Category Archives: Factory Notes

…the stuff you never see in the surf shop!

Factory Notes, Products, Uncategorized

Buy a board = get premium fins at discount $

Buy any board (new or used) from store.stretchboards.com and receive 25% off any fin set in stock!

just add to cart and use promo code: UPGRADE

offer expires December 31, 2015

Modern day surfing as we know it wouldn’t be the same without fins. Surfboard design is a whirlwind of design theory and application. The fins on your board as you can imagine are equally as significant. Whether you are adept at dissecting rocker profiles and outlines, chord length and foil sections or just don’t have a clue what the difference is between future and fcs fin systems, don’t you worry… you’re definitely not alone.

Highly sensitive and ultra “tuned-in” surfers may be able to discern the flex difference in their glass job or the extra 1/16″ lift in tail rocker but for everyone single person who surfs, simply swapping out fins can give you insight, perspective, adaptability, confidence, control and (most importantly) the sought after joy that surfing brings.

For a fraction of the $ cost, space, decision making and time it would take to get a new board for that slightly different and elusive magic board sensation, it’s a no brainer to simply swap out your fins into the board you’ve already got.

Simplicity is admirable. Versatility is significant. Having the ability to switch fins with the turn of a screw (or a quick snap out/in) is something previous generations of surfers had only imagined.

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Fins Unlimited custom hand-foiled fiberglass fin sets are made in the USA exclusively for Stretch Boards. They come in 3 different templates and various sizes in both FCS and Future systems. These are limited in supply and are available only from store.stretchboards.com

Now is a good time to be a surfer. A variety of fin templates, sizes, foils, constructions and even matching colors are available to dial in your ride!

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Tri or quad??? Wiggolly has the ability to swap out as conditions warrant, such as these FCS II AM2 Large tri’s in his 6’6″ semi-gun for Pipe.

 

questions???

send a message to: info@stretchboards.com

 

 

 

 

Factory Notes, Family

Open House November 27th, 2015

harbor sunset background pic.OPEN HOUSE flyer PRINT

Stretch Boards is hosting a holiday open house event on Friday November 27th. We’ll be swinging open the factory doors to anyone who has always been curious as to what goes into making a custom built surfboard.

There will be light refreshments, beverages, working factory tours and face to face customer support for any surfboard related topic you can fathom.

Check out some cool new projects, unique custom builds not seen elsewhere, view a bit of Stretch memorabilia and join in on the community of surfers which make the Stretch Boards family what it is today.

Black friday deals on apparel, fins, accessories, stock surfboards and new custom orders will be in full effect also!

 

This event is in conjunction with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. Bring in minimum 4 non-perishable food items to receive extra special deals!

Our factory is located at the end of Tower Place just off Felt St. It is the largest dedicated epoxy glassing factory in North America and is unlike most every other traditional surfboard factory you will encounter. There is no VOC release or harmful chemicals, messy work areas or hazardous concerns (save for the dust factor). If you’ve ever been curious as to how a sustainable surfboard can be built then this is the perfect opportunity to see first hand!

 

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Factory Notes, Products, Uncategorized

Peter Trow’s Kite Foilboard

Peter Trow is one of the most understated and crafty watermen in the business. Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you. His earnest approach to watercraft is awe inspiring.

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Pete and Stretch have developed numerous designs together including the PVC/Carbon towboards you see today.

Here’s 4 questions with Pete on his new Stretch Foilboard:

“What was the influence for wanting to get a custom Stretch foilboard made?”

Most foil boards are designed with racing in mind. I wanted to go with something more surf oriented but also light and strong enough to handle jumping and taking a pounding in the surf. Stretch is always willing to try new shapes and he’s a leader with composites and surfboard construction. Stretch was the perfect guy for the job.

“Why did you choose the specific shape with Stretch?”

I thought the outline of the Stretch Mr. Buzz would be perfect for the kind of foil board I was looking for. Stretch tweaked the dimensions to make it more usable with a foil, added the perfect bottom contour, a SK8 deck, the Tuttle fin box to support the foil and strap inserts.

“How does the construction and/or performance differ from other boards you have ridden?”

This board is light AND strong. Most boards I’ve ridden have either been beefed up and way too heavy or made to be light but likely to break if you push it too hard. The lightness of the Stretch foil board allows for extra speed and control while the strength gives you confidence to go for it. You’re more likely to bruise yourself before damaging the board.

“What is your best one sentence description of the sensation you feel when riding this board?”

Speed, confidence and control, the smoothest ride you’ll ever have.

 

Board:
5’0″ x 20.5″ x 3.5″ custom hand shaped Mr. Buzz inspired kite foilboard
Core:
SUP blank Marko foam fused 1.25pcf stringerless EPS
Construction:
double 4oz. RWG direct sized E-glass top and bottom
high density sheet foam skins top and bottom
unidirectional carbon fiber tape down centerline on bottom and full perimeter rail wrap
unidirectional carbon fiber/white vectornet mesh on deck

 

Want to custom order a foilboard of your own? Like all Stretch boards, customization is a welcome feature of what we do. Adjusted dimensions? Bright pink airbrush? Extra heavy duty 12k carbon vacuum bagged lamination? Whatever you want, we can likely build for you. contact info@stretchboards.com to get started.

 

I wonder what the cruise ship folks are thinking is dragging under his board. it ain't kelp... photo: Jim Brewer

I wonder what the cruise ship folks are thinking is dragging under his board. it ain’t kelp… photo: Jim Brewer

Trow staying engaged without a rail dipping in.photo: Jim Brewer

Trow staying engaged. photo: Jim Brewer

up up and away! photo: Jim Brewer

up up and away! photo: Jim Brewer

Foilboard testing. SB. photo: Jim Brewer

Foilboard testing. SB. photo: Jim Brewer

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Trow laying eyes on the final product for the first time.

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not your typical tail block.

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that Tuttle box is a carbon fiber sleeve housed within a high density PVC foam cassette that connects the foil strut to the deck.

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scooped out nose and rearward biased volume.

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when you can come into Stretch’s shaping room and not get distracted by staring at the walls then you know it’s an interesting board.

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If you ever cross thread a screw on your new board then you can blame the cigar 😉

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newborn foilboard coming together

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Stretch carefully positions the Tuttle box for proper alignment.

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strap insert placement and deck lamination ready to go.

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Factory Notes, How to, Products, Uncategorized
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Learn Stretch’s thoughts and guidelines on how to order dims for sizing up from your daily driver. You’ll need that extra little bit sooner or later. How much extra? Which model? What dims?

Here’s 5 questions and 5 answers from the cigar toting man massaging the foam on your next board Continue reading »