"100% Waterproof - why is that part of your quality signoff and on your seal?  Bit obvious isn't it, I mean all surfboards should be waterproof. Seems like its just a marketing gimmick"

 

Well, actually no. It began as a bit of a marketing ploy - something to go with the 100% Quality part of our Company ethics and it seemed to fit well with our policies. All the products we sell are waterproof after or during use, so it was a Seabase Point of Difference we used for marketing. Much like the New Zealand 100% Pure campaign - except NZ isn't 100% pure. 99% perhaps.

 

And you are right, all surfboards should be waterproof. The truth is many are not. The fibreglass used is not only a perfect conduit for light in fibre optics, it also is a perfect medium for "wicking" moisture. Just as a plant absorbs moisture through stems and transports it to all areas of the plant, so does glassfibre to all parts of a surfboard. When a boaqrd is made it is vital the laminate is sealed - old boat owners are familiar with "osmosis" - the same plant-based word used to describe moisture absorbed and expelled as blisters on gel coats. Some of this was due to trapped solvents, much of it to trapped moisture absorbed by the fibreglass. Same with surfboards - they have to be thoruoghly sealed against moisture ingress after manufacture!  Many are not - poorly sanded resin coat often breaks fibre bundles and opens the ends for absorbing moisture, which causes brown marks, delaminations, increased weight and a dead surfboard. Weak areas around poorly fitted fin boxes (and fixed fins) are another source of moisture, as are the sanded rails. Any dings not repaired quickly will allow moisture to "wick" throughout a surfboard. Fix any cracks, crazing or dings immediately! Check the finish on a new board - can you see cloth weave anywhere? You won't on our boards - every board is thoroughly sealed in a multiple process.

 

Its one reason why a surfboard feels light & lively when its new - then dies....ask any pro how often and why he changes his board. And why Seabase made surfboards feel lively for years.

 

Its why we say our surfboards are 100% Waterproof - because when you get a Seabase made board, it is.....