Surfboard manufacturer Hydroflex is turning its expertise to the creation of boards intended for surfing the streets. What started out as using the leftover materials from the surfboard building process to create composite skateboards for the Hydroflex team is now expanding with the company aiming to bring its honeycomb skateboard to the market.
The process used to make the deck, which the company calls 3D-Glassing Technology, is purported to offer a few key benefits to riders. It is meant to be stronger, lighter and offer better flex than a standard skateboard and is also waterproof. This won't make a difference to all riders, but for those riding in wet weather it could prevent warping and extend the life of the board.
Hydroflex claims the technology is based on biomimicry principles, with fibers and resin inserted into the honeycomb high density PET foam core to act like the roots of a tree and multiply the bonding surface and strength between the resin, cloth and core that make up the board. Both sides of the deck are strongly bonded with fiberglass strings that connect them through the core of the board.
The company says this production technique prevents the board from losing flex and becoming warped over time unlike a conventional board made up of multiple layers of wood glued together. The honeycomb structure of the foam core is also claimed to easily distribute the resin throughout the whole deck and the amount of spring and flex of each model is customized by modifying the amount of fiberglass each board is made with.
The company is releasing the board in three different models, each aimed at different kinds of riders. The first is the Crilla, which is a micro cruiser board with dimensions of only 24 in long by 6.5 in wide (61 cm x 16.5 cm) that is designed to fit inside a backpack. It features a slight concave deck for performing flip tricks and, like all of the models, comes with built-in nose and tail protectors.
The next model, which the company calls Beach Leech, is a mini cruiser that is 30.5 in long and 8.5 in wide (77.5 cm x 21.6 cm). This model is more like a traditional park board, so it's optimal for those looking to focus more on doing tricks.
The last option is called the Angler, and it's a longboard made for downhill riding. It is 36 in long and 9.5 in wide (91.4 cm x 24.1 cm). This is the board for riders looking to do some cruising, and those less focused on popping and doing aerial tricks.
All three of the models are available in one of 10 different color patterns (pictured above). They are all built using the same technique, and the only thing that changes are the dimensions and style of the board and the amount of fiberglass used in their construction to alter the amount of flex.
Hydroflex is seeking funding on Kickstarter where it has already passed its US$15,000 goal. The prices vary depending on the board, ranging from US$90 for a Crilla deck sans wheels and trucks, up to $310 for a fully kitted out Angler board. The company plans to use the money gained from funding to ramp up production, and plans to ship the boards in January 2014.
Check out the Kickstarter pitch below to see the boards in action and for more information. (Warning for those at work, females in bikinis follow.)
Source: Hydroflex Surfboards
