Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

What works and what doesn't. Share design ideas, references and contacts for paipo board builders.
sdennan
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Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

#1

Unread post by sdennan »

Hi Everyone

I am looking at building my first board. I live in New Zealand and hit Whangamata for summer.

Im a bit unsure about the size of board I would require. I am 49, 6 foot 3 tall and weigh a massive 140kg. I have done a lot of bodysurfing in the past, there is a lot of body to surf now days.

Could someone suggest a possible length and width that would be suitable.

Mahalo

Simon
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bgreen
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Re: Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

#2

Unread post by bgreen »

Foam or wood?
sdennan
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Re: Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

#3

Unread post by sdennan »

Paulownia
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bgreen
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Re: Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

#4

Unread post by bgreen »

Sd,

Unless you are thinking of something chambered/hollow keep in mind wood paipo or bellyboards are low buoyancy boards.

Some suggestions.

1) 3/4 of your height?

2) http://www.paipo.com/products/paipo-xl-plus.html The big boards are only 40" and would be ridden by some big guys.

3) I recently saw a wood board, built for a big Polynesian guy and it was more like 50" and wider.

You may have to build a couple of boards before you get it right.

Others may have more specific or helpful suggestions.

Enjoy the bar.

Bob
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Re: Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

#5

Unread post by karuhi »

giday Simon, do you ever head up north? I've a couple of boards I've made that would float you. drop me a line if you are interested. you're more than welcome to have a go. I'm not quite your size 126kgs but either of these boards would be fine. cheers - Justin justingee@xtra.co.nz
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krusher74
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Re: Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

#6

Unread post by krusher74 »

You could also add some cork decking to add buoyancy
Papa Paepo o
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Re: Wanting to build my first board and not sure about size

#7

Unread post by Papa Paepo o »

Aloha krusher74,

Like what Bob stated, 2/3 of your height.And what I found out is adding shoulder width (point to point) adding 2'in. would give you a starting point on your layout on the board, before cutting and shaping. Then make yourself a template and with that, you can play with your template while making your board lay-out in or out on any size board you want to design.
plain wood style
plain wood style
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