Transcript Surfboard Geometry and Design - Passy`s World of Mathematics

Surfboard Geometry and Design
Image Source: http://wikimedia.org
Latest Technology Board Riding
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwVnq_t-Wc4
Surfboard Geometry and Design
 Types of Surfboards
 Choosing a Surfboard
 Parts of a Surfboard
 Surfboard Fins
 Fin Configurations
 Making Surfboards by Hand
 Computer Design and Manufacture
Types of Surfboards
Image Source: http://sandiegosurfingschool.com
The Shortboard
High Performance, Sharp Nose, Thin Rail Edges,
Highly Curved Deck, Three or Four Underside Fins
Image Purchased by Passy World from Dreamstime.com
The Fish
Shorter, Wider, and Flatter than the Shortboard;
works well in small mushy surf.
Images Source: Google Images
The Longboard
Oldest design, Rounded Nose, Long and Wide,
Great for small waves and Beginner Surfers.
Image Source: http://surfingaustralia.com
The Longboard
Brazilian Surfers Nose Riding on Longboards.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNMLOCNo4BY
The Funboard
Smaller than Longboard, thick and long giving
Buoyancy volume, paddling power, and stability.
Image Source: Google Images
The Gun
Special Board for Huge Waves. Very Long for Paddling
Speed. Designed for very High Speeds and Control.
Image Source: http://wikimedia.org
The Hybrid
The typical hybrid is a larger and wider version of either
the Shortboard or the Fish. Great for medium size days.
Image Source: http://surfingaustralia.com
Other Types / SUP
The Stand Up Paddle Board “SUP” gives four times the
Paddling power of a normal surfboard.
Tow-In Boards with Jet-Skis used for Big Wave entries.
Images Source: Google Images
Choosing a Surfboard
Detailed Sizing Charts are used for the Type of Board
you need for your height, weight, and surfing style.
Image Source: http://surfertoday.com
Parts of a Surfboard
Changing the Geometrical Shape of each part significantly
changes acceleration, stability, hold, and manoeuverability.
Fins
Image Source: http://renasis.com
The Nose
Pointy - dropping into big waves, and paddling in chop
Round - easier to paddle, glide, and plane on the surface.
Image Source: http://surfingaustralia.com
The Rocker
Rocker is the curving upwards of the deck (nose and tail)
Fish and Longboard (small waves) have minimal rocker.
Image Source: http://konaboys.com
The Stringer
Stringer - stiffener placed down the middle of the board
to strengthen the core and add rigidity.
Image Source: Google Images
The Rails
The “Rail” edges of the surfboard are rounded (“soft”) on
Longboards for stability and tracking, but go to a right
Angle (“hard”) shape where they meet the bottom of
Shortboards to give acceleration and tight turning.
Squared off bottom
“Hard” Rail profile
along the edge
of a Fish Board
from Nose to Tail.
Image Source: http://swaylocks.com
Tail Shapes
Image Source: http://surfertoday.com
Round / Pin – stable in big surf, smooth round turns
Squash / Square – more lift, plane, pivot, loose sharp turns
Swallow / Angular – Quick water release for mushy waves
Surfboard Fins
Fins are required to turn the board, stop sideways slipping,
and hold the board onto the face of the wave.
Image Source: http://mpora.com
Surfboard Fins Tutorial
There are many Fin Types, Shapes, and Arrangements.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm57d4C9rZs
Fin Characteristics
There are key measurements which define each fin type.
Source: http://surffcs.com.au
Foils on Fins
Image Source: http://surffcs.com.au
Fin Profile called “Foil” critically affects turning, hold on
the wave face, drive acceleration, and stability.
Foils on Fins
There are four common Fin Profiles or “Foils”
Information Source: http://fcs.com.au
Foils on Fins
Image Source: http://surffcs.com.au
Drive, (Speed), Pivot (turning) and Hold/Release
Original Image Source: http://www.fcs.com.au
Foils on Fins
Flex and Cant on Fins
Original Images Source: Google Images
Detailed Fin Measurements
Image Source: htttp://wavegrinder.com
Bulbous Bullet Fin
Fin Base Profile pushes up a “Bulbous Wave” at 180
degrees to the fin cutting wave to create cancellation.
Image Source: htttp://bulletfins.com
Evolution of Fin Technology
The incredible acrobatic surfing we see today is due
to the evolution of Fins over the last ten years .
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCfXlSa7VE4
FCS Fins Australia
Images Source: htttp://fcs.com.au
FCS Fins Australia are world leaders in Fin Technology,
and continue to create exciting new products.
Fin Configurations
Depending on Surfboard Type, there can be 1 to 4 fins used.
(Five fin boxes under the board allows for Tri or Quad).
Images Source: Google Images
Bottom Contour
Bottom contours influence how water travels under the
surfboard, and assists lift, planing and manoeuverability.
Image Source: www.shapers.com.au
Surfboard Deck
Decks are either flat or domed and slippery fibreglass
needs thick wax or rubber grips applied to it.
Image Source: htttp://vimeocdn.com
Making Surfboards
“Shapers” turn a foam blank into a proper surfboard using
cutting and measuring tools, sanders, fibreglass, and resins.
Image Source: htttp://vimeocdn.com
Making Surfboards
An order form and detailed plan is used to measure and
make each surfboard to the customer’s requirements .
Image Source: htttp://hollowboards.com
Handmade Surfboards
“Shapers” and “Glassers” hand make custom surfboards.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Lly3VMW_A
Handmade Surfboards
“Shapers” use special measuring tools.
Image Source: http://foamez.com
Computer Design and Manufacture
Modern Surfboards are mass produced using computerised
design / scanning equipment as well as shaping machines.
Image Source: http://borstdesigns.wordpress.com
Computer Design and Manufacture
A “real” Surfboard is made by a master shaper and then
Scanned to store all of its 3D Geometrical characteristics.
Image Source: http://borstdesigns.wordpress.com
Computer Design and Manufacture
The Board can be customised and then automatically cut
out and fully shaped using computer controlled machinery.
Images Source: http://borstdesigns.wordpress.com
Hybrid Design
This design wouldn’t “Float” as a Surfboard, and makes
q difficult guitar to dance around with, but is interesting.
Images Source: Google Images
Mathematics of Surfing
Complete details of all material covered
in this presentation can be found in the
“Mathematics of Oceans” lesson on the
Passy’s World of Mathematics Website:
www.passyworldofmathematics.com