Surfboard design and production have benefited from technological advancements, in the form of materials such as carbon fibre and epoxy resins which have enhanced buoyancy, performance, manoeuvrability and durability.
In October 2024, Jake Holloway of Shapers Australia attended The Board Room International Surf Show in LA, the largest of its kind in the world, showcasing emerging brands, new products, designs, techniques and materials.
Jake travelled with his family from Shapers’ Gold Coast headquarters to the USA West Coast, aiming to connect with contacts and observe global trends in board making.
Jake with Andrew Jakubowski from Arctic Foam at The Board Room International Surf Show in LA
For three decades, Shapers® has been arming leading surfboard manufacturers at home and around the world with the tools, materials and information that drive innovation in surfboard design and production. As the Australian dealer of KINETIX® epoxy resins, made by ATL Composites, Shapers supplies specialised epoxy and composites to the country’s preeminent surfboard manufacturers.
As Jake reports, “One of the key trends we’re seeing is the growing popularity of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)/Epoxy construction. This combination offers significant advantages in terms of weight reduction, durability, and responsiveness, making it increasingly favoured by surfers across all skill levels.
“EPS cores paired with epoxy resin create boards that are lighter and more buoyant, providing exceptional performance in a wide range of conditions.”
Another exciting development he observed at the show is the evolution of glass schedules.
“Manufacturers are experimenting with varying fibreglass weights, such as integrating different ounce fibreglass layers to achieve a balance between performance and strength. By optimising the placement and type of fibreglass used, boards can maintain the flex patterns surfers demand while significantly improving impact resistance and longevity.
“These innovations are reshaping the industry, enabling manufacturers to deliver boards that cater to the needs of both performance-driven surfers and those seeking durability for everyday use.”
Back on home soil in Currumbin, the epicentre of the Aussie surfing scene, Shapers is proud to work with the leading names in both the domestic and international markets.
“We have made significant investments in our composite division, enabling us to produce industry-leading materials that are trusted by top-tier surfboard brands such as Channel Islands, Lost, and Pyzel. These partnerships underscore our commitment to innovation and quality, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the surfboard manufacturing industry.
Jake continues, “A key part of our success has been tailoring the KINETIX epoxy system to meet the specific needs and performance goals of our partners. This customisation ensures that the materials align perfectly with the desired output, helping deliver the highest levels of quality and performance.”
“KINETIX® is a standout epoxy surfboard system because it delivers exceptional performance for surfers, meeting the demands of both professionals and enthusiasts alike,” Jake asserts.
“Beyond its high-performance capabilities, KINETIX bridges the gap between the traditional polyester systems and modern epoxy systems, offering the best of both worlds.”
The latest addition to the KINETIX range is KINETIX® R111 – a clear, bright laminating system for production surfboard lamination, which is hailed “a game-changer” by the industry’s leading proponents.
KINETIX® R111 is a solvent free liquid epoxy resin optimised with a translucent blue tint that produces a clear, bright finish, It cures to a bloom-free finish that is UV stable and has excellent resistance to yellowing. With a choice of two hardener speeds, fabricators have a choice of flip speeds – the H130 Fast can be flipped within 3 hours and sanded within 5 hours at 25°C*, which is approximately half the turnaround time of the H125 Standard hardener.
According to Jake, KINETIX® R111 represents “a new benchmark for production boards”.
“KINETIX® R111 is the most advanced system on the market. It has a tinted blue undertone that creates a whiter brighter surfboard. This attribute allows epoxy surfboards to maintain a new board look for a longer period of its product lifespan.
“What truly sets the KINETIX product range apart is its reliability and ease of use. The system is versatile enough to cater to a wide range of manufacturers, from entry-level operations to large-scale production facilities. This flexibility ensures that anyone, regardless of experience, can achieve outstanding results with minimal barriers.”