Product Description of the Cruiser Classic Standup Paddleboard

Michael MartoglioEnglish 202CMarch 1, 2012

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Audience and Scope of DescriptionThe purpose of this document is to provide the reader with details about the features of a standup paddleboard. More specifically, this document will focus on the Cruiser Classic Paddleboard. The characteristics of the paddleboard, including size, shape, and components, along with their respective purposes will be discussed in depth. After reading this document, the reader should be able to have a vast understanding of the piece of equipment and its sport.

The audience for this document is anyone who may be interested in paddleboarding. Since many people are unfamiliar with this fairly new sport, this document serves as a good introduction to its most important piece of equipment. Paddleboarding is a sport for both men and women of all ages, however it does require a certain level of athletic ability as it engages several muscles in a strenuous full body workout.

What is Standup PaddleboardingStandup paddleboarding is a new water sport that is sweeping the country. It has often been referred to as a combination of surfing and kayaking. The rider stands up straight on top of an oversized surfboard while using a long paddle to push water and propel them forward on top of the water. This sport can be done on any body of water: rivers, oceans, and lakes.

There are several reasons that standup paddleboarding has become so popular recently. The most obvious is the core workout experienced while paddling. From the second the rider steps on the board, the entire body is engaged to help stay standing on the board. Standup paddleboarding works a number of muscles including: quads, obliques, glutes, hamstrings, ankles, feet, calves, arms, shoulders, and lats. The second appeal to paddleboarding is the calm, relaxed environment. Many experienced paddleboarders will take to the water at early hours of the morning when the water is flat and traffic on the water is minimal. Since the rider is standing at their full height,

they can enjoy the views of sea life below and

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Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2

the scenery on the horizon, as seen in Figure 1.2.

Characteristics of the Paddleboard There are several different types of paddleboards that vary in size, shape and setup. The characteristics of the board depend on a number of characteristics:

Weight of the rider Experience of the rider Conditions of the water where the board will be ridden Intention of the rider (fitness, fun, relaxation, competition)

Size

The more common boards vary in length from 10’ to 13’, mostly in 6” increments. The one that will be referred to in this paper is 11’0” long. The length of this board is ideal for riders weighing between 180 and 210 lbs. This board is a perfect all-round performance in flat water and small to medium waves.

Shape

The shape of the Cruiser Classic is the most common shape of paddleboards. The board has a square tail, as seen as the bottom Figure 1.3. The square tail is the most responsive type, meaning it responds best to the riders strokes and is easiest to navigate. The tail width of the 11’ Cruiser Classic is 14.3”. The widest section of the board is the center. This is where the rider will stand so that their center of gravity is equally distributed in the center of the board. The board is widest in the center so that it can support the rider’s weight and remain from sinking or tipping. The width of the board corresponds to the length of the board, which corresponds to the weight of the rider. The width of this part of the board is 30”. Continuing up the board is the nose; this is seen at the top of Figure 1.3. The width of the nose is 21”. This measurement of the nose is actually taken 12” from the end of the board. Boards with wider noses are easier to paddle. If this board will be used in the ocean to surf, a wider nose also makes it easier to catch waves. The underbelly of the board was designed to be as flat as possible to improve the gliding ability across flat water. Another characteristic that makes this paddleboard appealing is the smooth rocker line. The rocker line, a concept that applies to all types of surfboards, is the curve of the board seen from the nose to the tail. Most standup paddleboards have very little rocker to help the board traverse calm, glassy waters. The longer boards, such as this one, have a slight nose rocker as shown in Figure 1.4. The nose rocker allows the board to pick up small waves easily and ensures control in medium sized waves. In general, the higher the rocker, the bigger the

swells the board can handle.

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Figure 1.3

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Table 1.1 shows the varying dimensions and weight with the different lengths of paddleboard. The right hand side also displays the weight requirements for different levels of riders.

Setup

The under side of the board is equipped with connections to install fins. Fins of different shapes and sizes can be purchased for any type of board. This particular board comes with 3 fins, which can be installed in 2 different setups. The first and original set up is the single fin, where one 10” fiberglass fin is installed in the center of the board roughly 1’ from the tail end. This fin is normally larger than normal because it is the only fin. The second setup is the tri-fin, which includes 3 fiberglass fins: 1 center fin accompanied by “twin fins” that are located off to the side of the center fin, this is shown in Figure 1.5. The length of these fins is 5.40”. When used in surfing waves, these fins greatly effect the boards turning ability, including:

Length of the turning arc Acceleration in and out of the turns Hold of the board (prevents the board

from kicking out from under)

When used in calm water the fins help to keep the nose of the board straight and not from swaying from side to side with each stroke of the paddle.

On the topside of the paddleboard is a thin layer dual density foam deck pad, which is attached to the board by glue. This pad adds comfort to the rider and provides extra grip.

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Figure 1.4

Figure 1.5

Figure 1.4

Table 1.1

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Composition of the Paddleboard When taking a looking at the inside of the paddleboard it may seem confusing at first. This discussion will start at the most inner part of the board and continue out.

1) Wood stringer2) Light weight epoxy

sandwich with EPS foam core

3) Top: Fiberglass with epoxy resin (3 layers of 6 oz) Bottom: Fiberglass with epoxy resin (2 layers of 6 oz)

4) Highest quality polymer material finish

Each part listed above can be seen in Figure 1.6. The wood stringer is the most inner part of the board. This is the component that acts as the backbone adding stability. The EPS foam core is the must important, and abundant material of the standup paddleboard. EPS stands for expanded polystyrene, which is basically beaded foam that has been pushed together. This type of material can be seen in a variety of applications, from a beer cooler to the bumper of a car. This foam surrounds the wood stringer on both sides in a sandwich like matter. When EPS foam is used the only reinforcement material that can be added is epoxy resin. Epoxy resin is a type of paint that creates a strong, rigid, and durable coating. There are 3 layers of epoxy resin applied to the top of the board and 2 layers applied to the bottom. Also, there are extra layers of reinforcement that have been applied to the sides, nose, and tail to prevent damage.

ConclusionThe 11’ Cruiser Classic and its unique characteristics have made it one of the most reliable standup paddleboards on the water. Its size, shape, setup, and composition have helped it to be an all-around performance board. The Cruiser Classic can be used in any types of situations, from catching waves in the ocean, to a morning cruise around the bay.

Figure 1.6

Citationshttp://www.boardlady.com/anatomy.htm

http://www.cruisersup.com/cruiser_classic_11_paddleboard.html

http://www.islesurfboards.com/epoxy-surfboards-buyers-guide.aspx

http://www.towerpaddleboards.com/v/best-stand-up-paddle-boards.htm

http://www.paddleboarddirect.com/Oxbow-Cruiser-Classic-11-Paddle-Board-p/2010obc11board.htm

http://www.waveridersfingallery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&Itemid=149