Foam Core

Polyurethane
The original foam core for composite surfboards. A proven standard of the surfing industry for over 40 years. We currently offer three options in polyurethane foam. US Blanks, Surfblanks America, and most recently Green Foam by US Blanks.

Extruded Polystyrene
We highly recommend going with an EPS core for shortboarding in waves under head-high or professional longboarding. You will be surfing a very responsive core that is lighter, stronger, and more responsive than traditional polyurethane. EPS comes in different foam densities. Our standard density is 2 lb. which happens to be very consistent and it shapes smoothly. The manufacturing process of EPS foam is also 80% cleaner environmentally than manufacturing polyurethane foam. The epoxy resins used to laminate the fiberglass to EPS blanks emit far fewer volatile organic compounds (VOC) than the polyester resins used with polyurethane foam. The result is a greener manufacturing process. Not just easier on the environment, but easier on the skilled artisans making boards.

Polyethylene
Starting in 2010, we are offering the latest foam core on the market, polyethylene. Polyethylene is a high density, resilient foam core. This closed cell core responds much like EPS however when penetrated, will not absorb water due to its closed cell properties. The foam also responds to pressure dents by rebounding to its original form much like that of a bodyboard.

PE is buoyant, making it popular for nautical uses. Most types of PE are non-abrasive; serve as a thermal insulator; are inert to water, grease and solvents at typical temperatures; are CFC-free and ozone friendly, recyclable, odorless, and very lightweight. Many types of PE are approved for use in the food industry. PE is among the cheapest of artificially fabricated materials, but not as cheap as most raw materials, as the polymerization process consumes energy. In addition, distribution costs are normal because PE cannot be compressed much for shipping.