Board Zero

I decided that the first board I would build would be a copy of a 6.1" Fineline twin keel fish in my quiver. I would pick the safest materials and production methods whenever there was a choice. It's the blue board in the photos blow.





Initially I was tempted to build the board of my dreams, i.e. build a "perfect board" both in terms of shape and looks. Complicated shape, resin swirls, fabric inlays, you name it.

Then I realized that for my first board I should keep it simple. One principle in science is to never change too many variables at the same time. I decided this approach would be wise here as well, and this is what led me to copy an existing board. This way I would learn how my choice of material and production method would affect the board, how my homemade board compared with one of similar shape made by an experienced shaper.

During the last weeks, I often heard a little voice that tempted me to deviate from my plan. One sentence I heard many times was: "Why not add some yellow resin tint? It's easy, and the board will look amazing!". Well the answer is that even a little resin tint can affect the curing of the resin. If I add the tint and the board breaks the first time I try it, then how do I know if it's the resin or something I else I did that was the problem?

In the end I was mostly able to resist the little voice, and stick with trying to replicate a proven shape, using a well-known construction technique. I told myself I could then experiment with shape, color, and other materials by changing one at a time in my subsequent board. (So I'll have to build many!)