Hollow boards, wasn't there something? Some time ago we had already told you the Airinside/Flikka concept presented. Naish is also not completely forthcoming about its technology, which does not require a classic EPS foam core. However, we were able to elicit a few details from Stephan van Denderen from Naish.
What does the structure of a board with hollow-shell technology look like from the inside to the outside?
Instead of a full EPS sandwich, the EPS core area is removed and replaced by an internal stiffening system that extends from the deck to the underwater hull. The shells and the internal stringer system are fully laminated - inside and out. SCC stands for Shell Composite Construction.
Can Hollow Shell technology be compared with the hollow boards from Airinside or Flikka, or is it a completely different approach?
The goal is identical and the technology is also similar, but there are technical differences and special solutions.
How long did it take to develop the hollow boards and how long were they tested before they went into production?
The technology was developed together with our factory partner Sonic Composites. The entire development process took around three years to transfer the technology from high-end canoes (Hawaiian/Tahitian style) into a suitable construction method for foil boards.
Which boards or models are manufactured with this construction method? Is it also used for models that can be used for jumping?
This technology is currently used for our Odyssey downwind boards and for the Chimera mid-length model. Some smaller Chimera models, which are manufactured in SCC, are also suitable for jumping. The Odyssey model is aimed at downwind - fast take-off, high flight level, less drag. Chimera is compact and versatile - an all-rounder that covers wing-foiling, tow-in and downwind.
What advantages does Hollow-Shell offer compared to conventional constructions?
The advantages of SCC include extremely low weight and greater rigidity, which results in a more direct connection to the foil, less effort when pumping and more agile riding behaviour. A normal board with a foam core, even if you were to use the lightest technology on the market, would not be as light as the SCC construction. And the lightest standard construction with an EPS core would be much more fragile than the SCC construction.
What restrictions are there in terms of durability?
Actually only in relation to handling on land. You have to keep an eye on the drain screw. You should open it when the board is not in use and of course close it before the session. A self-regulating Gore-Tex valve ensures pressure equalisation during surfing. Otherwise, SCC offers very low weight combined with high rigidity.
Can the construction be repaired as usual in the event of minor damage? And what do you do if water gets into the board?
Minor damage can be repaired as usual with epoxy repair kits. The Drain plug allows you to drain water that may have entered the board, e.g. due to the cap being left open or condensation. This is another advantage of the design: if water gets into the board, it can be easily removed again.
How much do the boards weigh compared to standard designs?
Based on a standard construction with comparable rigidity and durability, our SCC design is around 20 per cent lighter.
How much do the boards with SCC construction cost?
The hollow Chimera NVision and Odyssey NVision cost between 2999 and 3049 euros.
Stephan, thank you for the interview!
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Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.
