MyPaipoBoards Forums

20 August 2023

https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 305420080/
Hi from Oaxaca, Mex. Recently made a chambered wood paipo (but a bit heavy) due to epoxy being way spendy here. If one wished to build a floaty wood board with no worries of looks (brute functionality) how might it be built? Plywood skin on spar-ribs, gorilla glue, and varnish? Looking for ideas to build a everyday tool board from wood, tough but inexpensive. Thanks.........

Bob Green
I know you don't mind trawling through old forums, so suggest searches for wood surfboard forum. The old Swaylocks used to have quite a few posts, not sure about the new one - the platform is now bewildering to me. The archives will have a few builds. There used to be at least 3 other forums; one associated with Grain, tree to sea or something similar and a few wood working sites that had threads. Grant Newby used to have a blog and hosted wood board days on the Gold Coast. Paul Jensen used to make quite a few boards.

Tamara Scallion
PJensen turns out art pieces for sure. Yes, surely this must have been posited by someone in the wood surfboard community. Most seem to delight in highly glossy finishes showing off the wood. I am a heretic who doesn't mind painting over a sailboats varnished bits with robust paint. Function over form. A tough, robust, hollow wood board painted with deck enamel is fine by me. Less likely to get stolen as well. My current chambered, varnished board would make a prized coffee table. Thanks for the input, Bob.

Larry O'Brien
Wood, floaty, tough, and inexpensive. My first question is how floaty? I've made a few boards that are half inch cork glued to half inch plywood with Titebond II glue. It's cheaper than Gorilla Glue, buy a gallon. I bought the cork underlayment from a flooring shop. You might be able to get some thicker cork, like three quarter inch. When I sit on the board, my head is out of the water. That's floaty enough for me. And that's without a wetsuit. No chambers or hollows to expand in a hot car. No fiberglass and resin. Just varnish on the bottom and the rails. If you lose the board, it can wash in on its own.

Tamara Scallion
Thank you for the kind ..... I guess medium floaty. I have a plypo I glued yoga mat material to and kinda the same idea as your cork solution. I am beginning to think maybe 1.5" to 2" hollowed will be about right.

Bill Wurts
There was a hollow surfboard build on Swaylocks by a guy from Germany. He used XPS foam spars/ribs and added (glued) thin plywood skins over the spars. Can’t say for sure, but believe he used Gorilla PU glue. He used XPS and wood bands for rails. Should knock weight down substantially.

Tamara Scallion
Appreciate the kind . Interesting concept using foam for the actual spar and ribs. Guess it would depend on the foams rigidity but if done properly maybe a super light but tough board of commonly available materials.

Bill Wurts
The XPS foam is closed-cell and does not soak up water. Check minimum compressive strength befor purchasing — don’t go below 25 psi min comp strength (40 or 60 is better). You may need to experiment with spar/rib thickness. Depending on board shape, you may need a way to press the skins down onto the ribs for glueing. Owens-Corning and DuPont make 25 psi min comp strength XPS Insulation

Tamara Scallion
That's a very original idea I would think. I can't recall ever seeing it tried. But seems it would work.

Bill Wurts
If you use plywood skins, be sure to use marine grade plywood.

Alan Bruce
Chambered Paulownia but don't glass it. Just use Lanolin. Paulownia is impervious to salt water.

Tamara Scallion
Big time cedar only here in southern mexico. My chambered board is varnished only. Oh well....

Keith Usher
viewtopic.php?t=544
SDF No3 paulownia wood board - MyPaipoBoards Forums
MYPAIPOBOARDS.ORG

Tamara Scallion
Great 55 post thread with tons of sealing info. Thanks.

Thomas Patrick Surfboards
You can fix the "expansion" problem by installing an air vent, which is the same size as a leash plug and installs the same way. I have one on my black carbon-fiber prone board for exactly that reason. The vent has a one-way Gortex valve that allows air to escape but won't allow water to enter. The actual valve threads into an outer casing and can be removed with hex socket if necessary for drainage. Available online at most surfboard supply outlets, e.g. Fiberglass Hawaii, for a few bucks. Mine has lasted 6 yrs without any problems.

Tamara Scallion
Thanks! I did install a air vent, cross purposed from the building world of SUPs. I've yet to ride this board and wonder if on the bottom turn it just keeps going down. We'll see. I do know I would not like to get hit with it. Sure is beautiful though, thanks to copying a certain designers basic lines.



13 May 2023

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1155453922467644/ 10 August 2023

https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 025090080/ Thomas Patrick Surfboards
I just posted this on MyPaipo: Man, I've always wanted to build a wooden version of my T-Bellys. I considered the chambered approach, but didn't/don't have access to a band saw. I've collaborated several times with a local Intermediate school shop teacher who had his woodshop students building HWS mini-Simmons. I would use Aku to design the shape and then a seperate application to to convert the Aku BRD file to create templates for the ribs. His class must have built a dozen or so. I'd be really interested in hearing the details of your "T-Belly" clone build. -tp


23 August 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 081465080/?

Tamara Scallion
Thank you. It's the kind of deal where I find a excuse to go out to the shop at 2 am and look at it. Geeky, for sure.

Keith Usher
highly polished is actually slower. So I would not sweat the hours of sanding unless you want it for looks. 50/25 is pretty chunky.

Larry O'Brien
What is the finish?

Tamara Scallion
Simple spar varnish.... epoxy is tough to find here in southern mexico and when you can it's WAY pricey.

Larry O'Brien
Did you thin down the first coat of varnish?

Tamara Scallion
No, and my mistake. Subsequent boards I did so and came out so much better.


Bob Green
What's the final weight?

Tamara Scallion
Heavy enough to bash in Thanos head.

27 March 2024
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 568870080/
Unfortunately the chambered version could hole a steel freighter.... heavy.

15 May 2024
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1431012130953357/
Tamara Scallion
A old shipwright once told me "The hard way is the easy way". I agree. The chambered method is a lot of hard work and wasted, cutout wood. Nice to shape a raw wood blank though. But the ribbed method with spine is so much more precise, economical of materials, and beautiful as well. In the end less work too and lighter.

Jady Swinkels
Thanks for sharing, I saw a mention of chambering and was curious - this video explains it, thanks. Also timber is it?

Tamara Scallion
Locally grown cedar!!

Jady Swinkels
awesome timber, and what glue are you using to laminate together and then finish to seal up - sounds like a cool project and really want to make one.

Tamara Scallion
Jady Swinkels Local cedar!!!

17 May 2024
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1199638388113775/

Paul Jensen
Weight is your friend on a paipo..

Bob Green
It's always a balance.

Paul Jensen
… it sure is… Weight helps dropping into waves on offshore days… Once you get going weight doesn’t matter so much…

Bob Green
It's the getting going bit where less weight can be useful


Michael Webster
why not use a skin, ply of wood rather than waste so much wood? or have that cut and get a veneer out of that wood ... cut in thin sections and the use blocks like you have, sorry it just seems you could get more out of that beautiful wood, save you time.. etc. if its because of the glue or so, just get wood glue that is level 3 or so, usually good with water . Please don´t see this comment as a downer, amazing skills right there
10 w10 weeks ago


Tamara Scallion
Thanks Michael.... this will be my last chambered style board just for that reason. Plus the sheer tedium of jigsawing out all those chambers. I am thirsting to try a spined-ribbed-skinned version of a Larry Goddard template. Should be a LOT lighter and actually easier to build.

18 June 2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1115351429523115/
Bob Green
Hows the weight?

Tamara Scallion
Howdy Bob. Compared to the first effort this one is maybe half the weight. Going for getting micro bits of wood out actually makes a big difference. Not sure until the last coat of varnish goes on but I suspect a nice, mid buoyancy board. No more chambered boards though..... such waste and a pain to jigsaw all those chamber lines. Can't help but think how a spined-ribbed-skinned version of Larry Goddards "Mellow Yellow" would do (54X23X3). Probably a LOT easier to build in the end and be much lighter and probably more beautiful to boot.

23 June 2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/349336351521890/
Bob Green
Good to hear it's not too heavy. You probably only need harder rails 1/3 back. The thing is, you'll learn a lot from this one. I have some suggestions, but better you try it and see what you think. Find a nice sandy point and have fun. How are you going to finish it?

Tamara Scallion
You mean not break it in during 12 foot Conejos swell? LOL and I mean SERIOUS LOL. Being longitudinal wood members and Gorilla glue it is tempting to just see how strong the glue bonds are but I suspect the rational path is to cover the bottom in a layer of light cloth and epoxy to give it some transverse strength. The rest will be simple spar varnish. Look forward to seeing how it performs. I suspect pretty well. Initial design inspiration came a lot from re-reading SoulGliders description of his 20X48 "Fungly" (tombstone) plypo on the old forum at the mypaipoboards site. Yes, psyched it actually came out very light this time. But still resolved to try a spined-ribbed version of a Larry Goddard "Mellow Yellow". Keep the faith in the southern hemi, senor Bob.

29 June 2024 https://www.facebook.com/reel/443262238686757/

14 July 2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1018696056565349/

22August 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 740740080/
4 September 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 195800080/

Reposted quote from a astute contributor:
"For me, the one constant in life is the feeling that comes from being in the ocean. Everything else, family, friends, jobs, hobbies, interests, likes, dislikes, bikes, surfboards, is transitory. The feeling that comes from being in the ocean never changes. That feeling is purely right-brain, non-verbal and impossible to articulate. It re-charges my soul, no matter rough or gentle, or how warm or cold. And, having waves to ride is just the frosting on the cake. So, while I may passionately debate the virtues of this or that design, this or that material or construction technique, or complain about the wave size or the crowd size, I think that these things are secondary to the act of just being in the ocean."

5 September 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 286920080/ Keith Usher
if its open cell foam it will soak in water like a sponge, (i see now you have sealed the tail) I think you might be surprised how functional this is over the many "small surfboard" designs that are out there, if it still has a hard edge on the rail at the tail it will slide out easily, if you can round it over slightly it will hold much better.

Tamara Scallion
Since it looks like epoxy will just seal any end shaping treatment soundly it makes sense to round things off. Overall it is amazingly lightweight.

Turner Ocean Craft
What glue did you use buddy on the tail

Keith Usher
There is a bodyboard glue called Sponerez, but im interested as im sure he found a much more cost-effective glue. maybe this https://universalconstructionfoam.com/.../styrofoam.../....
STYROFOAM™ & EPS Adhesive & Coatings | Geofoam, Styrofoam, EPS & Polystyrene | Universal Construction Foam
UNIVERSALCONSTRUCTIONFOAM.COM

Turner Ocean Craft
thanks Keith it’s always handy to know

Bill Wurts
As K. Usher said, low density EPS foam soaks up water fast.

Bob Green
You might find the tail too thick. On a broken longboard, I scooped out the deck a bit.

Tamara Scallion
Now that I know the tail can probably be tightly and strongly sealed just by coating with epoxy I would imagine any kind of re-sculpting is possible, within reason. Kinda entertaining to imagine so many dog ass Wavestorms actually having some potential rather than landfill eyesores.

Tamara Scallion
Yes..... 3.5" thick!!!!

Bob Green
That's a lot of board. Wood /foam hybrid?

Tamara Scallion
Yes, that is on Wavestorms 8 footer, 4.5' back from the nose. Foam interior with 3 plywood stringers running most of the length. Ply is 1/2" by 2". Then covered by a odd plastic coating maybe 1/16th inch thick. But once epoxied at the cut end it all melds together into a nice watertight plug. Needful of sanding otherwise a super efficient flesh shredder.

Tamara Scallion
Oddly enough as a experiment I coated the tail section portions cut foam with some leftover epoxy. Just slathered it on. Sure enough it kinda melted the foam but actually made for a super hard and, I assume, watertight seal. So I could see sculpting the cut portion a bit then epoxying it and sanding it. This way maybe not such a abrupt hard edge to have to pull yourself over and up onto in the tail. Anyway, maybe a actual way to have a functional, repurposed Wavestorm be a paipo. Also put the fins on about where my hips lie on the 4-6 board: on this board just drill holes, screw the fins thru, and seal.

9 September 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 586235080/
Keith Usher
I put the leash plug 10/12"" down from the nose. if it's to close to the tip it with cause the board to flip round when lost.

20 September 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 701170080/
28 September 2023

https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 098395080/
a random web pic then run thru the online lunapix filters and found some good ones. Kinda a icy cool feel to this one.
Yes, pick one of your fave fotos and then go to lunapix (online) and use the various filters. When you find one you like just hit the download button.

18 October 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 056445080/ 20 October 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 351160080/ Lynn Bellomi
How does the Wavestorm ride? I'm picking up a Catch Surf Beater to use as a paipo that looks to be about the same.

Tamara Scallion
Still hasn't been tested since a 6 hour drive down thru gnarly mexican mountain highway. Sooner or later.....

Elijah Baley
I tried to surf a catchsurf beater once, prone and kneeling, I didn't like it. First it doesn't have flex. Second I don't like the feeling of foamies, it's just too thick, you don't get that "slicing the wall" feeling you get on a thiner board. Third it feels slower than fiberglass or wooden boards.

Lynn Bellomi
I've ridden my Beater a handful of times so far. The stiffness and size doesn't bother me, I'm also a longboarder and my boogs are all PP cores with stringers. I'd like to own a proper wood paipo to compare the speed. I have a mini 34" paipo but not a full size. So far the Beater out paces my mini by 4-5 mph (I use a surf watch with Surfline). I'm figure a 46"-48" paipo should be a few mph faster.

Elijah Baley
would guess that a 4ft plywood with flat bottom would be faster, but maybe it is just a feeling. Would be interresting to mesure it Indeed.



11 November 2023
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 268610080/

Found this bellyboard prose in the archives, author unknown:
"That is why I like surfing.
It cleanses the cobwebs accumulated by our landlocked existence… all the rubble of false rituals and oppressive rules. The sea is always up to its old tricks. You have to stay alert. You have to pay attention.
Out here every fish, every bird, and every piece of flotsam is on its own. No favors asked. No quarter given. A billion years rise up on the crest of each wave. And there’s an ornate happiness in being immersed in all that time… and all that liquid.
“Civilization is falling from me little by little,” said Paul Gauguin as he rediscovered his instinctual self in Tahiti.
To me, this is where it matters. This is what bellyboarding has given me. In the voluptuous barbarity of the waves. An awakening of the senses… the muscles… the molecular energy of movement. In things that can be touched and felt. Things that jolt the emotions… where the sparks fly… an awareness of what it means to be alive. Where you can hear the gleeful howls of the inmates escaping from the asylum.
This is Cosmos 101. The Classroom of the Waves. From here on in our directions come straight from the universe. And there is something about it… in those inconsequential moments of surfing… that aspires to the beautiful soul."

Bill Wurts
No goals required.
Rhythmically bobbing on the ocean’s surface.
Surfing is instant Zen.
Gaze focused on the horizon.
Mind cleared of thoughts.
Awareness heightened.

Ian Anderson
and in the moment the surfer became the wave (& apology to US poet Wallace Stevens)

Bill Wurts
Sounds a bit like Li Po, “We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains.”

2 December 2023

https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 4008325080


Curious about a effective way (or ways) to protect elbows and forearms when using a plywood paipo?My elbows take a beating it seems. Did a search here for "elbows" and no old posts came up. Any solutions welcomed.



Johannes Chupi Oberholster
I know some guys use foam and neoprene to pad the deck. Similar to a kneeboard

Tamara Scallion
Thanks, something to consider on my handlebar plypo.

Rod Rodgers
Polyethylene is good, doesn't absorb much water in the denser versions. Around 1/4-inch should do but check what thickness & density works for you. You might need to use a version of Aquaseal for good adhesion between materials (many adhesives/sealents do not maintain a good bond in the marine envionment).
An alternative that could work are elbow pads used in many sports. My experience is that they are worn underneath a long sleeve rash guard of 1 to 2mm longsleeve wetsuit. Something similar for your forearms depending upon the kind of beating they take.

Tamara Scallion
Thank you, Rod. Another person mentioned cut off wetsuit sleeves and seems they would work well under the long sleeve rash guard you mentioned. 85F water here on this coast often means sauna-ed arms with that rig though. We'll see. Appreciate the info.

Rod Rodgers
then if you have multiple boards a long sleeve lycra over elbow pads and likewise a spurt forearm protector would do the job. If a single board apply a foam or neoprene strip(-s).

Saunton Pete
Ha ha exact same prob, best solution I've found so far it to ride a mat
As a serious answer tho, a friend of mine wears a sleave from a wetsuit. I get like tennis elbow now when I've been out in bigger stuff. Looked at surfboard tail pads but recon sup or kneelo deck pad are thicker. If it's a cheap fix I was also considering sticking neoprene to my board

Tamara Scallion
Great idea on the cutoff wetsuit sleeve. I think that would do the trick. Thanks.

Bob Green
Sore after a long time in the water or is it a particular take of action, when you notice it?Besides padding you can experiment with elbow placement/weight distribution.

Tamara Scallion
Hi Bob. When using the handled plypo I have. Maybe just me but it forces my elbows to act as fulcrum points and a LOT of pressure. I saw one guy who uses basketball type elbow protectors but seems a bit bulky.

Bob Green
adhesive foam pads on the deck or full deck pad and/or experiment with elbow position/weight distribution. Bicep head can also cop a bit of wear. If you are going from not surfing to hours in the water, you are also overloading your body. A more gradual transition helps your body to adjust, but easy to over do it.

Tamara Scallion
Wise words, senor. Especially true nearing 70. Some fine tuning is in order.

Bob Green
Built from Broken by Scott Hogan, is just one of the books I've read that link over-use injuries and tendon problems to too much activity to the level of preparation. Progressive loading is the key.

Harlan Fujioka
I would suggest padding the deck or areas of the deck that your elbows and forearms contact. I’ve heard people use yoga mats.
If you’re in the states and depending on your budget try looking at Northshore Inc. they may have something you need

Tamara Scallion
Thanks. It's only my handled plypo as my other one has the yoga pad you mentioned almost full length.

Rod Rodgers
Be forewarned that many yoga mats absorb a ton of water and weight.

Keith Usher
i've used this before, it will stick to varnished wood, but if you have oiled it it wont stick. What are you wearing to surf, bare arms or wetsuit? https://www.amazon.co.uk/KXKZREN-Floori ... th=1&psc=1
KXKZREN EVA Foam Boat Flooring Faux Teak Boat Decking Sheet Easily Cut Non-Slip Marine Mat Dot Texture Self-Adhesive Flooring Sheet for Pontoon Motorboat RV Yacht Kayak Cooler Tops 240x90cm

there are loads of choices https://www.aliexpress.com/.../wholesale-eva-foam-teak...
www.aliexpress.com

Tamara Scallion
Thanks. I have a yoga pad on my un-handled version but may just have to also pad my handled plypo. Better to pad the arms I would imagine. We'll see. Thanks again.


Jéréme Crow
https://sharkboybellyboards.bigcartel.com/.../sharkboy...
Sharkboy Rocket 'Corkie' v2 Bellyboard

Geoff Archdeacon
Wetsuit dood... how soft are yr elbows???

8 May 2024
https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 502810080/
14 May 2024
https://www.facebook.com/reel/992660848431009/
Nick Worsfold
Show how you made the chambered one..

Nick Worsfold
thanks .. i'm a wood worker who just made 3 foam boards and am convinced there's a way to do it ..how did you bend the rails ? steam ? how does it surf ?

Tamara Scallion
How it will ride is a mystery so far. Rais on this one are dead straight and what I wanted.... a experiment in brute simplicity. My last chambered board. But easy to shape the rails since this method is one giant wood blank, much like foam shaping, except with angle grinder with sanding flap disc.

27 June 2024

11 October 2023
23 August 2023

https://www.facebook.com/groups/paipobe ... 954050080/

Any significant negatives to a tombstone shaped board with dead parallel hard rails, a bit of stern concave, and flat tail? Would it perform well? Looking into a ultra simplistic yet efficient hollow wood board build. Maybe 53X22X1.75. Any opinions sure welcome.

Rod Rodgers
Turning comed to mind. A stern concave transitioning to flat tail? How wide is the nose and tail (12 inches from each)?

Tamara Scallion
Hi Rod.... I misspoke: shallow stern concave to flat tail transversely (no curve, no diamond, no V). Basically a true tombstone with slightly rounded corners so as not to cut flesh. In short: dead simple. Ribs would all be the same past the nose all the way to the tailblock. Just curious how such a shape might behave and any glaring deficiencies. Thanks....

Tamara Scallion
....and at the front and rear 12" marks the same: after the nose curve dead straight all the way to the tail.

John Dixson
What boards do you currently ride.

Tamara Scallion
The far right one fits the best. Unfortunately the far left tombstone model is way too heavy. I copied its shape from a guy who said his tombstone shape was the best riding plypo he'd ever shaped. Thus my interest in recreating it as a hollow board and gleaning the build bennies of brute simpilicity as well. Gary Sharp Danang
The thin plywood rails on ply bellyboard are what dig into the face of a wave and hold me on the face... the fins are almost meaningless Tamara Scallion
Witness Stan Ossermans downturned ply rails! So true. Thanks..........

Jarrett Liu
Well my friend, I’m a wood board shaper n I’d created my own boards and shapes. Tombstone to guitar shapes from nose-rocker, spoons, concave or just flats. Many designs has their own characteristics in surf conditions. As a shaper n a rider it’s true, different board reacts on different surf just like surfers with having different surfboard. I prefer flat boards tombstone shape, why? Their faster then any other wood shaped boards, less pulled-up on the outside rails when making bottom turns or cut-backs. I’m the creator of “MALOLO STYLE “ after learning thirty years of riding different shapes wood boards Guitar Pick board as you can see me body on the inside rail, lots of body movements on these types of board
Flat board “NO SKEGG” open hands (Malolo-style)
Flat board inside shore breaks again no-hands
Gripping outside rail to ease up into the barrel Tamara Scallion
Illuminating foto evidence, Jarrett. Thanks mucho....

Jarrett Liu
carry on brother

Tamara Scallion
Curious if the center board in this foto is the board you mention as your favorite and what you mentioned as tombstone shaped?

Jarrett Liu
old days their wood boards were like a “bell” or upside down guitar-pick shaped but they were spooned nose to the rail-tail…. You have to move around while surfing…

Tamara Scallion
Sorry..... the foto of the three guys with three boards. The center red colored one which is tombstone shaped? Could you how it rides? This is the basic shape I am curious about. Thank you.

Jarrett Liu
these three riders plus myself, I’d shaped they boards to their perspective. Middle guy has a spoon-shaped n the far right has a flat-bottom, while mine on the left is a guitar shaped board

all of these boards does great on waves, but the flat bottom are found to be faster

Keith Usher
Max speed straight rail, but least turning ability. 53 to me is also far too long.

Tamara Scallion
Like it or not it seems curve in the side rails just makes too much sense. Basically why barges do not sail the open ocean. Yes, I made a 54X21 tombstone plypo and cut off 3 inches when I held it up against my body. Just seemed too long.

Keith Usher
i've found over years that i do have a preferred bodyboard rail. The curve needs to fit between turning and speed and it also needs to work with where the elbow sits, i used my fave bodyboard as a rail template for my paipo and the feeling transferred… See more

Jarrett Liu
I have a wood board that is 57” in length , mid at 22” n tail at 19”… I call it my 57 CHEVY. That tall yellow looking board
Tamara Scallion
From the forum archives at MyPaipo and from contributor Og-Azn: " Since you're new to paipo, I think your best bet is the tombstone shape or slightly modified tombstone with the wide point a little behind the middle of the board. That shape is fast & … See more

John Dixson
My fav board uses his rail design.
Jarrett Liu
beautiful wood, got any surfing action shots

John Dixson
Thanks Jarrett no action shots yet , but flys and Og Azn rail design works good , I have finally nailed Flying Fish riding thanks to you.

Harry Alhadeff
I put a fan tail and skeg on my Tombstone and it works best on steep walls like Hookipa. Fastest board Ive got.
Tamara Scallion
Beautiful......