Difference Between Fiberglass & Epoxy Finishes on a Surfboard

The technology behind the making of surfboards has undergone many iterations, from the old days of long, all-wood boards to fiberglass and finally the next generation of materials such as epoxy. To some, the differences in performance and the environmental impact of various materials may seem minor. For others, even the slightest differences have a significant impact on the entire surfing experience.

  1. Buoyancy

    • Because of its lighter weight, an epoxy-finished surfboard is more buoyant than a traditional fiberglass board. This helps when carrying the board to and from the beach, but epoxy surfboards also float a bit higher in the water. Some surfers are fine with that and like sitting up a bit higher, but the lighter weight can make it more difficult to cut through choppy waves -- something fiberglass boards are known to work well for.

    Sun Exposure

    • Fiberglass- and epoxy-finished boards both react negatively to too much sunlight. Fiberglass boards tend to fade and eventually turn yellow after too much exposure. Eventually, they will also get more brittle, increasing the chances of damage. The paint on epoxy surfboards will also fade eventually, but there is the potential for more problems than just cosmetic. Most epoxy boards are not vented -- which allows expanding air to be released -- as fiberglass boards are. As the air expands within the board, it can cause bubbling and delamination.

    Strength

    • An epoxy surfboard is somewhere between 10 to 15 percent stronger than a fiberglass-finished board. While this is certainly good for the potential lifespan of the board, it also makes for a stiffer ride. Particularly if you are new to surfing, you are unlikely to tell the difference. However, some veteran surfers may find the increased stiffness makes the epoxy board less responsive. As with many aspects of surfing, each surfer has his particular tastes and priorities when choosing a board.

    Environmental Impact

    • The materials that are used in the making of fiberglass-finished surfboards are extremely toxic, much more so than epoxy boards. This impacts the people who make and shape fiberglass surfboards, as they are directly exposed to these harmful chemicals. There is also a longer-term impact on the environment when the boards are no longer useful and are thrown out. FIberglass takes a very long time to break down, or decompose, so will remain in garbage dumps for years.