If a paddle boarder mentions a deck of his surfboard, it’s most probably nothing more than checking the wax sufficiency.
Recent covering? Right amount? The truth is that very few of us look around multiple ranges of surfboard designs and have just a little understanding of their peculiar qualities.
Though artisans know well how to work on and fiddle over stringers, rails, or fin position, there are those few who give an eye to deck configuration.
These emerging trends open up a new opportunity to build firm, thin, floaty, and safe surfboards all at the same time.
Now, with the development of computer-aided technologies, shapers have access to a large variety of instruments to work on measurement capacity to improve the design.
However, what indeed has attracted everybody’s attention is the 2008 triumph at the world’s best-known surf competition Pipeline Masters where a 5’11” surfboard got the victory.
Also, various approaches to the board design are elaborated concerning the idea of foam practicability and its impact on the overall volume and design.
Lately, we’ve been spotting original patterns deviating from the conventional or flat-shaped barrel. There’s quite an interesting type that is so-called “step deck” engineered by Eli Martin.
He started from the thin rails and applied a curved junction to the bulging in the foam running it up to the main platform.
While doing so, Martin confirms that the surfboard travels more efficiently, builds up speed, and delivers good steadiness and responsiveness.
Martin also assures that the hardness and inflexibility of the deck make the surfboard airily fly upwards.
There appeared brand-new surfboards with even more unexpected features and overall design, for instance, the “D-flat” surfboards.
This design implies outstretching the area of a football form beginning in the middle of the surfboard and ending with its rails.
Such contours translate into a thinner and floppier shape with more cragged rails charging it with life force.
Although, it is rather insufficient in extreme performances compared to a conventional flat surfboard.
The latter is equipped with thicker rails and thinner stringers and still crashes more frequently because of insufficient durability in the centre.
As in various constructional details of surfboard design, there are possible choices as for deck configuration. And it’s gratefully appreciated that there are professionals of their craft responsible for all the technical aspects.
It only remains for us to roll in and get a fix on personal preferences.
Deck Designs
The main purpose of the numerous deck types and designs is to distribute the foam properly along the whole length of the surfboard without compromising the total volume of it.
Various deck types allow keeping the surfboard volume and rails within the permissible limits.
Let’s speak about the hottest trends and designs sweeping the market:
- Dome deck – Number one deck design. The dome type makes it possible to direct more volume toward the middle to increase the overall volume and flotation. Thin rails act as a counter reducing the flotation. It helps a surfer to submerge the rails easing down turning movements.
- Flat deck – The flat deck design has cragged rails and more contour sharpness. This surfboard platform is characterized by a flat deck design becoming thicker in the rails. It’s built with more curves for a livelier reaction. The surfboard bottom lacks strength and is easier to break. The excessively thick rails make an obstacle for a rider to sink them if necessary.
- Step deck – The step deck shape makes it possible to build thinner rails. This deck design is notable for excessive volume, firmness, and durability, but may miss out on flotation. The output is a viable surfboard design with high-performance results of the maneuverability and landing.
