What types of blank surfboards are there?

Blank surfboards are essentially unshaped surfboard blanks made from foam or other materials that can be shaped and customized by surfboard shapers to create functional surfboards. These blanks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing shapers to create surfboards that cater to different riding styles, wave conditions, and surfer preferences. Here are some common types of blank surfboards:

Polyurethane (PU) Blanks: Polyurethane foam blanks are the traditional choice for shaping surfboards. They are dense, lightweight, and relatively easy to shape. PU blanks are often used in conjunction with fiberglass and resin to create the classic surfboard construction.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Blanks: EPS foam blanks are known for being lightweight and having a higher buoyancy compared to PU blanks. They are commonly used in combination with epoxy resin to create lightweight and durable surfboards.

Epoxy Blanks: Epoxy foam blanks are made with a type of foam that is compatible with epoxy resin. These blanks are often used with epoxy resin laminations to create surfboards known for their durability, buoyancy, and responsiveness.

Stringerless Blanks: Some blanks are designed without the traditional wooden stringer down the center. Stringerless blanks are often lighter and more flexible, allowing shapers to experiment with different flex patterns.

High-Density Blanks: High-density foam blanks are denser and more durable than standard blanks. They are commonly used for boards designed to withstand heavy surf or for those who prefer more durable boards.

Fish Blanks: Fish blanks are shorter and wider blanks typically used for creating fish-style surfboards. Fish boards are known for their maneuverability and speed in smaller waves.

Longboard Blanks: Longboard blanks are designed for shaping longer surfboards that are ideal for cruising and riding smaller waves.

Shortboard Blanks: Shortboard blanks are used to shape standard shortboards, which are versatile boards suitable for a wide range of wave conditions and riding styles.

Gun Blanks: Gun blanks are used for shaping big wave surfboards known as "guns." These boards are designed to handle larger, more powerful waves.

Hybrid Blanks: Hybrid blanks are designed to combine features of different surfboard types. For example, they might have characteristics of both shortboards and fish boards.

Funboard Blanks: Funboard blanks are used to create boards that bridge the gap between longboards and shortboards. They offer more stability than shortboards and more maneuverability than longboards.

Retro Blanks: Retro blanks are designed for recreating classic surfboard shapes from different eras in surfing history.

It's important to note that the specific types of blank surfboards available may vary based on the manufacturer and the region. Shapers often choose blanks based on the type of board they intend to create and the materials they prefer to work with.