FAQs

  • Bat vs. moon vs. diamond vs. swallow vs. squash?Stretch believes in two tail types, round pins and then everything else. A lot of it has to do with the length of the rail line and where it ends. Round pins are a continuous rail tip to tail whereas everything else has a pivot or end point. When the rail line ends on a pivot point then the feel of the board will be based on where that point is positioned. On the bat or diamond tails the pivot point ending the rail line in the tail block is pushed up from where the board's rocker and length are measured. Whereas a moon or swallow tail has the rocker and length measured from the very end point of the rail line, the fact that the bat tail has the rail line shortened means that the fin cluster will effectively be utilized closer to the tail as the surface area will naturally increase as the pivot points in the tail move closer to the wider portion of the board. One can disregard the use of the mid-point or apex of the tail block since Stretch believes the performance of the board is from tip to tip across the tail block width. The bat tail increases the tail block width. Quads with a wider tail will also help give the looseness and the pivot-like feeling that you can't get with a tri fin because there is a trailer fin, which needs a narrower tail to provide lateral stability when leaned on rail as to not disengage from the water. There are very subtle differences in feel that even the best surfers can’t decipher. If you want to surf in small or weaker surf with the ability to turn quickly then go with the bat tail. If you want to surf small to medium size waves and you are powerful in turns then get a moon tail.
  • What is the difference between a Magnet and a Fletcher four-fin?There are 3 main differences between the magnet and a Fletcher four-fin: the outline is slightly fuller, especially in the tail. Also, the rocker is a bit more relaxed in the nose but still continuous and not flat. The foil has a tad more foam distribution across the deck and into the rail. This combination enables the magnet to be more efficient in planing through softer sections, catching more waves and surfing in conditions where you would be working harder to get your shortboard to move about. It is not a super groveler so much as it is really a board to give you that extra “umph!” when the ocean isn’t doing it for you.
  • How is a Magnet different than a Fletcher Four-fin?There are 3 main differences between the magnet and a fletcher four-fin: the outline is slightly fuller, especially in the tail. Also, the rocker is a bit more relaxed in the nose but still continuous and not flat. The foil has a tad more foam distribution across the deck and into the rail. This combination enables the magnet to be more efficient in planing through softer sections, catching more waves and surfing in conditions where you would be working harder to get your shortboard to move about. It is not a super groveler so much as it is really a board to give you that extra umph when the ocean isn’t doing it for you.
  • What kind of foam do you use?We use Marko Foam exclusively for all boards we build here in Santa Cruz. Marko has been manufacturing high quality foam for nearly 5 decades. Their surfboard specific pressure molded EPS blanks are the best. Their manufacturing process is environmentally sound, stronger, lighter and more versatile than any other foam Stretch has found over the last 20 years of EPS/EPOXY production.
  • What kind of resin do you use?If you ever visit, you'll notice something very unlike traditional surfboard factories. It doesn't stink! We use only Resin Research epoxy in our Santa Cruz factory. It is safe, easy to handle and environmentally friendly. It's also the best surfboard epoxy resin in the world. Having no VOC release or harmful chemical vapors makes it pretty nice for everyone as well.
  • Where is your factory?We are located at 983 Tower Place in Santa Cruz, CA. We're in the business park at the end of the street and on the left, closest to the train tracks. It's conveniently located about 3 blocks from the beach. So, if you're ever in the neighborhood and want to check out the latest and greatest, order a new custom or just say "hello", stop on by.
  • Why Deck Channels?Deck Channels (also referred to as "grab rails", "love handles", "channel tops", "thumb rails", "parabolic air grippers", etc..., etc...) are nothing new. In fact they've been done as early as the mid-80's. People will debate who had it done first by saying that it was "so and so" in Florida in '84 or "that one guy" in Santa Cruz in '83. One thing for certain is that once you have them, no other board will ever feel the same. Most apparent is the feeling of having your hands grip right into them. It's snug under your arm, easy to grip, confident when diving under waves and just plain out feels good to grab onto. Performance aspects are more subtle to differentiate between other deck channels upon first look. Like individual shapers making individual boards, deck channels can be shaped and designed with characteristics associated with any particular shaper. Each of our boards have deck channels hand shaped into the board before getting laminated. There's no machine or router bits or power tools involved. Putting in deck channels involves eyes, hands and an intuition for how the board should perform. Just about every single Stretch board has deck channels. Incorporated with our EPS TECH, they provide: strength, moderated flex and comfort. We shape these into the boards with a smooth edge rolling into the channel and a sharper edge closest to the rail. It allows your thumb to slide and lock into the channel. It also increases board strength. The deck channels follow the outline of the board which gives it the same effect as having a "parabolic stringer" setup. It helps to reduce torsional flex. We also control the foil of the deck channels. This is the depth with respect to its position on the board. The deepest part of the deck channel is always at the center and up towards the nose, where you'd typically grab onto it. The foil will taper out when you get closer to the tail so that the flex is still there and it won't feel rigid. We used to only put deck channels on certain boards after Nathan requested that we put them in his. Since then, everyone who tries them says they can't ever go back. They add some time and labor to the construction process compared to traditional methods but the feeling of having them in your board far outweighs the extra little bit it takes to put them in.
  • Can I get my artwork modified?Custom airbrushes can be specified while ordering and all pen artwork is done after the board is completely finished. Call or e-mail to set up an appointment with Kevin, our graphic artist. Together the two of you can personalize your next board. The sky is the limit with custom artwork. Feel free to e-mail, fax or design whatever you want. Mix and match, swap colors, make it big or small...It's all up to you!
  • What's with the bat tail?The bat tail, or star tail, has been around a long time. Much like a diamond tail, it can be used to push the pivot points up along the rail line, thus giving the board a more pivotal turning characteristic. We like using these designs on our four-fin models because with a relatively straighter template running through the tail, a bat tail or diamond tail becomes more suitable to the increased width.
  • "Love Handles?"They're just sooooo fun to squeeze!
  • Why do you call it "2 lb. epoxy?"2lb. epoxy refers to one of our specific construction methods. It is a 2lb. density expanded polystyrene (a.k.a. styrofoam) that is similar to what you'd find protecting a new dvd player fresh from the box. We glue in our own stringers into these foam blanks. The board is shaped and then glassed with epoxy resin. From a distance it looks just like any other surfboard. The board itself doesn't really weigh 2lbs. but it sure is lighter than a standard polyurethane/polyester board. They come with "love handles" so that you can squeeze and hold them tight!
  • I've seen EPS/epoxy surfboards, what's the difference with yours?Yeah...there are plenty of EPS boards out there and it seems that nowadays they are being heavily marketed. Many people buy them without even knowing what EPS stands for. EPS is essentially Styrofoam. There are various densities and EPS foam types. Two major types of foam being used are extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene. Both have varying levels of performance and feel. Advancements in both foam production and epoxy resin have brought the alternative materials spectrum into a new light. Stretch has developed an astute understanding and meticulous command of epoxy construction techniques that spans over two decades. The difference in our epoxy boards is craftmanship, performance, and quality.
  • Are there different types of epoxy boards?Indeed, there are various types of epoxy constructions. In the surfing lexicon, "epoxy" can almost immediately be associated with a "pop-out" type of construction. Our epoxy construction comes in three forms. We have an epoxy lamination over clark foam, a custom shaped 2lb. density expanded polystyrene blank with epoxy resin, and a sandwich epoxy construction ("ultimate" construction). The 2lb. epoxy models are similar to traditional polyester construction with the differences being in the foam type and resin. The performance and feel will likewise be different than your standard polyester. Our ultimates are of nearly the same construction as a Tuflite® sandwich epoxy with the only differences being that we hand shape the board custom to the rider's specifications and we glue in our own stringers to induce both strength and, more importantly, proper flex characteristics to match that of a traditional surfboard. Whichever process is chosen, rest assured, Stretch boards has been doing it right for nearly twenty years.
  • How long will it take to get a board?We do all our orders by hand right here in our factory. Everything is custom ordered and tailored to the rider's preference. Turnaround time can vary depending on artwork, construction type, and production limits. Typically, we can give you an estimate over the phone or via e-mail. It could be that we have a stock board ready to ship that day or something is running through production and will be ready in under a week. For those who can't find exactly what they are looking for, the wait period for a custom board is 3-6 weeks depending on blank availability. Just give us a call and we'll be glad to help you out!