My DIY Kitesurfing Board Build + Riding Test (No Talking)

Exact build details below. Here is a quick video of the build process for my strapless small wave and freestyle board.+ I finally had a chance to get my new board out on the water and put it to the test for freestyle and waves.

The concept is for a board small, light and strong enough for strapless freestyle and wave riding cross-over. For a strapless freestyle board, I always try and keep boards super light, which makes it easier for jumps, but

For my build process, here is how I like to do it:

STRAPLESS KITEBOARD BUILD PROCESS

Planning & Design
Final board dimensions. 5'1" x 18" x 2"
Rocker profile (4.5" nose, 2" tail).
Rail profile (harder 60/40 Rails with hard edge tail, softer forward rails).
Fin layout (thruster
Prepare outline template.

Building the Blank (EPS + Cedar Stringer)

Cut cedar stringer to shape. (slightly oversized)
Hotwire Cut EPS thickness. (using Stringer)
Glue EPS to stringer.

Shaping the Blank – Rough Shaping
Draw outline template
Cut outline accurately.
Transfer outline
Cut outline
Plane bottom "flat" (No twists)
Shape Rocker
Plane board to target thickness.
Shape nose and tail.
Shape concaves (single or single-to-double).
Roll rails to final profile.
Sand Smooth and blend everything.

Fin Plug Installation (FCS)
Set toe-in and cant correctly.
Route holes for fin plugs.
Install Futures or FCS plugs with epoxy + filler.


Glassing & Lamination – 6oz Fiberglass and Entropy Super Sap Epoxt resin
Bottom
1 x 6oz full layer.
1x 6oz reinforcement Over Fins
Cut Lap rails.
Tinted Resin

Deck
2 x 6oz full layers
Lap rails.

Hot Coats
Apply epoxy "hot" coat to Deck bottom.
Apply epoxy "hot" coat to bottom, addinga Dam for tail hard edge


Finishing
Sand 80 - 220 then 320–400 wet and dry grit
Apply wipe-on sealer
Install traction pad.

Board weight 3kg

Test Ride & Checks
Test ride and evaluate performance.
Pros:
Great in small waves, easy to transition rail to rail.
Good realase in lip.
Thruster still easy for upwind performance.
Feels solid for jumps
Easy to grab
Durable
Wider nose working well for getting wind under it
Short length perfect for smaller waves (no nose dives)

Cons:
A little loose at high speed in bottom turns, which felt uneasy in overhead waves
A little heavy for pure strapless, and more difficult for no grab rotations as a result (Board weight 3kg)


My DIY Kitesurfing Board Build + Riding Test (No Talking)