The Difference Between Epoxy Surfboards and Fiberglass

Two Type of Surfboard that Surfers Common Use

This type of surfboard is divided into two parts, namely epoxy and fiberglass surfboards. For those who do not know it yet or are a beginner in the world of Surfing, it will be very difficult to distinguish and quite confusing which surfboard is suitable for their use. But the truth is for a beginner and pro, the surfboard that distinguishes it is the length and shape, not made of what material. The epoxy surfboard has a core of polystyrene foam material and is then coated with epoxy resin, and that epoxy resin is what makes the surfboard name. Epoxy surfboards were very popular in the 1990s, but their presence was immediately lost when the Clark Foam factory, which was a supplier of polyurethane for fiberglass boards, closed in 2005.

Epoxy Surfboard

This type of epoxy surfboard has several advantages compared to the fiberglass surfboard. Among others are :

• Stronger: Epoxy resins can be as much as 35% stronger than resins used on fiberglass boards. This makes an epoxy board the ideal choice for those who are beginners and vulnerable to kickbacks, children and teenagers, people who are on planes and are very fast in chasing the perfect waves, and those who surf near rocks.

• Better buoyancy: An epoxy surfboard has better buoyancy than fiberglass boards, making it easier to paddle, float, and finally catch waves, making them a suitable choice for those new surfers.

• Lighter: Polystyrene foam used in epoxy surfboards weighs less than inner polyurethane in traditional surfboards (fiberglass), lighter weight makes it easier for you to paddle and your arms don't get tired quickly to play surfing.

• Less susceptible to water: Stagnant water is a term used to describe the phenomenon in which surfboards will conquer water over time. The end result is a yellow surfboard that weighs more. Because of the process of travel and time, quite a lot of puddles will occur on fiberglass surfboards both because of the dings and dents that make the water get inside as part of the surfboard process. Because of the harsh nature of epoxy surfboards, standing water is far less of a problem.

Fiberglass Surfboard

Whereas fiberglass board type or known as PU or polyurethane surfboards. Fiberglass surfboards have been around for more than 50 years and are considered traditional surfboards. Fiberglass surfboards made of inner polyurethane and then wrapped in fiberglass cloth, hence the name fiberglass. Fiberglass surfboards are easier to adapt to waves than epoxy surfboards but easier to damage. 

So the conclusion is, the difference between epoxy and fiberglass is found in chemicals and a mixture of basic ingredients therein. This epoxy surfboard is made using a polystyrene core and then coated with epoxy resin. While fiberglass surfboards are believed to be traditional surfboards and have a polyurethane core and are then coated with fiberglass cloth