Body surfing is one of the purest forms of wave riding, and for those who wish to enhance their experience, a hand plane can be a game-changer. A hand plane is a small, lightweight board that fits under your arm, aiding your paddle speed, buoyancy, and ability to catch waves more efficiently. While commercial hand planes are available, many surfers enjoy the personal touch of crafting their own. This guide will walk you through the process of making your very own hand plane for body surfing, from the materials you’ll need to the construction steps.
What Is A Hand Plane for Body Surfing?
Before diving into the creation process, it’s essential to understand the purpose of a hand plane. A hand plane is used in body surfing to assist surfers in catching waves more easily. It provides additional lift, allowing the rider to maintain speed and stability on the wave’s face. The board is typically small, made of foam or wood, and fits under the surfer’s arm, providing the necessary leverage to enhance the ride.
Hand planes come in various shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: improving the performance of the body surfer by allowing them to ride waves with greater ease and style. Building your own hand plane allows for customization, making it the ideal tool for personalizing your body surfing experience.
Materials You Will Need to Make a Hand Plane
The first step in making a hand plane is gathering the right materials. The materials you choose will depend on the type of hand plane you want to create. Here is a list of the essential materials you’ll need for the project:
1. Wood (for traditional hand planes)
Wood is one of the most common materials used to make hand planes. It’s a durable, long-lasting choice and offers a classic feel for body surfing. Popular types of wood for hand planes include:
Cedar: Lightweight, buoyant, and easy to shape.
Redwood: A solid wood that holds up well in the water and is slightly heavier than cedar.
Pine: Affordable and easy to work with, but not as durable as cedar or redwood.
2. Foam (for modern hand planes)
For a lighter and more buoyant hand plane, foam is an excellent choice. You can use either:
EPS foam (expanded polystyrene): Light and easy to carve.
XPS foam (extruded polystyrene): Denser than EPS foam, offering increased durability.
3. Fiberglass Cloth and Resin (if adding strength)
Fiberglass cloth and resin are optional materials, but they add strength and durability to your hand plane. These materials are typically used for reinforcement and to create a smooth surface on the board. If you’re using foam, fiberglassing can provide a tough exterior that helps prevent damage from frequent use.
4. Epoxy or Polyurethane Resin
If you choose to fiberglass your hand plane, epoxy or polyurethane resin will be required to bond the fiberglass cloth to the foam or wood. Epoxy resin is generally stronger and more water-resistant than polyurethane resin.
5. Rope or Leather (for hand straps)
To keep your hand plane secure while you’re riding the waves, you’ll need a hand strap. This strap can be made of rope, leather, or neoprene. The strap ensures that the hand plane doesn’t slip out of your hand while you’re riding the waves.
6. Sandpaper (for finishing)
After your hand plane is shaped, sandpaper is essential for smoothing out the edges and the surface. A finer-grit sandpaper will help achieve a smooth finish for your hand plane, while a coarser grit will help in the shaping process.
7. Tools Required
Jigsaw or Handsaw: For cutting the wood or foam into the desired shape.
Rasp or File: For shaping the edges and refining the contours.
Drill: For creating holes for the hand strap.
Clamp: To hold the materials while working.
Measuring Tape and Marker: To measure and mark where cuts and holes need to be made.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Hand Plane
Now that you have all your materials and tools, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating a hand plane for body surfing.
Step 1: Choose the Design
Before cutting or shaping anything, think about the design you want for your hand plane. The size, shape, and features of your hand plane will affect your performance in the water. Common shapes include:
Oval: Provides a more balanced and stable ride.
Rectangular: Offers more surface area for increased buoyancy.
Custom Shape: Many surfers like to add their personal touch, whether that’s a pointed nose, a wide tail, or an exaggerated curve.
Decide on your desired shape and sketch it on paper or on your material with a pencil. This sketch will serve as a guide for your cutting process.
Step 2: Cut the Shape of the Hand Plane
Using a jigsaw or handsaw, cut out the basic shape of the hand plane. Be sure to follow your markings carefully. If you’re working with wood, you may want to make the edges slightly rounded to improve the aerodynamics and overall feel of the board. If you’re using foam, use a fine-toothed saw or a serrated knife to avoid making too much mess.
Step 3: Refine the Shape
Once your hand plane is cut out, you will need to refine the shape. Use a rasp or file to smooth out the rough edges, rounding off the corners for a more streamlined look. Depending on the design, you may want to add contours to the surface of the board. Use a sanding block to remove any sharp edges that might cause discomfort when using the hand plane.
For wood hand planes, it is important to sand the surface smooth, ensuring that there are no splinters or rough patches. If you’re working with foam, be careful not to sand too aggressively, as foam can become easily damaged. A fine-grit sandpaper will allow you to achieve a smooth, clean finish.
Step 4: Add a Hand Strap
The next step is to add the hand strap. Use a drill to make two small holes at the back of your hand plane where the strap will attach. The holes should be large enough to accommodate the thickness of your rope or leather strap.
Cut the strap to a comfortable length and thread it through the holes. Make sure it fits snugly around your wrist or hand, ensuring the hand plane stays secure while you ride the waves. You can knot the ends of the rope or use a buckle for an adjustable strap.
Step 5: Apply Fiberglass and Resin (Optional)
If you’ve chosen to fiberglass your hand plane for extra durability, now is the time to do it. Cut the fiberglass cloth to fit over your hand plane. Mix your epoxy or polyurethane resin according to the instructions and apply it evenly to the surface of the board. Lay the fiberglass cloth over the resin and apply another layer of resin on top, ensuring that the cloth is fully saturated.
Allow the resin to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before moving on. Once the resin is dry, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots and achieve a polished finish.
Step 6: Final Sanding and Finishing
After the resin has cured, do a final round of sanding to make sure the hand plane is smooth and comfortable to hold. Be thorough but gentle, making sure the surface is smooth to the touch. If you’d like, you can add a layer of paint or varnish to give your hand plane a unique look.
Step 7: Test It Out
Once your hand plane is fully assembled and dried, it’s time to hit the water. Take your new creation for a test ride, paying attention to how it feels and performs in the water. If necessary, make adjustments to the strap, shape, or finish until it meets your preferences.
Conclusion
Making your own hand plane for body surfing can be a rewarding and fun project, offering a personalized tool that can enhance your performance in the water. With the right materials, tools, and a little creativity, you can craft a hand plane that fits perfectly with your body surfing style. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer, a custom hand plane is an excellent way to elevate your experience and enjoy the waves in a new way.
Remember, the beauty of hand planes is that they can be entirely customized to your preferences. As you continue to experiment with different designs, you may find yourself crafting a variety of hand planes for different conditions and wave types. Happy surfing!