6 Tips for Selecting a Surfboard Blank

Surfboard blank selection is an important decision that can affect the performance and durability of your surfboard. Here are some tips to help you choose the right blank for your surfboard design:

1  Consider the type of surfboard you want to build. Different types of surfboards require different types of blanks. Selecting a blank is a bit like creating a sculpture. You are taking a piece of raw material, i.e. the blank, and sculpting your desired shape out of it, either by hand, or with a machine. Understanding how the length, width, thickness, and rocker fit within your “finished sculpture” of the blank you are using, is a basic skill for shapers to possess. There are also core differences in the properties of Polyurethane (PU) blanks vs. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) blanks. These properties, such as density and flex, need to be compared with the performance goals of your design. 

For a list of blank manufacturers, please visit the AkuShaper Blank Library: AkuShaper.com/blanks

2  Hand shaping vs. Cutting blanks with a CNC machine. While many of the core principles for hand shaping a blank versus machining a blank remain the same, there are some differences you may want to consider. CAD software like AkuShaper, can help you match a blank and waste a minimal amount of foam.

Ex. Board fitting into a blank with a close fit

Adjustments in the software can allow you to design a board that match a stock blank very closely. Tighter fits between the blank and your design also help to minimize resistance on machine components, reduce waste, and save money. Hand shaping allows for a larger room for error when selecting a blank because you are hand measuring the dimensions of your design into a blank. The AkuShaper “Blank Fitting” tab allows you to test-fit different blank options and make the best choice for both hand shaping and CNC machining.

3  What type of stringer is best for your design. Blanks come with a variety of stringer options and sizes. Examples include basswood, cedar, and balsa and can be ordered in 4mm, 6mm, 7 ply ⅜”, to name a few options. Your stringer provides the rigidity of your board, and reinforces the rocker profile of your board. Blanks can be ordered with specialty stringers that include a layup of multiple wood types, colors, or thicknesses. Some blanks can also be glued up with multiple stringers, high density foam inserts, and even parabolic stringer profiles.

A wide range of custom colored foam and stringer glue-ups from US Blanks

“My belief is that the stringer does not make your board stronger in the way that it won't snap or break in half. The stringers main purpose is to hold the rocker curve and contribute to flex properties, just like carbon on EPS. There are many different personal favorites out there. -Travis, Owner, Surfblanks ZA

4  The density of the blank. Denser blanks will be more durable, but they will also be more difficult to paddle. Less dense blanks will be easier to paddle, but they may not be as durable. “Density; What do you want from your board? Longevity or performance? Or maybe momentum to break through the chop.... or as light as possible for clean small surf or possibly fresh water wave pools? Density also plays a part in your flex which may want to be considered. This is what you would match up with your other blank options.” -Travis, Owner, Surfblanks ZA

5  Determine your budget. Blanks can range in price from just under a hundred dollars to a few hundred dollars. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so you don't overspend. One option to consider when buying blanks is to purchase in bulk quantities. This can be a big money saver if you are shaping the same model repeatedly. Many blank manufacturers offer discounts for buying in larger quantities.  “A good practice is to find the best comparable size blank that matches your design to be cut. This is key for the financial side, as often the blank you order is too small, or in some instances, too big, and bigger blanks cost more money. The type of blank (PU, EPS, EPP) also has an effect on the price. So getting your budget right is a good idea.” -Travis, Owner, Surfblanks South Africa

6  Read reviews & talk to other shapers. Once you've narrowed down your choices, read some reviews of different blanks. This will give you a good idea of what other people have experienced with different blanks. Swaylocks.com has a great forum on blank reviews. Many blank companies also provide a short description of their blank characteristics. If you know any other shapers, ask them for their recommendations on blank selection as well. They may be able to give you some valuable insights based on their own experience. 

Many of the blanks in the market today have been co-developed with feedback from expert shapers. For example, The 6’4” EA from US Blanks, the EA stands for Eric Arakawa. The suffix at the end of all the US Blank sizes identifies the shaper(s) who designed and built the model. Eric Arakawa designed and built the entire EA blank series in collaboration with US Blanks.

Ex. “Designed to be a versatile blank for boards 6’2” and under. I added a little nose width to accommodate most modern full nose shortboards. It also accommodates machine shapes.” -ERIC ARAKAWA on the 6’4” EA

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right blank for your surfboard designs is to experiment and find what works best for you, your preferences and experience with different blank options will evolve over time. Once you've considered the factors above, you can start to narrow down your choices. AkuShaper has a great selection of blank files from the major manufacturers that can be used in the Blank Fitting tab to find the blank that will work best with your design.

Drop a comment below and let us know what your thoughts on selecting a blank are. Mahalo!