Over the last decade, the surf industry has been rapidly expanding, as an increasing number of people worldwide are embracing the sport. However, despite the rising demand, traditional surfboard design approaches have yet to fully embrace the potential of tailored equipment that takes into account the unique needs and preferences of individual surfers. As a consequence, many surfers find it challenging to locate the perfect surfboard that matches their particular physical attributes and environmental surroundings, which can detract from the overall surfing experience.
ALGOSurfboards aims to bridge the gap between custom-made surfboards and customers through an online platform. Such an online website takes advantage of computational tools (i.e. ShapeDiver – https://shapediver.com/) to simplify hosting and sharing of grasshopper files online.
On the design page 4 different 2D surfboard details are shown:
- Rocker measurements
- Tail dimensions
- Outline shape
- Contours properties
In addition, 3D view of the design is allowed through the “SurfTank” mode.
Further improvements on the platform lean towards real-time design assessment through 3 main factors:
- speed, the ability of a surfboard to generate and maintain forward momentum while riding a wave. It involves reducing drag and maximizing the efficiency of water flow around the board, allowing the surfer to travel swiftly along the wave face;
- maneuverability, the board’s responsiveness, and agility in executing turns, maneuvers, and tricks. A highly maneuverable surfboard allows the surfer to easily change direction, make sharp turns, and perform precise movements on the wave, enhancing their overall performance and style;
- stability, the board’s ability to maintain balance and control in various wave conditions. A stable surfboard will resist tipping or rocking excessively, providing the surfer with a sense of control and confidence while riding.
To further enrich the evaluation offline parameters are added. These two factors, flexibility and hydrodynamics are assessed through Structural and CFD analysis. They focus on the board skeleton while the 3 online parameters are related to the boards shapes.
ALGOSurfboards: how design drives performance is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed in the Master of Advanced Architecture02 2022/23 by Student: Federico Caldi and Faculty: Edwin Santiago Hernandez Gomez and Javier González Castillo
