Surfboard Foam - Are you green?

Ever wondered what keeps your surfboard floating in the water with your body weight on it? Well, since the 1950's, after surfboard makers moved away from the wood off trees, the flotation device in your surfboard is generally foam.

There are a couple of different foam substances available to be used in the manufacturing of surfboards. In this article we are going to mainly look at a common type of foam known as EPS (expanded polystyrene) or beaded foam.

The type of foam in your surfboard will determine the resin of your surfboard. This is because the different types of resins that can be used for your surfboard are all capable of dissolving the various kinds of surfboard foams, if matched inappropriately.

If your surfboard is made from EPS foam then it will have an epoxy resin covering the foam. The other resins made of polyester would dissolve the polystyrene foam.

The great benefits of the polystyrene foam is that is extremely lightweight. It is also less toxic for the surfboard shapers and better for the environment. Additionally, polystyrene foam can be recycled.

Surfboards made from polystyrene foam and epoxy resins are much less dingable. This is fantastic news for the environmentally aware surfer as your surfboard will last longer, and secondly, there will be less surfboards using up the landfill space.

The epoxy resin that is used in the making of surfboards containing the EPS foam is extremely hard.

Surfboards all contain foam in the middle, this is covered by the resin, and then the final outer layer of fiberglass. Epoxy resins can potentially be made from natural ingredients like agrigum, which is a wild plant found in the desert, and sugar. Epoxy resins release about 2/3 less VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) when they cure, or harden. They can also be cleaned up with environmentally friendly organic, citrus based, cleaners, as opposed to the nasty substance acetone.

So Epoxy surfboards are called epoxy because that is what the resin is made from. The middle is polystyrene. This foam can be shaped by hand or with a machine.

Epoxy as a resin is chosen for its water impermeability, flex, and strength.

So in summary, a surfboard made with EPS foam is nice and lightweight. It will float really well. The epoxy resin is an extremely hard and durable surface that lasts well.

Lightweight, buoyant, less toxic, and environmentally friendly - The epoxy surfboard with EPS foam is a great option for the environmentally aware surfer.

To get more information on surfboards, surfboard shapes, and surfboard designs fill out the form below for a special guide, “Surfboard Buyers Guide.”

In this guide you will learn exactly what type of surfboard is perfect for you. We will help you pick the length, width, thickness, shape, fin setup… I think you get the point. If all the differences of surfboard shapes and how they apply to you and your style seem confusing then don’t hesitate use the form below and request you guide now.