PROJECT APN010

Manufacturing Automation for Smart Travel Surfboard

Surfers, particularly frequent travellers, face size- and weight-related challenges when carrying around their traditional surfboards.

This project addresses these challenges through the potential design and manufacture of a compact and lightweight travel board, allowing surfers to conveniently transport and store their surfboards while maintaining high performance standards.

Advanced manufacturing techniques are being investigated and developed to increase board laminating quality. The adaptation of automated processes is also being considered to help reduce manufacturing cost.

Through technology-informed design, performance characteristics such as flex, damping, rebound, and “feel”, will also be explored. And, compliance and standards testing will take place to ensure the surfboard meets regulations and market expectations. Surf athletes will even be engaged for field trials and the provision of professional feedback.

ACM CRC Research Programs

Project Partners

Gowing Bros Ltd (Gowings) and Surf Hardware International
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of Wollongong (UOW) Surf Flex Lab

Project Leaders

Federico Ponsa, Gowings

Year commenced

2023

These premium travel boards are an exciting potential for national and international markets, offering enhanced durability, performance, and sustainability. This means no more lugging around sizable, weighty boards for travelling surfers, including, potentially, our athletes.