Eco Surfboard

irishsurfer

Just started my GreenBoard, BioFoam blank from homeblown, just did the pre-shaping today.

Just cut the outline and rasped back to the line, feels different-very different from PU foam, even though its 50% MDF.

No shots as yet, will post when I get the film developed, also did not get any electronic footage, but did get some super8 (have 3 cassettes left) - will develop and tranfer when I win the lottery.

Moving to a proper shapers bay on the 23rd so hope to get some electronic footage there - then post here.

Glassing will be done with bio-resin from sustainable composites UK, Leashplug is cornstarch and cloth will be bamboo - both from Brian at Greenlight Pa.

- think its the first of this type in Europe.

Its going to be a 7'2 maybe Magic Carpet or Bonzer or Hybryd of the two, probably go with the Bonzer bottom - bit nervous, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I want it to be a good all-rounder, but also a technology demonstrator - wont be using a vaccum bag, so if we can do a greenboard, any backyard shaper can.

I want to put in a log central fin with quad side fins- 4WFS if I can get some here.

lostexpectation

whats ungreen about regular surfboards

irishsurfer

They are pretty filthy.
Typical surfboard is a Polyurethene TDI foam blank- or core, blown with loads of VOCs, cyanide etc.
This is reduced by shaving off layers of foam, this is just unrecyleable waste.
The outer shell is made from polyurethene resin.

Polyurethene boards are weak, especially vulnerable to UV light, so they weaken and break relativly quickly.

They are not suitable for recycling.

There has been some progress, such as using MDI over TDI foam, also the use of EPS foam and alternative materials for the outer shell like Hemp - but it is slow.

irishsurfer

Tested a UV activated BioReisin on a patch, did not take.

I did have a UV light etc. and did it with recommended timings etc.
I know it works with regular glass, and other natural fabric options that might work are linen or muslin

Will give it another shot with the bioreisin, but I am looking at another reisin product that may be suitable.

Another question is are the biofoam blanks yellow - no - but in the past they were more susceptable to UV/Yellowing.

I am informed that the new blanks are better formulated and more resistant to UV, but, again, we will see how it holds up.

Also, if the new reisin works, I will be using it on the hollow wood kit

Will update end of month

lostinsuperfunk

Interesting stuff, IrishSurfer, keep us posted.

A question about this biofoam : you say it's 50% MDF, is this MDF as in medium density fibreboard? I ask because I think that MDF contains some pretty nasty glues. Of course if it is made up of waste MDF then that's not so bad. If you're worried about UV damage to the foam then maybe you can use a UV-opaque lacquer. How does its density compare with normal foam?

Slightly off topic, but I always feel a bit guilty about driving a 100 km round trip to the nearest surf spot to partake in what would otherwise be a very environmentally friendly activity.

Anyway, good luck with the construction project!

irishsurfer

There are two main types of Polyurethane foam - TDI and MDI (my mistake putting in the F)
MDI is not perfect, but it is better for the environment, can be recycled.

Its about 10% denser/heavier than the TDI- Clarks/Buford types (better for nose riders) but it is a little stronger, so for a personal board it is perfect, just reduce the glass/reisin amount.

I may do a tint coat, but I have this Airbrush that really wants to be used on raw foam:p

Will keep you posted

lostinsuperfunk

Ah, I see. On reflection, MDF would be a pretty poor choice of material for a surfboard
I notice you're in the Netherlands, do you ever get any decent waves there?

irishsurfer

The odd time, fickle as f**k - really love getting home to Ireland.
NL is normally onshore mush, but we get the odd good, clean day

Best places I have surfed here are
Schrevenenge (south beach)
Hoek Van Holland
Monster
Terheide
An Island off the North coast, Terschelling is good on season
Maasvlakte was the best break but with the expansion of Europort that is going to disappear.

Usually I can use public transport off peak to go surfing here, as for the 100 click drive - BioDeisel is the answer

zippy 99

My cool mates bought an eco surfboard each, the four of them. Pity they journey to sligo from dublin and back every weekend kinda redresses the balance.