Findlay, Ohio-Surfing is a highly specialized sport that is impacted by countless performance and environmental variables. Because of that fact, surfing-related products present manufacturers unique challenges.
Consider the case of Gary Sipiora of Softcore Surfboards who was dedicated to enhancing the quality of his company’s “soft surfboard” intended for use with beginners as well as intermediate/ advanced surfers. Gary’s specifications make it clear that a single board actually functions like two products combined into one. The top half, where the surfer stands, cannot be slippery. The bottom half, where water meets the board, must be intentionally slick to help ensure proper motion dynamics. As a unit, the entire board must be aesthetically pleasing…plus be able to take a beating during vigorous and repeated use.Gary turned to Premier Material Concepts for their expertise in custom film fabrication. The result is a top construction comprised of TPE laminated to TPF achieving a desired coefficient of friction especially when wet. Prototype boards used in field testing proved the required level of durability. Currently PMC has color matched a blue and yellow construction with additional colors on the way. “PMC was great because not only do they extrude product but they were able to laminate a TPE to the TPF I wanted to use”, says Gary Sipiora. “PMC’s TPE solved a couple of problems for me. I no longer have a top surface that is slippery and needs wax to give the surfers traction. Plus the TPE has not been as prone to scratching, ripping, and tearing like the cross-linked polypropylene foam I used in the past.” As for a slick, durable surface bottom construction, PMC provided Softcore Surfboards a higher quality, high density polypropylene laminated to foam. Attention to individual application and product needs is one of the key attributes that drew Softcore Surfboards to PMC. Gary states: “PMC makes the materials to my exact specifications. They have been able to cater to my every need thus far.” For more information on Softcore Surfboards contact Gary Sipiora, 1610 Placentia Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92627. 949-650-2015. www.softcoresurfboards.com. PMC provides custom manufacturing expertise for TPE, ABS, HIPS, PP and acrylics for thermoforming, POP display material, converters and custom fabrication. |
