Surfboard design, in its basic form, is very easy to understand. It becomes slightly more complicated as some of the other aspects involved in designing a custom surfboard are explored. Factors such as body size (weight and height), ability (professional or beginner), where you surf (wave size, wave speed), personal aspirations, aesthetics and so on play a huge role in the design process. In the following few paragraphs we have attempted to summarize some of the intricacies involved in the design process, so that you might make an informed decision in purchasing your next Pearson Arrow Surfboard. In addition to the basic information you find here, please browse the related pages to find specific information on our methods and materials.

VOLUME & FLOATATION

Basically, volume can be increased or decreased through thickness and/or width. An increase in volume increases the floatation, which directly increases paddle speed, wave catching ability and stability. For example, the wider the board becomes the more stable it becomes – as the width increases the board will be less and less likely to tip over. However, as you gain stability, floatation and paddling ability you loose maneuverability. A reduction in overall volume will increase the board's maneuverability. The appropriate balance between volume and maneuverability is different for everyone. The best way to find what works for you is definitely a process of trial and error, hopefully however, this will give you some basic guidelines to think about.

ROCKER

Another basic aspect in design that should be considered is the rocker of the surfboard. This is the amount of “kick” in the nose and tail. The best way to explain rocker is to lay a piece of paper on your desk and imagine that it is a surfboard with the top of the paper being the “nose” and the “bottom” being the tail. The paper laying flat on the desk would be representative of a board with absolutely no rocker. If you were to hold the paper on the desk at its center and lift either the top (nose) or the bottom (tail) off of the desk, the resulting curve from tip to center would be the rocker, or “kick”. Basically, the flatter the rocker, the more speed – due to less resistance. The problem with too flat a board is that it is inherently harder to turn. The more rocker, the more maneuverable the board becomes, but there is an ever-increasing loss of speed. Since we all want to go fast and turn good, there needs to be a blend or compromise in rocker design, dictated by each surfer on an individual basis.

FINS

Again the need for custom designing is shown. Another basic surfboard design feature that should be considered are the fins. Whether you like/want one, two, three, four or even five fins, though important, is relatively insignificant in the scope of things. What is important is the accumulated fin area and the placement. The more fin area, the more drag, control, and stability. The less fin area, the faster the board becomes, but control is lost. As the fins are moved forward towards the front of the board “pivot-ability” and maneuverability are increased, however, stability and drive are decreased. As one moves the fins towards the tail of the board, the board becomes stiffer and more “drivey”. Once again we look to find the balance on an individual basis.

THE COMPROMISE

So as you can see to get that surfboard to perform just right, the surfer must consider what she or he wants on an individual basis. Speed, maneuverability, floatation, paddle power, wave catching ability, stability and aesthetics, should all be considered. The formula is a proper blend of the desirable aspects. You cannot have maximum speed, with maximum maneuverability. It's a give and take.

Obviously there is no possible way to tell a person what their perfect surfboard design would be, it much to personal a choice with too many factors playing roles. Hopefully this has been of some help, however, for those of you who still have questions please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help you find that balance. We have always prided ourselves on our customer service and strive to make ourselves available to assist our customers in anyway we can.

~ Bob Pearson

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