delaminate
the glass from the wood in places. A vent is cheap insurance and most of the new EPS foam boards even have them too.
Question: Where do I buy wood for the planking?
Answer: Lumber suppliers and home improvement stores are the obvious answer. Most builders love the challenge of finding the
perfect wood for their board and they will search through pallets of wood to find the perfect pieces. We have found beautiful heart
redwood being sold for planter edging in the garden department of Home Depot. Lumber suppliers like Austin Hardwoods will even
cut a custom kit for you. The assembly manual that comes with your kit lists a lot of good sources and even tells how you can get
free wood.
Answer: Lumber suppliers and home improvement stores are the obvious answer. Most builders love the challenge of finding the
perfect wood for their board and they will search through pallets of wood to find the perfect pieces. We have found beautiful heart
redwood being sold for planter edging in the garden department of Home Depot. Lumber suppliers like Austin Hardwoods will even
cut a custom kit for you. The assembly manual that comes with your kit lists a lot of good sources and even tells how you can get
free wood.
Question: Is the assembly a printed copy?
Answer: No, its a PDF file that you can display on any computer. It gets emailed to you when your order is processed so you
can start planning before your kit even arrives. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader software that is available for free download at
www.adobe.com but chances are its already on your computer.
Answer: No, its a PDF file that you can display on any computer. It gets emailed to you when your order is processed so you
can start planning before your kit even arrives. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader software that is available for free download at
www.adobe.com but chances are its already on your computer.
Question: Isn't a printed copy better than an electronic one?
Answer: Not really. You can print out the manual if you want but most builders only print a few reference pages and view the
rest on screen. This saves a lot of money. Plus, you can zoom in on any of the high resolution images for better detail than you
would get from a printed copy.
Answer: Not really. You can print out the manual if you want but most builders only print a few reference pages and view the
rest on screen. This saves a lot of money. Plus, you can zoom in on any of the high resolution images for better detail than you
would get from a printed copy.
Question: I've never glassed a board, is it hard?
Answer: I don't think its hard, but it can be tricky. The assembly manual covers the main steps in glassing as well as installing a
fin box, leash cup, vent, and more. If you are not sure though, watch surfboard glassing videos on www.youtube.com. This will
help you see what's involved. Many builders decide that they don't want to chance ruining their beautiful board with a bad glass
job and have it professionally glassed. It's probably not as expensive you think.
Answer: I don't think its hard, but it can be tricky. The assembly manual covers the main steps in glassing as well as installing a
fin box, leash cup, vent, and more. If you are not sure though, watch surfboard glassing videos on www.youtube.com. This will
help you see what's involved. Many builders decide that they don't want to chance ruining their beautiful board with a bad glass
job and have it professionally glassed. It's probably not as expensive you think.
Question: What kind of resin do you use?
Answer: We only recommend epoxy on wood surfboards. Polyester will quickly delaminate from most wood. Plus epoxy is
lighter, easier to use, easier to clean up, and has virtually no smell. We tell the best epoxy and where to get it in the assembly
manual.
Answer: We only recommend epoxy on wood surfboards. Polyester will quickly delaminate from most wood. Plus epoxy is
lighter, easier to use, easier to clean up, and has virtually no smell. We tell the best epoxy and where to get it in the assembly
manual.
Question: How do I choose the board that's right for me?
Answer: You choose a wood surfboard the same way you would choose a foam board. If you want to cruise and maybe get
some nose riding in, you want one of our long boards. If you like to go wild and really shred, one of the fish will do the job. If you
want something in between the long and short boards the Mini Mal is perfect. Then there are the Stand Up Paddle boards that
will let you cruise standing up in style. Bottom line is that if a certain kind of foam board works for you its wood counterpart will
work the same.
Answer: You choose a wood surfboard the same way you would choose a foam board. If you want to cruise and maybe get
some nose riding in, you want one of our long boards. If you like to go wild and really shred, one of the fish will do the job. If you
want something in between the long and short boards the Mini Mal is perfect. Then there are the Stand Up Paddle boards that
will let you cruise standing up in style. Bottom line is that if a certain kind of foam board works for you its wood counterpart will
work the same.
Question: How much woodworking ability do I need and what tools?
Answer: This is not the easiest project you will ever try, but its probably not as hard as you think. If you follow the detailed
instruction manual you will be fine. As for tools, a table or band saw is a must. Also a belt sander and block plane are
necessary. As for a power thickness planer, if you have one that's great. Lots of builders have made deals with cabinet shops
or local school wood shops to plane the wood for them.
Answer: This is not the easiest project you will ever try, but its probably not as hard as you think. If you follow the detailed
instruction manual you will be fine. As for tools, a table or band saw is a must. Also a belt sander and block plane are
necessary. As for a power thickness planer, if you have one that's great. Lots of builders have made deals with cabinet shops
or local school wood shops to plane the wood for them.
Question: Can the kits be modified?
Answer: You bet! That's why we call the Chameleon the Chameleon. If you build it according to plan its an egg. It can be
modified many ways to make it faster and more maneuverable. The kits can also be narrowed somewhat if desired. The
instruction manual has a complete section on how to modify a board.
Answer: You bet! That's why we call the Chameleon the Chameleon. If you build it according to plan its an egg. It can be
modified many ways to make it faster and more maneuverable. The kits can also be narrowed somewhat if desired. The
instruction manual has a complete section on how to modify a board.
Question: Can I get a discount if I order a few kits at the same time?
Answer: We regularly give discounts to school shop classes that order several kits. We also offer significant discounts to
dealers that stock several kits. Each situation is evaluated on its own merits so call for details.
Answer: We regularly give discounts to school shop classes that order several kits. We also offer significant discounts to
dealers that stock several kits. Each situation is evaluated on its own merits so call for details.
Question: If I already own Jack Young's book can I use it to build a kit?
Answer: No, the two books are really different. Jack's book "Building a Hollow Wooden Surfboard" helps the scratch builder
design and build a surfboard. To simplify the process the deck is flat.allowing the deck and bottom to be put on in a single
sheet. By contrast, the book that comes with the kits describes building techniques conceived by Brad Tucker especially for
these kits. The kits have domed decks which allows narrower rail thickness. Brad also has come up with some very innovative
ways to build that eliminate the need for dozens of expensive clamps and fixtures. Besides, you get the book free with the kit.
Answer: No, the two books are really different. Jack's book "Building a Hollow Wooden Surfboard" helps the scratch builder
design and build a surfboard. To simplify the process the deck is flat.allowing the deck and bottom to be put on in a single
sheet. By contrast, the book that comes with the kits describes building techniques conceived by Brad Tucker especially for
these kits. The kits have domed decks which allows narrower rail thickness. Brad also has come up with some very innovative
ways to build that eliminate the need for dozens of expensive clamps and fixtures. Besides, you get the book free with the kit.
- Building Questions
- Price Questions
- Shipping Questions
- General Questions
Building Questions
Shipping Questions
General Questions
Pricing Questions
Question: How much does it cost for shipping?
Answer: The prices on the web site include shipping to the U.S. Lower 48 states. If you are anywhere outside the US we have a
special product called an Export Kit that we can send anywhere in the world using US Postal Service First Class mail.
Answer: The prices on the web site include shipping to the U.S. Lower 48 states. If you are anywhere outside the US we have a
special product called an Export Kit that we can send anywhere in the world using US Postal Service First Class mail.
Answer: Yes, and if you write we can give you a quote. Your best bet though is to order an export kit. You'll get it faster and
the shipping will be much less.
the shipping will be much less.
Question: Where do I place the fin(s)?
Answer: That's a tough question. There are so many variables that determine proper fin placement its impossible to cover
them all. Your best bet is to copy the placement of the fins on a board that you like. If that's not possible, there are hundreds of
on-line discussions about where a fin should go. You will see that there is quite a science to it. If, however, you just want a good
all-around location that works well on the boards we use click here for the fin location page.
Answer: That's a tough question. There are so many variables that determine proper fin placement its impossible to cover
them all. Your best bet is to copy the placement of the fins on a board that you like. If that's not possible, there are hundreds of
on-line discussions about where a fin should go. You will see that there is quite a science to it. If, however, you just want a good
all-around location that works well on the boards we use click here for the fin location page.
Question: How long does it take to build one of these?
Answer: My first one took about 60 hours. I can do one now in less than 20 hours. The frame is the most important part and
the one in out kit goes together in less than an hour because of the precision fitting parts. From there on your main delay is
waiting for glue to dry so you can move on to the next step. Figure a couple months worst case from unpacking to glassing and
that's only working an hour or two every day.
Answer: My first one took about 60 hours. I can do one now in less than 20 hours. The frame is the most important part and
the one in out kit goes together in less than an hour because of the precision fitting parts. From there on your main delay is
waiting for glue to dry so you can move on to the next step. Figure a couple months worst case from unpacking to glassing and
that's only working an hour or two every day.
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Question: How thick is the deck and bottom planking?
Answer: The stronger the wood the thinner you can make it. For pine, redwood, paulownia or similar woods 1/4" to 5/16 is a
good starting point. Balsa should be more like 3/8". We don't recommend full balsa decks but full bottoms are light and strong.
Answer: The stronger the wood the thinner you can make it. For pine, redwood, paulownia or similar woods 1/4" to 5/16 is a
good starting point. Balsa should be more like 3/8". We don't recommend full balsa decks but full bottoms are light and strong.