EPS FOAM: Superfused (molded) VS Block Cut (Slab)

In addition to the traditional polyurethane foam blanks, US Blanks offers 2 two types of EPS foam blanks: SUPERFUSED and BLOCK CUT. This article is designed to help distinguish the differences between the two.

EPS Billets and Molded Blank

KEY TERMS: 

EPS: EPS is an abbreviation for “Expanded Polystyrene”. Expanded Polystyrene is a type of foam, sometimes referred to as Styrofoam. US Blanks uses EPS to produce surfboard blanks. It is regarded as lighter and more buoyant than traditional polyurethane foam. It cannot be used with polyester resin due to chemical reaction sensitivity. Epoxy resin works ideally with EPS foam.

Epoxy: Epoxy is a plastic-like resin used as an alternative to polyester resin in the construction of a surfboard. It can be used with both EPS and PU (polyurethane) foam blanks. Epoxy is lighter and stronger than traditional polyester resin and emits 50-75% fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than polyester resin.

 Polystyrene is one of the world’s most widely used plastics. It’s made into a variety of forms including foams such as expanded polystyrene, also known as EPS. EPS is a closed-cell foam, made up of tiny, hollow, spherical beads. In fact, EPS is made up of 98% air which is the reason behind its lightweight. Common uses for EPS are packing applications (foam peanuts, ice chests) and construction applications (insulation, void filler). EPS is inert and non-toxic, both to the environment and one’s health. Styrene is naturally occurring in many common foods such as fruits, coffee, cinnamon, and beef. Further, EPS is completely recyclable.

EPS Beads

EPS used as surfboard blanks began to emerge as a viable option for surfboard shapers in the mid 1990’s. At the time, Clark Foam dominated the market with their wide variety of polyurethane foam blanks which stemmed the growth of EPS. While the epoxy resin used with EPS blanks was both lighter and stronger than traditional polyester resin, the boards were more expensive to build, had problems with yellowing and were difficult to repair.

Those obstacles, however, were overcome and popularity for EPS blanks grew after the closure of Clark Foam in 2005. Quality polyurethane blanks were temporarily difficult to procure so shapers were required to consider alternative materials. Epoxy technology also improved with cleaner formulas, varying densities, and more controlled flex patterns. All of these factors contributed to the increased acceptance and performance quality of EPS blanks.

EPS blank usage is growing, but still accounts for a relatively small percentage of the surfboard  blank marketplace. It is currently the preferred foam for Stand Up Paddle boards and Wake Surfboards.

US Blanks offers two types of EPS foam:

EPS foam is made from a fusing together of small, pre-expanded foam beads. The key difference between SUPERFUSED & BLOCK CUT EPS is the fusion process.

Slab Cuts

BLOCK CUT (Slab Cut)

For BLOCK CUT, the beads are fused into a large block (3’x4’x24’). The blanks are then custom cut from the block into a specific size, shape and dimension surfboard blank. This process offers extreme versatility in blank size options. Unused EPS foam scraps are 100% recycled. 

SUPERFUSED (Molded)

SUPERFUSED blanks are fused into a pre-cast mold of a designated surfboard blank size, i.e., 6’5” or 7’2”, etc rather than the large block for the BLOCK CUT. While this limits versatility to the number of pre-cast molds, it allows for smaller beads to be more tightly fused and thereby produces a finer finished surface. The resulting foam more closely resembles the tight cell structure of traditional polyurethane foam. 

Key Points: 

BLOCK CUT allows for superior versatility in blank options. SUPERFUSED allows for tighter cell structure and fusion properties.

Molded (left) Slab Cut (right)

EPS FOAM RECAP

Key Benefits: The main benefit of EPS is that it is 100% recyclable. Additionally, it is lighter than polyurethane.

Performance and Flexibility: Performance and flexibility are matters of subjectivity and preference. EPS is lighter and more buoyant than PU. Both of those elements can allow the surfer to ride smaller, lesser volume surfboards which may, in turn, help performance and paddling. The flex properties are certainly different than PU. It is the responsibility of the shaper to determine the board dimension and stringer configuration that is best suited for their client’s needs.

Construction: The construction of an EPS surfboard is basically the same as a traditional PU surfboard. The foam core is shaped into the desired dimension and then wrapped with fiberglass cloth soaked in resin. The main difference is that one must use epoxy resin, as opposed to traditional polyester resin that is used with PU foam. Construction costs are slightly higher for EPS than PU boards.

Surfboard Stringers, The Possibilities Are Endless!

Stringers have been an integral part of surfboard construction since the introduction of polyurethane foam in the late Fifties.  Previously, solid wood surfboards had plenty of strength, but also a lot of weight.  The introduction of polyurethane foam allowed for surfboards to be much lighter, but also more fragile.  Early polyurethane surfboard builders glued a long piece of wood (often redwood or balsa) in the center of polyurethane foam blanks and coined the name “stringer”.  The stringer added strength to the foam blank and just enough flex and recoil to increase the surfboard’s maneuverability.  The wood stringer has remained a vital part of surfboard construction over the past half-decade.

While a single piece of wood down the center of the blank is considered to be the traditional surfboard-stringer configuration, many successful variations have been implemented over the years.  Every stringer configuration offers performance dynamics unique to a given board design.  When choosing a stringer configuration, a surfer should consider three main factors: strength, performance and aesthetic.

Every wood type has a unique level of hardness and flex, which will correspond with a board’s strength and stiffness (in regard to maneuverability).  Further, given a specific board design, offset stringers, curved stringers, or parabolic stringers would all create a different distribution of energy than a traditional straight, centered stringer.

While stringer configuration is an important part of a board’s performance dynamic, it is no more vital than foam density, rocker selection, fin placement, glassing schedule, or a myriad of other design elements.  A good shaper will be able to assist the surfer in deciding which materials and designs will best suit their needs.  The surfer, however, should have a frame of reference for communication with the shaper.  

Below, you will find a list of the various stringer options.  The stringer configuration offerings are only limited by one’s imagination and we are happy to fulfill custom orders.

US BLANKS IN-HOUSE MILL

The US Blanks in-house mill allows us to offer any variation of stringer thicknesses and configuration.  Some limits are set by the length or width of wood available.  Their red cedar comes 6” wide and will not fit all rockers, and the poplar plywood has a length limit of 8′.

They offer 7 types of stringer material, 4 types of raw wood and 3 additional offerings.  A description of each follows.

Basswood - Fine straight grain with an even texture. Creamy white in color and medium weight. Relatively soft.

Red Cedar - Straight grain with medium texture. Reddish brown and highly aromatic. Lightweight and soft with high durability.

Cedar Alternative - Sourcing consistent and reliable Cedar is increasing difficult and expensive to procure. The cedar alternative offers similar shape-ability and aesthetic as cedar.
Balsa Wood - Very soft, lightweight, yet strong, with a course, open grain and bright yellow/beige color.

4mm Unidirectional Poplar Ply - They offer three versions of Poplar Plywood; Basic, Team Ply, or High Performance Ply. 

Applecore Stringers - Appelcore Stringers are comprised of three plys of 1/24th inch basswood laminated together. The lamination adds strength and consistency to the stringer. Further, Appelcore Stringers are available in a range of 6 color options (wherein, the basswood is dyed).
Powerline Stringerz - Powerline Stringerz are a wood alternative, made of a 4-ply non-woven polymer. It is lighter and stronger than wood and impervious to water. It cuts easily with hand tools and on shaping machines. It is colorless, but reflects and embodies a chosen glue color.

PVC - PVC is a wood alternative. It is a plastic, available in 3mm and 4mm, colored red or white. It offers plenty of flex, but less strength than wood.

STRINGER CONFIGURATIONS

Center Cut - A single piece of wood in the center of the blank.  This is the most common and traditional stringer arrangement.  Any type of wood can be used.

Multi's - 2 or more stringers in any configuration.  Any type of wood can be used.  Many variations of Multi-stringers have unique names, some are more widely known than others.  Off-Set is a commonly used name for any number of stringers located away from the center of the blank.

Flared - Flared stringers begin in the nose or tail and curve to exit along the rail.  Any distance, angle, curve or wood type can be used.

Wedge - Wedge cut indicates the wedged-shape aesthetic of the stringer cuts, but there are a number of different ways to achieve this aesthetic.  Varying styles of wedge-cuts are known by nicknames and clarification is often needed when ordering.

A wedge configuration is made with 2 pieces of wood, starting close together, perhaps touching, and then separating into a “V” on the other end.  Any degree of separation is acceptable.

“Model A” refers to a wedge cut that begins close together in the tail and separates in the nose.  ”Reverse Model A” refers to a wedge cut that begins close together in the nose and separates in the tail.

Wedge cuts can also include Multi stringers, T-Bands, and any stringer material.









T-Band - A T-Band simply refers to 2 or more stringers that are laminated together. Any type of material or thickness is acceptable. 

Parabolic - Consisting of 2 stringers, the name refers to the shape of the stringers. The two stringers are bent and follow the contour of the rail of the surfboard, one on either side. The desired function is a faster return to static post flex.  With a strengthened perimeter, the surfer can apply a more controlled weight to the board’s rail, thus gaining more controlled buoyancy. The added flexibility on the perimeter of the board allows the surfer to lean into the stringer as opposed to the foam. This flexes the stringer and recoils the surfer out of the turn as it flexes back which equates to more speed, acceleration and torque through each turn.

Colored Foam Inserts - US Blanks offer a variety of colored polyurethane foam and can insert wedges, halves, or straight cuts between stringers. 

POLYURETHANE FOAM - Definition and History

POLYURETHANE FOAM

“PU” foam, as it’s known, has been the predominant material used in surfboard construction for more than half a century.  The goal of this article is to share the history and lineage of our product and aid in the understanding of the material that is at the core of our surfing experience.

KEY TERMS:

Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a plastic, which in the case of surfboard construction is used as a foam.  Polyurethane foam is the most common type of surfboard core.  It is usually wrapped with fiberglass soaked in polyester resin to finish the board’s construction.

Polystyrene: Polystyrene is a plastic, which in the case of surfboard construction is often intended to reference Expanded Polystyrene, also known as EPS.  Expanded Polystyrene is a type of foam, commonly known as Styrofoam (although Styrofoam is a brand name owned by the Dow Chemical Company).  US Blanks uses EPS foam to produce surfboard blanks as an alternative option to polyurethane foam.

Mold: In regards to surfboard blank construction, “mold” is defined similarly to other plastics industries.  It is a hollow cavity in which polyurethane is poured.  The polyurethane foam expands to fill the capacity of the cavity and hardens.  The polyurethane foam is removed from the mold and the resulting form is a surfboard blank.

Blank: “Blank” refers to the foam structure from which one shapes a surfboard.  Surfboard blanks are made in a variety of shapes and sizes intended to closely meet the shapers requirements of a desired surfboard, thereby not wasting an excess amount of foam.  The blank roughly resembles the contours and shape of the finished board.

HISTORY

Polyurethane was first used in 1937 by Otto Bayer in Germany and quickly found applications during World War II where it was used in aircraft construction (coating and insulation).

Prior to commercial polyurethane surfboard production and working out of his garage in Pasadena, California, seminal surfboard designer Bob Simmons (who introduced fundamental design elements of nose-lift, foil, and sculpted rails) first began experimenting with polystyrene foam as a surfboard construction material in 1947.  He made “sandwich” boards constructed of a polystyrene core sandwiched between two planks of balsa plywood with hand-shaped balsa rails enclosing the design.  Simmons learned that polyester resin dissolves polystyrene on contact so the plywood kept the volatile components from meeting.  He then sealed the design with fiberglass.  During the summer of ’49 Simmons partnered with local Malibu surfers Joe Quigg and Matt Kivlin to sell more than 100 “sandwich” constructed surfboards.  This construction method outlined the building blocks for modern PU surfboard construction.

During the early 50’s polyurethane was being a used in common household items, like insulation in refrigerators.  Dana Point surfer and board builder Whitey Harrison successfully cooked a polyurethane blank in his barn in 1955, but never attempted larger production.  In 1956, brothers Dave and Roger Sweet found success selling polyurethane blanks in Los Angeles, but lacked the precise designs that would aid shapers in fully embracing the new material.

Hobie Alter

Meanwhile, reliable balsa wood supply was dwindling, which prompted shaper Hobie Alter and his glasser, an engineer named Gordon “Grubby” Clark, to switch their entire supply of surfboard material from balsa to foam.  The pair invested in a secluded factory in Laguna Canyon, where they designed a mold that would create a blank in two halves, divided lengthwise.  The halves were glued together with a wooden stringer.  The design was finished with fiberglass and coated with resin.  By the summer of 1958 the foam and fiberglass construction had secured its place as the premier performance surfboard in California.

The new technology was widely embraced by surfers, but the popularity of the movie Gidget in 1959 greatly increased America’s fondness for beach lifestyle.  Alter and Clark were perfectly positioned to accommodate the new demand and they quickly established Hobie Surfboards as one of the leading names in surfing.  In 1961 Clark bought Alter’s share of the foam production business.  The split was amicably, and Gordon Clark officially established Clark Foam.  The business moved to Laguna Niguel in 1964, and by the end of the decade Clark had the lion’s share of the world surfboard blank market.  With his engineering background and a keen business sense, Clark made endless improvements to his production line and portfolio of blank offerings.  He accommodated the ’60s surfing boom and held a steady grasp of his paramount position as the world’s lead supplier of surfboard blanks for the next 41 years.

Gordon Clark

After the closure of Clark Foam in late 2005 two former key Clark employees partnered with two industry veterans to form and launch US Blanks in early 2006.  US Blanks redesigned many popular blanks sizes and used their sizable team of highly experienced, former Clark employees to produce consistently high-quality polyurethane blanks on a large scale.  US Blanks additionally offers EPS foam and, over the following 7 years, has secured their position as the world’s leading supplier of surfboard blanks.  As of 2013, polyurethane foam is still the most widely used core for surfboard production.  US Blanks manufactures a water-blown, Isocyanate based Polyurethane foam.

US BLANKS PU FOAM

US Blanks manufactures a water-blown, Isocyanate based Polyurethane foam.  Polyurethane surfboard blanks can be glassed with either polyester or epoxy resin, making it versatile in terms of giving riders more options.  Polyurethane foam is regarded as easier to shape than other types of foam.  It is also slightly less expensive than Expanded Polystyrene.  US Blanks offers PU blanks in 6 varying densities, 9 foam color options, and over 50 different blank sizes and dimensions.  Each blank is cut and glued to order, to the client’s specific rocker and stringer requests.  Thousands of rocker adjustments are available to choose from or custom adjustments can be accommodated.  US Blanks’ in-house mill allows for almost any conceivable stringer configuration to be incorporated into any surfboard blank.  The result is a completely customizable surfboard blank that Foam E-Z can get for the customer in one week!.  US Blanks is also the only polyurethane surfboard blank company manufactured entirely in the USA, from their facility in Southern California.

Rockers And Bottom Curves, Natural Or Custom!

“Rocker” is the dimensional curve along the bottom, top, and rail of the surfboard, usually referenced from nose to tail.  Not one rocker is universally better than another.  Rocker is just one instrument in an orchestra of design elements that contribute to a successful surfboard shape.  There are, however, some basic rules of hydrodynamics that one must consider in order to understand the function of rocker.

Ace Buchan uses every bit of his rocker to make this steep drop!

Firstly, the more rocker or bottom curve that a design has, the more maneuverability but less speed the design holds.  The added degree of rocker pushes water, and consequently reduces overall speed.  On the other hand, that added curve allows the design to turn in a tighter radius.  Additionally, rocker allows designs to fit into steep waves without submerging the nose, i.e., hollow waves like Pipeline.

Conversely, flatter rocker brings more speed but also a decrease in maneuverability.  The flatter rocker allows more of the board’s surface to be in contact with the water and therefore generate more planing speed.  Generally, flatter bottomed designs are applied to boards that will be surfed in small or gutless waves, i.e, fish boards.  And, of course, with the flatter, straighter rocker the board will feel more stiff and will be more difficult to turn.

Cut and ready to glue up

US Blanks are molded with a “Natural Rocker” unique to each blank and specified in the blank description within their catalog.  The Natural Rocker is designed to accommodate a variety of designs.

While the blank is molded with a Natural Rocker, there are two additional opportunities to adjust the rocker before finishing the surfboard design.  Once, when the blank is ordered and secondly, when the shaper is shaping the board.

Each blank can be ordered with any desired rocker adjustment.  The blank is cut down the center lengthwise, stringer is chosen and the blank is glued with the rocker adjustment in place.  The adjustments are written in a formula beginning with the nose (noted with an “N”) adjustment and followed by the tail adjustment (noted with a “T”).  Us Blanks use the deck line to adjust the rocker which is referenced from the Natural Rocker, i.e., an adjustment of +1/4”N -1/4”T would indicate bending the foam upward to add one quarter inch of rocker to the nose and then bending the tail downward one quarter inch to decrease the rocker in the tail.

US Blanks has a large selection of Public Rockers available to choose from, specific to each blank, but we (Foam E-Z) can also accommodate "Custom Rockers" at no additional charge.

A few of US Blanks Public Rocker Templates!

Once the blank is ordered with the requested rocker adjustment, the shaper can still make further refinements to the rocker of the final surfboard design.  The shaper can carve subtle adjustments to the board’s rocker within the design of the given blank, but they cannot permanently bend the blank at this point.  This is why blank selection is an important first step.  It provides a flexible yet specific foam structure that most closely resembles the final design that the shaper will implement.

It is important to remember that the resulting affect of any rocker adjustment is influenced by other design elements like rail contours, fin set up, and concaves.  Finding the exact right rocker for a surfer, a given board and specific type of wave is the result of thorough communication between the surfer and the shaper.

Thanks to US Blanks for this thorough explanation!

The Fin Project! Support them...

As most of you know this past weekend was the Boardroom Show in Orange County.  There was so much cool stuff to see and so many cool people to talk to.  One of the neatest booths at the show was the Fin Project booth.  If you can help them that is great but if not just check out the killer fins and photography.  Here's a little snippet of what they are about:

About theFINproject:

theFINproject is the epic journey of the surfboard fin, the inspirational stories of its innovators and their role in fin as the driving evolutionary force in surfing. Through the documentary film and photographic study, theFINproject will paint a dramatic - and visually stunning - portrait of this neglected piece of surfing history in a way never before seen. 

Featuring the stories of Tom Blake, Bob Simmons, George Greenough, the Campbell Brothers, Mark Richards, and Simon Anderson  - the film will explore how their passion, drive and "inventor's mind" have shaped surfing into what we know today - and open up the question as of what's next for the sport. 

 

The FIN Project was founded as a passion project in 2012 by Timothy Hogan, a lifelong salt-water addict, surfer and critically-acclaimed commercial photographer.

The KICKSTARTER campaign to fund theFINproject documentary is running NOW through November 4th, 2013 and features four Hand-Signed Kickstarter-Exclusive Limited-Edition Artwork by Timothy Hogan as rewards - that are not available anywhere else. 

Please back us here: http://bit.ly/finproject

And show your support for the story of the fin in 3 clicks HERE: bit.ly/finshare

Cheers, and thanks for your continued support, 

Tim

Kickstarter home page: bit.ly/finproject 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFINproject

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theFINproject

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thefinproject

Press Page: http://www.thefinproject.net/pages/press

The Boardroom Surfboard Show Is This Weekend!!! See you there...

It's that time of year for our industry convention... The Boardroom Surf Show is unique in that it brings together all the manufactures and board builders into one place.  This will be the first time The Boardroom visits Orange County.  In the past the show has mainly been in North San Diego and has once visited Ventura and Santa Cruz.  The Orange County Fairgrounds will be the hub of the surf industry this coming weekend.  This show started about six years ago, at that time it was called Sacred Craft.  No where else can you find all the big named shapers and small ones too, not to mention all the other cool stuff going on.  There will be live surfboard shaping, live surfboard glassing demos, live music, surf movies, ‘Road Show’ style surfboard collectibles with expert analysis and appraisal, book signings, and more...  Click here for the schedule of events.  Did I mention this show is open to the public???  It's your chance to come see, feel, talk shop, buy a board or two, and all things surfboard.

You can find Foam E-Z in the Los Alamitos wing, booth #634, right next to the Block of Foam Shaping Bay.  Of course we will be giving away lots of swag, selling our goodies at a discounted price, and giving away a FREE Shaping Lesson.  That's right... We are going to be raffling off a Five Hour Shape Lesson with our Master Shaper ($300 value), no purchase necessary!  We will also have a paint pen station and FREE mini surfboards for the kids to paint. 

Come on by and say hello.  The show hours are Saturday 10-6pm and Sunday 10-4pm.  For more info on the show check out http://www.boardroomshow.com/ 

Foam E-Z's fuNKy FieldTrip To Drew Brophy's Studio In The Surf Ghetto

It’s been a little while since we took a Funky Field Trip but this one is definitely worth the wait… We headed down to the San Clemente Surf Ghetto and popped in to see Drew Brophy.  Drew welcomed us with open arms and lots of story.  As we walked through the door prominently displayed was the Foam E-Z 20 Year Anniversary board that Drew painted as a present for us.  My first thought and feeling was of all the colorful paintings on the walls and other Brophy paraphernalia perched throughout his studio. 

As we entered he showed us his studio where all his amazing paintings get created.  From there we headed into Maria’s (Drew's wife and business partner) office/meeting room, this is where all the Brophy product samples get QC’d, and the business ideas come to life.  In this room were Converse Allstar shoes, skateboard grip tape, IPhone cases, water bottles, skateboards, body boards, motocycle helmets, and more, all with Drew’s art displayed on them.  Pretty amazing stuff for someone who first hit the seen as the artist who did “pen art” on LOST Surfboards.  As we made our way through his building we came to a kind of “catch all” room where the Brophy’s keep their inventory, stretch canvases and pack and ship stuff.  Last but not least we were invited into Drew’s office.  The walls were layered with some of most brightly colored and unique artwork I have seen.  Not to mention the size of the original pieces, some had to be 4’ by 6’ or bigger, simply overwhelming to the eye and brain.  In addition to the artwork Drew had his computer where he answers emails and does all of his computer stuff. 

As we meandered through the building Drew talked about his business, the inspiration for his different art pieces, the history of how he got to where he is today, his motivations behind his artwork, his amazing travels, and basically chatted about all things life.  Drew told us stories of the early years of painting the LOST boards and how it helped influence a number of today’s surfboard artists.   Drew and his family travel quite a bit for work and play often spending time in the mountains as well as taking surf trips.

I really want to thank Drew for taking the time to show us around his shop.  Also, thanks for the incredible 20 Year Anniversary paint job on my board.  That was an awesome field trip, I'm still trying to get my head around all the amazing artwork!!!

LEARN TO SHAPE YOUR OWN BOARD!!! Shape Lessons Are For Everyone!

Wanna learn to shape a board????  We give lessons 2-3 times a week right here at in our own E-Z Shape Box.  Our instructor, Chas Wickwire, has lots of experience as he has been shaping for over twenty years!  Chas learned the ropes under the tutelage of Rich Harbour of Harbour Surfboards.  

Our Shape Lessons are great for everyone, young and old, because each lesson is customized to meet your needs. Sure, you can learn to shape on your own by trial and error, which can be frustrating at times, or you can have someone guiding you along the way. With the help of a professional by your side, your board will come out looking, and riding great. Along with books and DVD's, the Foam E-Z Professional Shaping Lessons are another way to educate board builders of every level.

The cost for the Shape lessons are $60/hr. Average time for a shortboard shape lesson is 4 hours and a long board takes approximately 5 hours. You are welcome to bring your buddy, dad, sister, brother, mother, or anyone you'd like to watch at no extra cost. Shape lessons are great for school projects. Each lesson is tailored to suit each student's needs and interests. At the end of the lesson each student will have learned about board design, functionality, basic and advanced shaping techniques. All students will walk away with a functional and aesthetically pleasing custom surfboard to be proud of.

Here's more details about the lessons and finishing out your custom board:

Blanks are sold separately (starting at $45.00).  You can paint your shaped blank yourself or have us professionally paint it.  We can print custom professional looking lams for you starting at $20.00. Just provide us a high quality PDF or Jpeg and we’ll do the rest.  Glassing is sold separately.  Glass your shaped blank yourself or have us professionally glass it (starting at $200).

Email us at Shape@FoamEZ.com  for more details or to schedule your lesson.  To see what dates are available check out the Shape Box Calendar.

Shaping lessons are for everyone! See ya soon…

What A Great Time! Thanks To Everyone!!!

I want to send a HUGE thanks to all who attended our party this past Saturday. We hope you had an awesome time I know I did!  Here is a quick recap...

Larry Bertlemann, that's right THE Rubber Man, was there and chatting it up with everyone.  What a great personality and very approachable he is.  Drew Brophy was his usual spectacular self, bringing pen art to life right before the party goers eyes.  Drew was kind enough to leave his pens out for the kids to thrash and paint the mini blanks US Blanks brought.  Balestar, Stamps, and Doc in the Futures Fish Bowl Shaping Bay was an awesome site to see.  Those guys were really tested as the lighting sucked, it was about 100 degrees inside, no air hose, and hundreds of people starring in from point blank range.  It was awesome to have Chad "The Lad" Wells (Quiksilver Team Manager) as our MC, he knows how to really fire up a crowd. 














We gave out so much free stuff thanks to all the vendor donations.  Thank you to the beautiful Ivie, who came in from Utah just to work the raffle booth.  Foam E-Z is donating $500 bucks to Surfrider Foundation from the money generated at the party.  The Jimbonaires were sending out killer music vibes throughout the event.  Food, thank to Chef Larry Meyers was on point, although I never got a chance to eat... 

What a surprise to be awarded that unbelievable hand-built Seventies Gun by the Crew at Foam E-Z.  You really didn't have to do but I love it!  

Thanks to the vendors and participants;  Drew and Maria Brophy = incredible art on the Aipa board... Stamps, Balestar, and Doc for donating their time and sweat to shape out those boards for the lucky winners, Matt Barker at Hurley for donating those awesome tees, Future Fins for the Fish Bowl and bitchen fin sets, US Blanks and Marko for the raffle blanks, Ryan Bryant at Delve for doing the bitchen four color screen printed tees, FCS for the incredible raffle package, Solspot for the beer, Resin Research and Revchem for the board building supplies for the raffle, Harbour Surfboards for the raffle stuff, Val and Duke Aipa for the board that Drew painted, Larry Bertlemann for the signed wax, and so on.  I really apologize if I missed someone and I'm sure I did. 

I want thank the Foam E-Z Crew for all that they did to help prepare for this and help make the day amazing.  Thanks to my beautiful wife and family for putting up with me over the last month and I was stressing miserably about this event.

Thanks again for all the support we really couldn't do it without you guys (customers and vendors)!

Check our FB Page for pictures from the party, thanks to Kitty Willis.

Brad

Itinerary And Updates For Our Party This Saturday!

Only two days to go until our 20 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!!!  It's going to be a day for of festivities, food, music, and fun!  The party will take place in the parking lot behind Foam E-Z from 10-3pm.

The day will start off with Tom Balestar shaping a bitchen 5'10" Retro Single Fin, similar to an Eighties Stussy.  When he's done shaping we will raffle the board off.  Next in the Future Fins Fish Bowl Shaping Bay is Tim Stamps.  Tim will be hand shaping a Stamps 5'8" fX Quad/5 Fin to be be raffled off when it is completed.  At noon, a ticket will be drawn and the winner will be creating his/hers custom board with Doc of Surf Prescriptions.  Here's what Doc had to say about what he'll be doing:  "Saturday June 1st we will be at Foam EZ in Westminster CA. to help Brad and his crew celebrate their 20th anniversary . Now who needs a Surf Prescription?   Some lucky individual will win a custom Surf RX this Saturday June 1st at 12 noon.  Winner needs to be present because you will be immediately sitting down with me and we will design your board in my Surf CAD system at  the Surf RX tent. Next I will head off to my Factory and cut your board on my shaping machine ( you can come with me if you'd like) after which I will be returning to the "Fish Bowl' shape room at the event and hand shape your cut blank. Your custom shape will then be glassed at my factory  Surf Prescriptions  in H.B. where you will be picking up your  custom Surf RX on its completion  Good luck  See you Saturday at the event.  PEACE OUT DOC".

In addition to all the shaping going on, Drew Brophy will spend the day doing pen art on party goers surfboards.  If you have never seen Drew in action I highly recommend checking this out.  He is world renown for his art work and his pen art surfboards.  Another cool exhibit will be live screen printing with a four color process.  Ryan Bryant of Delve will be screen printing your tees to order.  If that's not enough, there will be live music by the Jimbonaires - Cameron Vogel on drums, free burgers, hot dogs, Pop Chips, Vitamin Water, raffles every hour, lot's of freebies, and 10% Off everything in the shop.

I'm gonna blow my lid...

See you at the gig!