§ 01 — Glossary
The words
of glide.
Rocker, foil, rail, bottom, thruster… The vocabulary of shaping, explained simply — to read a board like a shaper.
The lengthwise curve of the board, nose to tail. More rocker = more manoeuvrable but slower; less rocker = faster but harder to turn.
How thickness is distributed along the length. A good foil places volume where the surfer needs it and thins the extremities.
The edge of the board. A "hard" rail = grip and response; a "soft" (round) rail = forgiveness and smoothness. Their shape changes everything in a turn.
The outline seen from above. It sets area, lift and character: wide and parallel for speed, drawn-in for control.
A hollow under the board that speeds water flow and creates lift. Single, double, or combined with a vee.
A V-ridge under the board, mostly at the tail, easing the roll from rail to rail. Often paired with concave on modern boards.
The central wood strip of the foam blank. It gives the board rigidity, drive and flex return.
The tail shapes. Swallow grips and rebounds in small waves; pintail holds in big surf; squash is the versatile balance.
The three-fin setup, standard since the 80s: a balance of grip, drive and control.
Two fins: speed and free glide, a "loose" feel. King of fish and modern retro surfing.
Four fins: twin speed with more hold through a turn. Effective in the hollow as in the small stuff.
Total volume in litres. The key figure for float and paddling, tuned to the surfer’s weight and level.
This vocabulary comes alive in the craft, is chosen with the materials, and plays out across the board types. Each shaper turns it into a signature.
Want to see these words take shape?
The craft