Boardology

explanations and descriptions of board design terminology you'll often come across.

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	CAD Designed : An important tool in the Carbon Art arsenal of designing and creating the best boards, is the utilisation of Computer Aided Design. The technique that we use ensures pin point precision in the design of board models and sizes - to be able to view the boards in 3D enables us to 'see' what might be. To alter and tweak any part of the board and virtually realise the effects this produces upon other interdependent parts, such as the development of fully integrated rocker, rail and outline shapes. Each Carbon Art board from initial research and testing through to the final shape, is created in CAD, and every change during our process is recorded giving us complete documentation of each board and its mathematical form.
	CNC Shaped : A computer controlled tooling device, termed the 'Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machine' is used to create the initial board ‘core shape’ prior to the sandwich and laminating stages and in combination with the CAD design process allows for unheard of precision shaping and the absolute maximum consistency. For you, this means that every time we build the board that you order, we can be sure that the core shape is exactly the same as the original. We don't need to hold stock, and we don't need to make 100's to ensure we get the same board look, feel, weight or shape - we know that we can create it again when ever you confirm your order.
	Construction : Carbon Art boards are offered in 2 types of construction. Standard Construction delivers the best balance between the highest quality materials and affordability. We aim for minimal compromise and a board that still delivers outstanding performance. Pro Model Construction is a step up to maximum use of premium materials, delivering the absolute ultimate performance possible. Each Pro Model boards construction is specifically tailored to it’s board type and usage. It’s all about using the best suited material to enhance the boards characteristics, rather than a case of throwing expensive materials where it is not needed or can even be detrimental. This may either be in terms of additional carbon content for the race oriented boards or in the replacement of glass reinforcement with Kevlar in the wave models.

Sandwich : The high density layer used to separate the internal and external laminates. This ‘sandwich’ layer fully wraps the board and creates an extremely strong construction method for the least amount of weight. Deck and bottom sandwich thickness may vary depending on the particular board. (also a tasty food item often used at lunchtime to fuel the CA team).

Laminate : The layer of cloth fibre product beneath and above the sandwich layer. This may be Carbon, Fibreglass or Kevlar or a combination of 2 or all 3 depending on the board. Each laminate (both inner and outer) is impregnated with Epoxy resin and specifically tailored to the particular board model. Laminates are further reinforced in any high load areas, such as heels, mast track etc.

Nomex honeycomb : An open cell honeycomb material used in the sandwich laminate. Specific to the CA Formula boards it delivers a superior high Strength to weight ratio, perfect for the large surface areas.

Carbon, Kevlar, Fibreglass : The cloth materials used in Carbon Art boards. As with all products there is a multitude of types and levels of quality. We only use the best materials for the job at hand and match the particular materials to the specific board model and specific areas on the board that they are best suited to.

The different materials each have very different properties that are best suited to different areas of board construction.

Epoxy resin : The resin used throughout the Carbon Art build process. All resins are not created equally or the same. After many years lengthily testing and proving performance characteristics we use a subtle blend of differing epoxy resins that are matched to specific area usage.

Teflon™ : All Pro Model boards are finished with a special Teflon™-like polished bottom, for a super fast base surface paint. The unique properties help repel dirt and keep your board both looking and performing at maximum.

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Centreline : The centre of the board from nose to tail.

Width : The width is measured across the board at the maximum wide point of the board.

• Nose width refers to the width of board 100mm back from the nose.
• Tail width refers the width measurement 100mm forward of the tail.

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Outline curve : The outer shape of the board when viewed from above. Defines the boards general performance characteristics both in turning ability and in straight line sailing.

Entry point: The general area of water flow where water first contacts the bottom or rail of the board.

Exit point : The general area of water flow where water leaves the bottom or rail of the board. (Also see ‘Release’)

Release : The effect that allows water flow to be accelerated as it passes along the board's surfaces. Usually in the tail half of the board, through tail rocker, outline curves and trailing fin edges, and through bottom features. Controlled release (along with its opposite, drag) is essential to successful board design.

	Deck shape : The shape of the deck of the board is used to control overall board volume and volume distribution (nose to tail), important for how the board feels balanced when not planing and how it handles getting onto the plane. Also important for the general ergonomics of the board beneath your feet and the deck flow into the rail shape.
	. Bottom Shape : The underside of the board and generally the largest area in contact with the water. The shape of the bottom defines how the board feels underfoot at speed, straight line and turning. When viewed as cross section the main bottom shapes are: Vee The centreline of the board is lower than the rails creating a ‘V’ shape. This in turn creates 2 distinct panels either side of the centreline which should be perfectly flat allowing for great control at high speed. Spiral Vee is a specific type of vee, in general terms increasing at a steady rate until it reaches the tail. Single Concave Concave shape provides both lift (a skatey freeing up feeling) and drive from pressure on the water along the exit rail. Increases the rail line rocker for dynamic turning and acceleration out of turns. Double Concave More visible on earlier designs it may also be used as a transition between SC to VEE or vice versa.
	Rail Shape: The rails of a board clearly affect its turning ability but also its straight line speed. For example Slalom rails are shaped to release water easily (may be referred to as “hard” rails), while waveboard rails have more curve (may be referred to as “soft” rails) to stick to the water more. See also ‘tuck’ & ‘apex’.
	. Tuck : Refers to the bottom section of the rail where it meets the bottom of the board. Most visible difference of ‘tuck’ would be between waveboards and Slalom, with waveboards having a lot of ‘tuck’ softening the rail edge and Slalom with very little tuck creating a hard edge transfer between the rail and bottom shape.
	. Rail Apex : The point at which the outside of the rail curves back towards the boards deck. Slalom boards for example generally have a high apex rail whereas waveboards have a more middle to lower apex rail shape.
	. Tail Shapes : A critical area at top speed and during any manoeuvres. Rounded tails Give good control at speed whilst allowing for a smooth release flow during high speed gybe manoeuvres. Pin tails featured on waveboards lets the water flow along the entire rail outline during carving turns. Gives you smooth flowing carves and transitions. Squash/rounded squash tails as seen on the Thruster wave tail shape, means you transition directly from one rail to another without a standard pin tail being involved. Fast directional changes is the aim here.

Rocker : The rocker profile (curve) of the board from nose to tail when viewed from the side. Controls the general flow of water from its entry point to its release.
All boards have a certain amount of rocker in them depending on their shape and design.

• Nose Rocker Measured from the ground level straight up to the tip of the boards nose.

• Tail Rocker Measured from the ground level straight up to the tip of the boards Tail.

• 1.2 /1.8 Rocker Measured from the ground straight up to points 1.2/1.8mtrs from the boards Tail. Standard points of measurement so you can judge the 'intensity' or 'acceleration' of the rocker line/curve.

Planing straight : A measurement of flat (zero) rocker from the tail forwards. Used on Slalom, Freeride and Race oriented boards.

	. Heel Pads : A feature on the waveboards is the addition of high density rubber heels beneath the footpads. Tuned to help absorb the heavy impact from jump landings but hard enough to keep complete control and feel during cranking turns.
	. Gore Tex Vent Plug : Allows the board to ‘breathe’ any excess heat, cold or air pressure. Unique to Carbon Art these vents require absolutely no touching for years and years of perfect service. You never need to remember to remove or replace your vent plug again!
	ISAF registered : Boards marked with ISAF logo are recognised and registered for use in official international competitive events. ISAF is the governing body for the sport of sailing worldwide. It provides information on World Standings, Race Officials, Sailors, Olympic Classes and the development of the International Yacht Racing Rules and Regulations for all sailing competitions and the training of judges, umpires and other administrators. Find out more about ISAF
	PWA registered : Carbon Art Slalom boards are recognised and registered for use in all official PWA events world wide. Carbon Art is committed to supporting the Professional Windsurf Association. Carbon Art has actively been supporting a number of organisations, events and riders internationally for many years and now proudly joins the PWA. Find out more about PWA