Frequently Asked Questions

Are there stringers in Tuflite boards?

Most people don't realize that the stringers in a Tuflite or TL2 boards are not down the center but wrapped around the rail! We have a sandwich composite parabolic rail (CPR). The sandwiched foam wraps all the way around the rail creating a tough and stiff stringer that actually flexes and drives your board forward when you make a bottom turn. That is why they feel so fast. Did we mention that we have been building sandwiched parabolic rails for over 15 years! We practically invented it.

Are they more buoyant than regular boards?

Surftech boards feel more buoyant than Polyester boards because the cores are so light!! Yes, they float really well and because of that you can sometimes ride a shorter board (depending on the shape) and take advantage of increased turning radius that a smaller board allows you to make.

Are Tuflite boards indestructible?

The indestructible surfboard is the Holy Grail of board building. The ocean can break anything that goes into it, whether it be a Supertanker, Solid Balsa board with Redwood stringers, or a Tuflite. That being said, Tuflites are the strongest surfboard built with great memory in the Techlite core. Way stronger than a regular PU board. This makes the board spring rapidly back to shape when flexed. The full sandwich PVC wrap makes them hold up to heel and elbow dents really well also; even on the rails where most damage is likely to happen. The PVC stringers on the rails are Tough. However if you run over it with a dump truck, or let the board go under the lip of a double-overhead wave at Backdoor, you might pop it.

Do Tuflite boards work in big waves?

This is a really tough question actually. If you were Shane Dorian would you trust your 6'3" SD-3 Tuflite in double overhead plus Cloudbreak? Shane does. Would Pancho Sullivan risk riding his 6'6' and 6'10' Bushman Tuflites at the Box and Teahopuu? Pancho did and does every year! How about Myles Padaca riding his 6'8' Brewer Tuflite at 8' Backdoor and getting blown out of two meaty, cavernous barrels ON THE SAME WAVE! Myles did and does it every winter. Jeff Clark feels so good about how Tuflite works in BIG waves that he made a 10' Mavericks Gun in Tuflite and he drops into Mountainous bombs at Mavs on it year after year' would you consider that working'.Hmm.

Do you lose performance for the increased durability?

You actually improve performance. Tuflite performance is legendary. There is no board built with quicker flex response meaning the harder you push it the more energy you get back. That makes you FLY out of your bottom turn. It's like getting into a Ferarri after having only driven the family car...lots to adjust to, but the performance is superior! With that kind of speed there is no reason that you shouldn't be boosting like Rocky or Ratboy.

Do you need to put bigger fins in your boards to keep them from sliding?

Finning is super important. The better fins you put on your board, the better it will work. Most surfers upgrade to a fiberglass or carbon fin for Tuflites in order to achieve maximum performance. Why would you want to keep from sliding anyhow ?!!?

Do you still need to fix dings in a Techlite core board, even though it doesn't soak water?

Well, is that even a serious question? Of course you need to fix it! Just not that second. Techlite won't soak water but the sandwich around the core is integral to your board's structural integrity. You don't want to jeopardize the breaking strength of the board any longer than it is necessary to represent and bust some sick airs.

Do your boards pressure ding or delaminate?

Absolutely. But let me ask you this, do you know how many times we have to pummel one with a fish beater to make that happen? Can you do that with your board? I think not!

How do I know what size Tuflite or TL2 to get?

Ask the guys at your local surfshop. You should also go to a Surftech Tech Tour this summer or demo a board from your dealer and try several so you can get your size dialed.

Is the Tuflite material stiffer than polyester?

Many people think so because the flex properties are different and much superior. The board does not "tire out" like a regular board, loosing it's snappiness after 3 months. Tuflite boards feel more lively under foot, and retains that characteristic for the life of the board, which is a long time!!

Is TL2 as strong a Tuflite?

No! TL2 is tough, but still not as tough as Original Tuflite. Do not forget however that TL2 has a custom epoxy glass job that makes them feel similar to a PU board. That's the big difference, a bit of strength for a super sick custom experience'You be the judge, do you drop your board on the rocks a lot, do you like to play chicken with your friends? Then Tuflite is for you. It you have to have that custom board feeling with the hand finished, hand glassed look in an Epoxy board, you're new school. 100% TL2.

Is wood veneer as strong as Tuflite?

Yes..and no. The technologies are different. Basically the Wood Veneers have a bit heavier glass job and have a stronger overall snap strength. Also the natural properties of the wood veneer can dampen the chatter and vibration that can occur in gnarly or windy conditions. That's why Surftech Hawaiian Team Riders like Lance Ho'okano switch to the Wood Veneers when it gets serious on the North Shore. But with a regular Polyester gloss resin finish, Wood Veneer boards will experience the same shatters in the gloss layer that a regular board would. They don't leak and turn yellow though. Tuflites are stronger than a regular board for sure, and are very durable, without the gloss coat wear and tear to worry about.

Should I get a Tuflite board smaller than my normal board to compensate for the added flotation?

That depends on what you're trying to accomplish. You can certainly ride a shorter or thinner board than you may be used to, but some surfers prefer the better paddling and flotation. The best thing to do is to demo a board from your local dealer.

Why is Techlite foam different than other EPS foam?

Techlite Foam is the only Fused Cell Expanded Polystyrene. That means it doesn't leak, or off-gas over time. The cells are so tightly compressed they actually fuse together creating an impermeable water barrier. Most EPS foam is riddled with air pockets and crevasses, which means that when they get wet they suck; water. Techlite doesn't suck! In fact, if you ding your board, don't stress. Go surfing and fix it tomorrow!