Here is the final product!

Here are a few prototyping pictures. The top photo is an iteration of ProDeck made of only fiberglass and epoxy resin. I found the epoxy to be a little too fixable. The picture below shows some of the materials I used and the prototyping facility. The other two are of the final prototype being made. I covered my new board in plastic then made a sheet of carbon fiber on top of it. a lot was learned from working with these materials.

This is a surfboard I shaped before it was glassed. I shaped the surfboard so I could have a new board to make a prototype for.

I talked with the guys at sunset shapers. they were really helpful. we talked about how I could go about making a deck protector. They were talking about carbon fiber and carbon kevlar fiber.

Also, I got a hold of Alex Martins, a well known big wave charger. It was cool talking to him because I have always heard about him and the waves he surfs.

Hypothesis

A product that protects the deck of a surfboard can be

developed that does not hinder the board’s performance.

Revised Problem and Purpose Statement

Problem:
Surfboards made from polyurethane foam are the most common and preferred high performance surfboards, unfortunately they have a short lifespan due to their susceptibility to sever deck damage from normal use.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to research surfboard materials and construction methods to find a viable solution that will improve longevity and strength of surfboards.

This survey was passed out at Aqua Surf Shop and Las Olas surfboards for surfers to respond to.

Surfboard Deck Damage Survey:

This information will be used by John Kuhns for his culminating SFSU senior

research / design project.

Do you ride a polyurethane board?

Yes

No

Have you ever had problems with the deck of your boards getting crushed

where you stand?

Yes

No

Is the damage mostly under your front foot or back foot?

Front

Back

Is most of the damage that you have had to repair mostly on the stringer or

rails?

Stringer

Rails

Do you use a traction pad?

Yes

No

If yes, where do you use them?

Back only

Front only

Both

Rate the importance of these qualities when getting a new surfboard from 1

to 5. 1 being not important, 5 being very important

Lightness 1 2 3 4 5

Strength 1 2 3 4 5

Being hand shaped 1 2 3 4 5

Please give any comments about damage to the deck of surfboards made

from polyurethane foam or any of the questions. Answer on back. Thanks.