Bodyboard Foam - The Central core of the board.

- PP / PE / NRG / EPS -

.................. 

POLYPROPLENE - Also known as PP / POLYPRO / KINETIC PP

Polypro Foam is a state of the art engineered bodyboard core. A lightweight High Density 1.9 Foam that is fusion formed to create a nucleus that delivers incredible flexural properties, including instant recoil, added projection, enhanced longitudinal stiffness & awesome compression strength. Totally waterproof and totally durable, the PP core outlasts any and every other foam on the market. 

Generally this Foam is available in Mid to High Range Bodyboards.

 Cross section of PP - Beaded, Cells are closed.

POLYETHELENE - Also known as PE

PE Core is the original Bodyboard Core, offering flex & resilience. Best suited for colder waters for those wanting a bit more flex. For added strength and durability of PE foam some companies will add 2 Stringers with a combination of Mesh and Substrate layers.

Generally this Foam is Availablie in Low to Mid Range Bodyboards.

Unlike PP Foam PE is not Water proof as the cells are open and water can move between and become trapped. Generally this occurs when the the plug is not sealed properly or if you are unfortunate and slice your board on reefs or on rocks.

 Cross Section of PE - Cells are open. Looks like honeycomb.

NRG

1.4lb lower density Polyproplene Foam
Developed using cutting edge expansion cell technology the NRG Core has been specifically formulated to duplicate key performance characteristics found in original Dow cores. By incorportaing the latest advancements in calibrated cell fusion the NRG core posesses excellent recoil & projection properties. The lightest high performance core on the market. 100% waterproof

To the naked eye this core looks the same as PP. 

Generally this Foam is available in Mid to High Range Bodyboards.

EPS

A lightweight polystyrene extreme composite Foam that is lightweight offering great flex, speed & floatation.

Ideal for the Beginner or a board for Summer. Whilst they offer features like stringers, graduated channels and 50/50 channels they shouldn’t necessarily be considered nor used as intermediate to high level bodyboards.

 This Foam is available in Low Range Bodyboards.

......................................................................................................................................

Board Constructions and Features

All the Extra Added Layers   

Companies will add different Layers to the Foam of the Bodyboard

to enhance the boards overall Performance, Speed and Flex.

..................

CORES

PFS3 Parabolic Flex System
The Parabolic core is a patent and exclusive only to VS and NMD bodyboards.

The technology uses two 10mm Divinycell Beams bonded lengthways into the core. These beams run the full length of the board and ever slightly protrude through the slick. In their rigidity they promote ultimate recoil & durability. This is tribute to the structure of the beams which are unable to stretch and therefore flex. Running at roughly ¾’s depth of the boards core the Parabolic flex core creates directional waterflow and offers the rider as much in speed as what it does in durability.

PFS-T™ Trinity
Incorporating our patented PFS™ technology, the WiFly V2 features an angled beam setup. Running from the tip of the Deep V Tail, toed-in towards the nose, it made total sense to us that by aligning the PFS beams directly in-line with the hip, elbow and hand, it would allow for greater loading of the beams during turns and therefore more recoil/ projection when pressure is released.

PRORIDE
Based on our ground breaking PFS3™ technology, the ProRide range of boards feature dual 5mm wide Airex T90®  high-density foam beams embedded into the bottom of the core for a more lively nose to tail flex.

 QUAD CORE 
The Quad Core is a Hubboards initiative and was brought to life via Jeff Hubbard’s need/ want to improve his projection and his boards durability. His final product after years of trial and error was simply a PP core with dual meshing. The meshing however is different to standard meshing and instead incorporates a fused layer of Polypropylene around the mesh. Both under the slick and deck of the board the Quad Core promotes a rigid ride with which proves its worthiness in double the projection and double the durability as tested by both Jeff and Dave Hubbard. 

RADIAL FLEX CORE
The Radial Flex core is an initiative exclusive to Pride Bodyboards. The Radial Flex core uses a PP foam and single stringer but doesn’t stop there. Radial Flex refers to an arced beam which runs not the entire length of the board but from bottom to top in a semi-circle fashion from tail up to the round point which runs roughly 20cm shy of the nose of the bodyboard. This arced beam is insanely stiff and offers the rider minimal flex from the base of the board and optimal flex from the nose of the board. This improves both the drive of the bodyboard and the durability. Additionally, the directional waterflow created by the arced beam adds another round of speed to the board when surfing rail to rail. Pride’s Radial Flex is the ultimate cure for any bodyboarders quick to wear through boards.

..................

STRINGERS

STRINGER COMBINATIONS

Single Stringers
A Stringer ia a hollow, Filament wound composite fibre tube used for board strength and instant recoil. A board with a single stringer should not be plugged through the centre of the board but to the left or right of stringer. Please refer to our Plugging options. 

Double Stringers
Two Stringers that run parrel down each side of the board. A board with 2 Stringers should be plugged in the centre of board. Please refer to our Plugging options. 

Triple Stringers
Consists of 3 Stringers. You can get these with 3 full length stingers or 1 full length down the centre and 2 half sized running down the side. Boards with 3 stringerS should not be plugged through the centre of the board but to the left or right of stringer. Please refer to our Plugging options. 

TYPES OF STRINGERS

EXT Stringer
EXT Stringers are high-strength, pultruded composite-fibre tubes for increased stiffness and board life.

CFT Stringer
High-grade, lightweight filament wound composite-fibre tube for increased board strength and spring-like recoil

Found Torsion Stringer
A precision stringer insertion technique that allows the cores materials to twist and flex more seamlessly around the inlay to provide the most stable and natural flex of any bodyboard.

ISS - Interchangeable Stringer System
ISS® - Interchangeable Stringer System® revolutionizes high performance bodyboarding by giving the rider the freedom to fine tune the flex of their board by changing the stringer for optimum performance in all wave and water conditions.

e.g. Cold Water - Soft Flex Stringer

e.g. Warm Water - Stiff Flex Stringer

..................

 SLICKS - The bottom outer layer of the Board.

High Density Slick known as HD.
Hard wearing, high density slick skin for stiffness and speed. Can crease and scratch easily. You'll find HD on Low to Mid range Bodyboards.

Surlyn
Finest Grade authentic Dupont Surlyn. Exhibits rubber like properties for superior projection and flex. Tends to hold up more then HD and Doesn't crease or scratch as much as HD. All High End Bodyboards will have this Slick Bottom.

..................

MESH
Mesh is a Diamond Shaped plastic weave laminated between the Core and Slick for improved Stifness and recoil. Some Companies will also use Double Mesh Which is laminated between the Deck and Core as well as the Core and Slick. It creates durable reinforcement but allows recoil.  

Tension tech and Skintec is a polypropylene fused mesh.A sheet of Mesh Sandwiched between to Layers of 1.5mm IXLPP. This deck type is used to maximise durability of both the slick and deck of your boardyboard. The Tension Tech or Skintec is basically a second line of defence after your deck and or slick. Whatever it layers it reinforces. The fused mesh lies underneath either slick or deck and takes any big impacts. 

..................

TOP CHINE REINFORCEMENT LAYER 

Available in Science Bodyboards.
A layer of IXLPP to enhance vertical strength through the rails but also increasing recoil and spring through the outer section of the core.

..................

DECK SKINS

IXL PE Crosslink Decking
Crosslink decking is a much thinner cell structure to PE and will wear through quickly in waves of consequence. Despite being not as resistant to creasing as other decking materials, crosslink has less than 1% water absorption. For the beginner to sometimes intermediate levelled bodyboarder, Crosslink decking will get you out there and get you out there relatively comfortable.

 Wave Cushion Air PE Decking
PE decking is normally 8lb which refers to the density per inch. Much like the PE core the PE decking is soft and flexible. The flex and softness that comes with polyethylene allows riders to wear into their boards better and create a foam memory where they’re comfortable. Despite being soft and flexible PE is still extraordinarily durable. Most resistant to creasing and the most comfortable to ride PE decking is the number on choice for most riders worldwide regardless of conditions and or water temp. Note that PE decks will have a soapy layer on them to keep them from drying out in the boards packaging, this soapy layer can and should be rubbed off with warm water and soap prior to waxing.

..................

DECK BULBS
Raised nose grips placed on top of the core, under the deck skin to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand.

DECK CONTOURS
Are ergonomically designed deck profiles that lock the hips and forearms.Usually routered out of the core before the deck skin is laminated or added pieces like raised elbow panels for comfort.

You will find Signature Models will have a purposely built Contour to which the rider has designed for his line of 'Pro Models'.  

CNC SHAPED TEMPLATE
Precision cut template shaped by a purpose built CNC Machine
( Computer Numerial Controlled )

..................

CHANNELS 

Slotted Channels 
Slotted channels are simply the channelled slots which run on the slick side of a bodyboard at the tail end of the board. One channel on the tail end of each rail allows the rider to maximise their control over the board. The slots on each side of the board redirect waterflow and offer the rider lift in the tail. Being able to manipulate the waterflow and create lift allows the rider to get a better grip on the wave. Once the rider has good grip on the face of the wave they can gain and reduce their speed, traverse sections, do manoeuvres and control their movements. Slotted channels were introduced some years ago now and you won’t find many boards without them now. They’ve retained their place as one of if not the most valuable and meaningful aspect of the board.

MS CHANNELS - Available in the Science Range
Gradual entry but its surface area remains constant through-out the water flow.With water flow when you increase surface, going from flat bottom to concave (channel) this creates drag and slows down the board. With the MS Channels two things occur.
1. Smooth Entry into the channel.
2. No drag producing added surface area

SCIENCE QUAD CHANNEL
The Quad Channel is a on or off channel system. It engages when you need it and has a normal ride in cruise mode.The four channels are narrow and deep with a flat section in centre to help give you a bit more release when you need it. Push hard on your rail and the quads rip in with hold and drive giving you maximum speed out of your ride.

Quad Concave - Available in NMD & VS MODELS
The quad concave is a newer initiative in bodyboarding. Without introducing an unheard-of theorist or some word you have to google define, the quad concave simply tracks water through four slick side concaves and expels it for maximum speed. The two inner concaves on the bodyboard run within the confines of the PFS3 system and aid in maximising central waterflow. This offers the rider a central waterflow and more power in both the high line and bottom turns. The outer concaves, also complimented by the PFS3 system, draw water the full length of the outer rail which creates a much more power driven and focused bottom turn as the water has to pass the full length of the board.
Atop of all this the quad concave offers a little bit more lift off of the tail. Although it wasn’t an intended feature of the board most riders of the quad concave bodyboard note that the board paddles in to waves easier and also releases easier in terms of spins in and out of the pocket.

TRINITY CONCAVE - Available in NMD Models
A single concave from wide-point to tail is integrated with a double concave running along the inside edge of the tapered PFS beams. Designed to keep the board on rail, with better release for quicker directional changes.

Single to Double Concave - Available in Pride Models
The single to double concave is again a new initiative in bodyboarding exclusive only to Pride Bodyboards. The idea trails off the back of technology applied to surfboards in recent years. The answer is really in the name. The board starts with a single concave centralised and quite high up on the board. As this concave runs out it splits out into a quad concaved bottom. This idea is appropriated for bigger and heavier conditions.
The nose of the board is dead flat and pushes water to simply plane without manipulation across the nose. This flat area unlike a concave which would trap excess water, rather expels it which generates speed. Once water passes the nose it meets the central singular concave which does manipulate water and offers the rider lift and therefore drive. As the water transitions out into the final four concaves the rider will feel the most lift and has the choice to use the manipulated water to drive the bodyboard, trim the bodyboard high or expel the trapped water and throw the tail. These boards are shaped by an AKU machine and have been engineered 5mm thinner than the standard pro models. This allows the rider to feel again closer to the wave and even more in control.

 Sci-Five Channels: Central Double Concave's - Available in The Hubb Range 
The Sci Five Concave bottom is a high performance innovation that has been designed and tested by multi time Bodyboard  World Champ Jeff Hubbard. This concave bottom has an enhanced lift, speed, control and responsiveness. This design performs at its best in steep, Hallow and fast breaking surf.

..................

TAIL

BAT TAIL
The Bat Tail was brought into play by Mike Stewart with the idea to create a wider surface area which promotes better buoyancy and easier landings. To do this Mike and his team widened the tail, limited the curve of the bodyboard and added in basically a crescent tail per hull with a pointed centre piece. Using these curves so close to the rail of the board promotes a lot more speed throughout all conditions when surfing tail to rail. The limited surface area and streamline on the rail of the bodyboard can however in instances make it harder to control. Especially in bigger conditions. Bat tails for this reason aren’t as popular in the current climate, but are used often in smaller conditions by mostly prone riders. 

DELTA TAIL
The Delta Tail is a version of the bat tail but with defined points in the tail system to enhance control of water flow while maintaining speed. 

CRESCENT TAIL
The Crescent Tail is the most popular and most common tail found on bodyboards now as it uses a much bigger hull area and allows better control throughout all conditions. Easier to control means in many instances easy to build, maintain and control speed. The crescent tail can however be harder to release for riders trying to do quick spins in the pocket of the wave, certainly in comparison to that of a bat tail. The crescent shape locks the rider and promotes maximum waterflow and drive which means you’ll no doubt be getting maximum projection, but this might sometimes be at the cost of quick moves in the pocket depending on conditions.

SCIENCE TRI CRESCENT TAIL
2 Small Crescents on the outer and one larger Crescent in the centre of the tail, this gives you 2 points between the Crescents that enables you to turn sharper.

WIFLY DEEP V TAIL
A more extreme version of the progressive WiFly V1 tail design, we moved the tips closer to the rail and incorporated the hydrodynamic flow from the Trinity Concave for more positive traction during bottom turns and lip drives. We also added more volume to the tail area by extending the tips. With this in mind the WiFly V2 is designed to be ridden 1/2” longer than your normal Crescent tail board length.

TAIL PIECE / ROLLED TAIL
You might have heard word, or you might have noticed for yourself that some bodyboards will come with a separate piece on the tail whilst on others the deck will roll the whole way through. This is in most cases a preference of the pro rider template. Some riders are of the opinion the tail piece enhances speed and control, whilst others are vice versa and in favour of the rolled tail piece. We are of the belief that a tail piece nor a rolled tail should affect your decision in purchase. Both should perform in identical if not very-very similar manners.

 

RAIL / CHINE
The rails of the modern bodyboard are normally limited to 55/45. 60/40 or 50/50, on occasion you might come across a 60/40 or 50/50. The smaller percentage in most circumstances if not always will refer to the rail on the deck side of your bodyboard, whilst the larger percentage will refer to the rail on the lower half of your rail which is predominantly in contact with the wave and water. The more rail you have in the water the more control you’re going to find you have, whereas the less rail you have in the water the more speed and drive you’re going to find you have. The rail of your bodyboard is a pretty generic measurement these days and is hard to go wrong in, but you will find the more you change it up the more you notice how much they play a roll in both the hold and release of the bodyboard.

CHINE PIECE
It is basically an seperate Top Rail Piece between Deck and Bottom Rail. 

CHINE RIDGE
Most commonly found on the Science Hybrid, A raised lip surface against the Deck and Top Chine to lock your leg up against while Drop Kneeing.

PIN LINE
The Pin Line is the strip that runs right through the middle of your rails and holds them connected. The pin is said to add strength to the rails of your board. The strip should offer the slightest of cushioning when coming down heavy on your elbows on the rail of the board. It stops both rails from jamming together and coming unstuck.