Epoxy vs fiberglass

[Justcallmemags]

Hi I’m a beginner but I have been riding a 9’6 fiberglass and it’s easier to catch waves than my 8 foot epoxy torq. I thought epoxy was supposed to be more buoyant. Can someone please explain! I surf in southern CA but still white water because I’m a kook. Taking my second lesson tomorrow.

[IanCaio]

I'm not sure if "fiberglass" has an implied meaning of Polyester resin boards, but fiberglass can be coated with either Epoxy or Polyester resins. Epoxy is stronger and for that reason you can achieve the same strength with less resin, reducing weight and improving buoyancy. That is just another factor into the whole equation, dimensions of the board, shape of the rocker, volume will all also influence on the way the board perform.

I'd guess the fiberglass board you have is easier to catch waves because it's larger though.

[waikikikichan]

I thought epoxy was supposed to be more buoyant. Can someone please explain!

If you had a 9'6" PU/Poly board and a 9'6" EPS/epoxy board the latter one would have more "float" ( But could be the same weight if they added more glass ) .
If you had a 8'3" PU/Poly vs. a 8'0" Epoxy might float about the same. But 8'0" against 9'6", a whole foot and a half difference ? Plus going straight in the white water foam mush, of course a 9'6" will carry you further in than any 8'0".