Money and time were my main opponent in making my first board. Just to let you know I read a dozen of so websites to get all my ideas. I am shooting for something to ride in light winds on the river here near my house. I made a 18.5kite(thks ZP) and bar that I will be adding later but I wanted to start with the board since it is my first blog...

Step 1: BOARD STEP ONE

I found that by going to home depot and local true value I was able to pick up just about everything I needed.

The board I bought was a 4x8 sheet that I got for say $20 bucks.

Make sure if you have home depot cut it that you cut with the grain because against will make a very week board that wont work. Take a look at pic you can see how the grain goes long way with the board

The white cabinet I got from a friend. It was for a fish tank but it was sweet for board building.

Step 2: Cut Out Your Board Shape

Get out a marker and desing a shape. I left a lot a volume to mine so it is good for light winds. I did put a little curve toward tips. On the edges I just took a orbit sander and nocked of the sharpness. Rounded them on top a bit more but the bottom is pretty much flat.

You can make yours however but like I said this is designed from reading others opinions.

See those silver things in board. Don't know what they call them but they are nuts with spikes. Drill hole and Hammer them in. Used to bolt in bindings. Place them about inch over the center line to make your balance centered.. I made the holes 6.5" apart for each strap and 22" between the two feet..

Why all the caulk? board had little groves that took to much sanding and I don't want air pockets under the fiber glass.
(kind of like drywalling but caulk bends and you can put primer over it. Its like a cheap bondo) Sand down nice when dry...

Step 3: Bear Feet..down With ZP You No Me!

Lets add some comfort shall we...

1.Make the pattern (admittedly took me a few times to get right)

3.Contact cement on top each other and place some weight to make stick.

2.Trace to foam

4.Jigsaw the outline

5.Use knife to cut a bit to easy the pain of sanding. See images for correct angle on top layer. DonÃ¢â¬â¢t bevel bottom itÃ¢â¬â¢s going to stick to board later.

6.Get the your spatula tape a peace of sand paper to it and smooth it out.

I read a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson today and he said,Ã¢â¬Â The satisfaction of doing something right is knowing that you've done it."

Step 4: Lets Make Some Straps!

These straps are just some more of that foam Cemented to some 2" webing. I did same thing and sanded them so my foot would slide in easy.

Take a rectangle piece of web suit and sew a stitch down edge to make a tube and slide the web/foam piece through it. Makes a comfortable sturdy strap.

Heat up a nail hot enough to poke some holes into the webbing. That is were you will bolt them into the board. Put a few holes on each side so you can adjust the fit.

Step 5: Add Some Support to Board..

Take a few thin strips of wood. I just cut some strips from a board lying around. I think 1/4 is fine. The Fiberglass is what will add the real strength to it but these cleats will help. Then glue them to the tips and rails of the topside of your board. It will make board firmer and take some of the wiggle out. Better for low wind planking than for tricks. Keep in mind I am just trying to get up.

Sand it down a bit and we are about ready to glass..

Step 6: Start the Glassing

I added in link to watch the video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFrCkze3vDc

The Video is pretty shady but I put it on so you could see how to start with a layer of resin on the plywood and then add glass cloth and then another layer of resin...