DIY Longboard

Taking your home-made longboard out to surf the ocean waves symbolizes your no-fear attitude and passion for water sports. However, your longboard needs to hold up well to the waves for your to successfully surf across them. If your current longboard is giving out or you just want to take on a craft project, build your next longboard yourself. A do-it-yourself (DIY) longboard is a surefire way to impress fellow surfers and show off your craftsmanship skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Polyurethane foam
  • Measuring tape
  • Handsaw
  • Drill sander
  • Electric planer
  • 60 or 80 grit sandpaper
  • Fiberglass
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • 3-inch abrasive disk
  • Resin
  • Hardener
  • Mixing bowl
  • Graphic decals
  • Airbrush
  • Airbrush paint
  • Stencils
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Instructions

  1. Longboard Blank

    • 1

      Construct the longboard blank out of polyurethane foam. Measure the foam to come up with the dimensions 9 feet by 23 inches by 3 inches. Trace this measurement onto the foam to use as your guide. This is a good length for a longboard, according to Stephen Pirsch, author of "How to Build Your First Surfboard."

    • 2

      Cut the foam out with a handsaw. Use a drill sander to shape the nose and tail of the longboard. The nose and tail taper in and have a shorter width than the center of the board.

    • 3

      Smooth out the foam with an electric planer. Get the edges and surfaces even. Correct any imperfections in the foam with 60 or 80 grit sandpaper.

    Fiberglass Covering

    • 4

      Add a layer of fiberglass on top of the blank. Drill it down into the foam with screws so that it stays secure.

    • 5

      Shape the fiberglass with a 3-inch abrasive disk. Move the disk over the fiberglass gently to smooth out any of the imperfections.

    • 6

      Mix the fiberglass resin and hardener together in a mixing bowl. Pour the resin over the fiberglass on the board to harden and protect it.

    Design

    • 7

      Design the longboard with graphics. Use decals to stick onto the fiberglass for a simple way to add graphics you can later remove easily.

    • 8

      Airbrush graphics onto the fiberglass longboard. Fill the airbrush with specific airbrush paint. Put the stencil onto the board and begin spraying the paint over it. Remove the stencil and use another one to create multiple images.

    • 9

      Paint the longboard all one color. Use the airbrush to create a rainbow effect or to make a solid tone onto the board.