The Good and Bad of Epoxy Surfboards
What is an Epoxy Surfboard?
For the most part, surfboards are made using two different manufacturing processes. The first and most common is a board made from polyurethane (PU) foam core and covered in a layer of fiberglass and polyester resin. The second and newer way uses a polystyrene (PS/EPS) core and a layer of epoxy resin. This is an epoxy surfboard. The open-celled foam alternative has increased flex memory, high buoyancy, high responsiveness, and is incredibly light.
The epoxy board craze started in the 1990s as shapers were exploring newer foam alternatives. The epoxy was first used with SUP and longboards, however, once the potential for increased speed and buoyancy with less weight was realized, many started playing with the material for high-performance boards.
One board is not better than the other. Some surfers prefer the typical PU boards for a classic feel, while others enjoy the lightness of epoxy. Here are the pros and cons of epoxy surfboards.
Epoxy Board Pros
The Board
The resin of an epoxy surfboard is up to 33 % stronger than the standard resin of fiberglass surfboards, making these boards overall more durable and less susceptible to dings and waterlogging. The open-celled nature of the foam means it has more air in its core resulting in a floatier board, which helps with paddling and entering waves faster. Finally, they are more environmentally friendly than traditional boards because they use fewer chemicals and EPS blanks can be recycled and combined with flax cloth and bio-resin.
The Rider
Epoxy boards are much lighter than a typical PU surfboard. This makes them great for beginners who want to catch more waves or older surfers. Their added floatation for less volume means they are ideal for heavier and taller surfers and handle well in mushier waves. They are stiffer than PU boards which means they are super snappy, and their lightness helps for aerial maneuvers.
Epoxy Board Cons
The Board
Epoxy boards are expensive and usually price out to be around $100 - $150 more than a standard PU board. They are typically mass machine produced, so finding a custom epoxy is difficult. Finally, although they are less likely to ding, they are harder to repair, and very few shops and shapers have the equipment to do so.
The Ride
With their increased buoyancy, epoxy boards are more difficult to duck dive, and for some surfers, feel too light when cutting through the water. They have less hold in the rails, less flex, and less memory foam making them stiffer and harder to turn. Compared to the PU boards, they are also bouncier on bumpy and choppy days.
Did reading about Epoxy Surfboards inspire you to hit the waves? Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.
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