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.

 

Panel of Experts:

Nasser Jalali – Professor Jalali has an impressive history in the manufacturing environment. He is also a professor at SFSU where he teaches, among other classes, plastics. His knowledge of plastics and foam should prove to be helpful in my search of materials.

Alex Martins – He is a long time big wave surfer. He is an invitee at the mavericks contest witch is the premier big wave contest in the world. Alex is also a good small wave, high performance surfer. He fixes dings professionally and has a ding repair shop in the Sunset District of San Francisco. With all the boards he fixes he will be able to shed some light on where deck damage is the most common problem.

Andrew Loska – Andrew rips at surfing and is a surfboard shaper in San Clemente. San Clemente is known for being a major surfboard shaping center. He will be a good resource because he knows surfboards and surfboard construction.