Can I add that Carbonco uses closed cell foam, similar to divinycell as a core rather than polystyrene. It is very hard so gives excellent impact resistance.
Also being closed cell, if you puncture the skin, which is unlikely, no problem, the board won't take on water so your session isn't spoiled.
Thanks for the info CJ. I'd be interested to see some pics. So you used a single sheet of 16mm? What's the weight of your foil (does it float ok)?
Bit of discussion on Kiteforum and different ideas how to build a foilboard with Paulownia, but they tended to use multiple layers. The simplicity of a single plank sounds good to me (as a non board builder), but there were some concerns regarding the softness/stiffness of the wood requiring layers and reinforcement. Sounds like you have it covered.
Re rocker, my current SS DC 4'6" has a decent amount over the front third. I don't touch down too often especially with the bigger wing I just got, but if I nose dive I usually fall off anyways. I can see rocker being especially useful when learning new moves e.g. tacks. If I want an awesome board I'll be buying it for sure
Yes single 16mm 1200 x 470mm sheet of paulownia. Thing feels solid and I can never feel it flexing at 75kg. Can pump on the foil through lulls and don't feel it flex then either. Going to build a shorter one soon I think that will also be flat
Rocker is not just about touchdowns, though it helps. It also makes a huge difference in underpowered water starts, landing jumps, in waves when you are riding leaned hard to get back upwind, etc. A couple of years ago, the thought was that the board didn't matter once on foil but with experience we now know it matters a lot. A state of the art foilboard must be light, stiff and have generous front rocker. Don't settle for less. I cringe when I see pictures of flat foil boards.
You know you are winning an argument when the snarky ad hominem comments start.
Just because someone can ride a flat board, it doesn't mean that is the best shape for a foil board. Yes, it can be done.....but that is not the important question.
It is relatively easy to build a mostly flat board and call it a foil board and try to sell it to an unsuspecting buyer as a good foil board.
Don't buy a small foil board that doesn't have lots of obvious front rocker. If the seller tells you "it isn't necessary", he is really saying "getting the shape right is very difficult and time consuming so just buy what I have".
There are are no disadvantages to front rocker and plenty of obvious advantages. The waterline argument is specious.
I guess there is one disadvantage: getting adequate front rocker just right is very difficult to do.
Buyer beware.
Haha, good to see how many people are experts..
I reckon go out foiling try new things and make your own mind up..
Rocker comparison. The one on the right is a Nang 100. Same rocker / manufacturing process the as KBGhost and Horey69 rigs.
These boards are apparently too flat..... does that mean the kanaha rocker is no good?
All the gear on here looks super fun to ride. That is why we are on little boards.
If you are on a little board you will be able to make anything work. Im having just as much fun on the standard rocker i am doing now vs the earlier flatter boards that i made. Its all good.
Best way to make informed opinions about these different board characteristics is to try some of this gear out.
This video feels relevant.
People getting a bit worked up so I will calmly leave this topic. Hopefully my comments have prevented a person or two from buying silly flat foil boards being pimped.
Having rocker is a good thing and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
DIY builders who built their boards flat (because someone told them it doesn't matter or matters very little) will regret their time/money/effort as soon as they try another board with a decent rocker.
How much rocker and exact shape of it? I am yet to try different boards to form an opinion. Note that the opinion of beginners who touch down and fall a lot is more relevant than those who mastered the foil already and hardly ever fall . To masters of foil the rocker matters less.
Just back from a session on my groove skate copy. Carved around off some chop, down the face and the board touched the surface, no probs, just scooped back up and kept going. No chance a flat board would do that.
Is rocker better? Yes, as mentioned. I have shaped a few palownia pocket boards and the first had no rocker. Learning smooth transitions was hard without rocker. I got it after a while and the switching of feet became precise. That said, my next two had rocker and the boards were much more fun to ride. If I had my choice, rocker is a no brainer. I think having a flat deck is more important than the amount of rocker. Even the a little amount of rocker is fine, (25mm) but for me a flat deck is what translates better to the the wing. If you want to shape your own plank, go for it. You will enjoy the process. But if you can take the time, put rocker into it like some of these beautiful home builds that have been on these threads. It will make the transition learning curve easier.