|
|
|
|
|
|
Kite Surfing
Build Your own Board
I am as keen as you can image to get out there on the water. I have done all the research on-line and now its up to me to put theory into practice. Without access to a local kite school however, there is little chance to "try before you buy", and as this sport, like most extreme sports, can put holes in your bank balance very quickly, I've cut a few corners (without compromising safety), including building my own board. Inspired by the Kite Surfing School website I have listed the steps below to show others how easy it was.
1. I purchased a sheet of 12mm marine ply (915x1830). The hardware shop cut it in two for me so two 457x1830 boards will make 2 kite boards. After determining a length (shoulder height) I used a paper template I cut myself of 1/4 of the board. That way you can trace around it 4 times to get a symmetrical shape. Its then just a five minute job to cut it out with an electric jigsaw.
The board blank
2. For my first board I have decided, after studying the commercial boards, that the rails should be top down which will allow more bite. This will prove important as I'll have no fins.
The rails were sanded with a belt sander, coarse and fine grades, then hand finished.
3. The nose on the other hand, I want to be bottom up, I plan to devise a small rocker and the bottom-up nose will combine with that to get over the swells.
Before sanding. |
View of bottom, sanded to top edge |
4. To achieve a rocker, you first need to soak the board for a day or two. You can then put the board upside-down over a length of timber and weight the ends while the board dries out.
5. Once the board is dry again (patience is a virtue here as it took several days) you can hang it up and apply the sealant. I used "Feast Watson" Spar Marine oil-based varnish designed for exterior use on yachts, and applied 3 coats.
6. I uummmed and aahhhed over what to do about foot straps. Make your own; order some from a southern store online; I then discovered a new kite shop in North Queensland called KiteRite where I could get a pair of basic straps and anything else I needed. Problem solved. They were mailed to me in a couple of days.
So to sum up ... I have two new boards. I had to buy the plywood ($76), jigsaw blades($13), sealant($20), foot straps($40) and board leash($19); and hire the jigsaw($19) and belt sander($26). All up cost: $213 for two boards, and I'm ready to surf.
