Technical FAQs

Explore our Technical FAQ section to find answers to commonly asked questions about building a paddleboard.

What is the right board model for me?

Here is the complete specification of our board models. San Marcos. Specification: 10’4” L x 31.5” W - 10'4" Board Model. 11’4” L x 32” W - 11'4" Board Model. Board Weight: 25 lbs (10'4" model). 27 lbs (11'4" model). Paddler size: Up to 175 lbs (10'4

What kind of plywood should be used for the frames?

We use one 4 x 8 sheet, 5mm or 6mm marine-grade plywood. There are so many types of plywood to use but for our frame kits, we use Poplar or Okoume.

What is the recommended thickness for deck skins and side rails?

The ideal thickness for the deck skins and side rails is .25".

Which is tail and nose?

#1 Rib is the tail and the last rib is the nose.

How do you solve the gaps or cracklines on the board?

Use sawdust and 6oz epoxy mixed until the consistency becomes like mayonnaise and apply on the gaps on the board. Once you get the right consistency use that paste to fill in the gaps (cracklines) on your board.

What type of wood is recommended for the skins?

The following are the type of woods recommended for the paddleboard skins.

What size of paper should I use for the Digital Plans?

The digital plans should be printed on a 24" x 96" size of paper. We recommend printing the digital plans at a local printing shop near you as some of them offer oversize printing.

Do I need to put a hole on the vent?

Yes, the vent should be drilled and epoxied into the board and drilled it out so the board can breathe through the screw-in plug.

Where is the best location for the vent?

We recommend placing the vent in the center of the board. Placing it around the carrying handle works great or you can place it in front of the traction pads up to within a foot of the nose of the board.

What type of woods to achieve dark and light color?

To achieve light and dark colors you can use Paulownia (light and Red Cedar (dark). White Cedar can be a substitute for Paulownia.

What is the thickness of your paddleboards.

The San Marcos and Aransas boards have a thickness of about 4 to 4.5 inches at the thickest part while the San Jacinto models have a thickness of about 5.5 inches.

Where to put the interior blocking for the plastic parts kit?

There is no exact location for either. The carrying handle should be placed in approximately the middle of the board to make balancing it easier. The fin box works when the rear edge is placed within 6 inches to 12 inches from the rear of the board.

In which direction are sided frame boards installed? Are the curved edges on the top or bottom?

Curved edges on the top. The legs are on the bottom.

What is the minimum size CNC that can be used for your DXF plans?

You need a 4x8 CNC router in cutting the parts on the CNC plans.

When to put the plastic parts before glassing or after glassing?

Some builders put the fin box in first while others put it in after. We prefer to set the fin box in first with a bit of thickened epoxy then fiberglass over the wood and fin box all at once.

When and how to install the side rails?

Here is a useful way to do the side rails. Alternatively, you can use straps, longer clamps, or even tightened saran wrap across the width of the board. Just do one layer and one side at a time. I also recommend using screws at the nose and tail if

What is the best way to add the rail strips after the deck strips are added?

The easiest way is once you have trimmed the overhanging rail strips flush to stand the board on its end and use ratchet straps, tape and or bungee ropes to pull the outer rail into place.

If the routing and epoxying of the pieces is done before the glassing how do you treat those pieces when rolling fabric over it and adding then epoxying it?

You would tape over the openings in the plastic parts and roll the fiberglass of the entire part as you would the remainder of the board. You would then fiberglass the entire board including the plastic parts. After the fiberglass has cured you can c

Can the Paulownia wood be stain?

Yes, paulownia wood takes stain perfectly and can easily resemble to Mahogany or Walnut with the right stain.

How to refinish the paddleboard?

If you want to refinish, we recommend sanding lightly the area you want to repair and carefully wiping off all the dust produced from sanding. Next, apply two or three thin coats (one coat at a time) of epoxy or marine-grade polyurethane over the rep

Which side of the frame kit is top?

The frame with tabs is the top side of the board.

What is the complete weight of Complete Kit with 5 packs of pre-milled wood?

Here's the weight breakdown of the Complete kit with 5 packs of pre-milled wood. The total weight when combined is 86.55 lbs or 39 kg.

What is the total weight of the board once finished?

Here's the weight of each board once finished. San Jacinto. San Marcos. Aransas

When to install the side rails frame?

You will need to assemble the spine and ribs and glue them first. Once they are fixed and stable you can now install the side rails.

What's the process in installing the nose and tail

The nose and tail are installed after the top, bottom, and side rails are attached to the Frame. Mark a horizontal line with a pencil across the board a couple of inches from the front and from the back of the board.Use a hand saw, or circular saw wi

Do you have video guide on how to build wood paddleboard?

Yes, we have created a multi-step series on how to build a wood paddleboard. Please check the topics below. 1. Preparing your work surface. 2. Gluing the frame kit together. 3. Milling your strips. 4. Adding the bottom strips. 5. Flipping your board