Bomb-proof Directional Board

flipper · Since 17 Oct 2011 320 Posts Obsessed

I want a directional board that is made tough like a twin... as I find twins lacking in flow, and I want to take my board with me and not worry too much about the airlines smashing it up. Anybody make one of these?

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

Check out lib-tech's new surfboards

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 844 Posts Opinionated

Short answer is no. If you want something that is kinda like a surfboard, but built strong, check out the Underground Kipuna (no affiliation). I've never ridden it, but it's basically a twin tip construction in a surfboard shape. Otherwise, try to find an old directional from 2007-2008. They made them much more bulletproof back then. Heavier, of course, but stronger. If you can make do with a smaller board, you can keep the weight down by lack if material.

I've got a 2008 5'5" North Rocketfish that is bombproof, but not that heavy due to its size.

Kitesail · Since 23 Jun 2006 108 Posts The Gorge Stoked

Hey flipper,
I make em.
john.bellacera@gmail.com

kieran · Since 06 Jul 2011 45 Posts Â

You'll never make a 6' long piece of foam as durable as a twintip, the Lib-techs are the closest option. No affiliation.

I haven't ridden one yet, but the 2013 Liquid Force surfboards look like a big step up in terms of durability. One step below the Lib-tech sticks.

Link

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 806 Posts Opinionated

Slingshot Fuse.

They don't make them anymore, but you can find them used for around $200 and they can fit in a larger golf bag.

Link

cosmodog · Since 06 Oct 2005 205 Posts Stoked

One option is John Doyle's board - made of 100% divinycell:
http://www.doylesports.com

I have decided to go the other way - buy any cheap Firewire I can find, beef it up w/ some carbon and ride it till it dies.

Not sure Id recommend LibTech yet (I know of 2 broken boards and they did not last long).

Pepi · Wed Feb 06, 13 9:09 am

Some boards to consider :
Lib Tech - foam core, but best durability for surfboard.

If you really want twin tip durability you could go specialized custom (like Doyle or Bellacerra) or buy a non-foamy core surfboard, like the Lightwave Designs DV8 Surf (built like a brick house and flexes) or find an older Fuse (not as much a surfboard, but is certainly fun to ride).

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 844 Posts Opinionated

Bargeslayer · Since 08 Jul 2012 100 Posts Stoked

I hve found libtechs to be very resistant to everyday knocks and bumps, but not much more durable than a normal board to severe impact. I buckled mine after about 7-10 kite sessions. Fixed it with epoxy and it's been good since, but they are nowhere near as strong as twin tips.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

the board is not your problem

http://airbagdesigns.com/soma.htm
worked pretty flawless with two full size boards to peru and back

i dont like paying the $200 for a short trip - so i go skim and chopped surfboard
(DC boardz - out of florida can make you a fun custom 4"8 chopped nose travel board- not super high performance but fun in small to i dont mind getting abused a bit in a larger surf)

http://www.dcboardz.com/surf.html
super burly - have had it wash up in overhead surf and land on the exposed reef - not a ding (your experience may vary...)

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-17000-17.html

also the standard Slingshot SRT - i havent been able to destroy in 6 years

retz · Since 06 Aug 2007 132 Posts west linn Stoked

Slingshot (Aviso) 100% carbon Celeritas is bomb proof......4 years of strapless airs and not even a heel dent.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 902 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

There are lots of bomb proof surfboards out there designed for kiting abuse. John Doyle's, Litewaves, Slingshot Avisos, etc.

I owned a Litewave 5'-8" Quad for over 2 years and rode the hell out of it, even took it on a month trip to Peru where it was ridden almost everyday and went thru all the airline and travelling beatings. After all that it had only a small paint chip on one of the rails before I sold it.

The problem with super strong is that the board may not have the magic flex which in my opinion is what makes a board ride correctly or not. Magic flex is the whole meal deal when carving turns on a wave, if it don't flex right, then it don't ride right!

I have now been buying and selling boards looking only for the ones that feel good when I crank a bottom turn, and if it is not super durable, then I don't care because I want my turns to feel good. John Doyle's boards seem to be turning really nice with good flex characteristics and he builds them strong. I rode a couple this summer and was very impressed, thus I ordered one up to be mostly my strapless board. Check out his boards at this website:

http://www.doylesports.com/

The Firewire (Kiteline) are also really good, flexy boards, but are a bit on the heavy side:

http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/kitesurfing/

I have been using a 6'-0" Firewire Quadraflex that I love especially in big, hollow and fast waves. In big, heavy and very windy I like the little bit of extra weight.

It all comes down to what feels good under your feet when riding a wave. Try different boards before you buy and go with the one that feels like the magic carpet ride!

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

One should not wander too far away from the neutral axis.

I once shaped a board and had it glassed 'ding proof'
picked it up, took it home and smashed it on the concrete.
to put it out of it's misery before it could do damage to me.

flex is your friend.
but only inside of the elastic limit.
distance from the n.a. is the challenge.

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

The Lib Techs are tough but we have had a few buckle and they we all from kiting. Surftech boards are probably as tough than the lib but you can't just toss it like a twin. You could add rail tape to take care of some scrapes. Lots of deals on new and used Surftechs.

Ben · Since 28 Jun 2005 43 Posts Hood River Â

Doyle.

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

Which model are your riding Ben?