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Retro boards stay popular because they make everyday surfing more fun: glide, speed, and forgiveness. Today’s versions keep the soul while refining rocker, rails, and fin options. What’s Actually Different Today Modern materials and better tuning let retro outlines hold and turn more confidently. You can build a board that feels classic but performs with intent. About the Author Michael Silverman is the craftsman behind Inland Board Works in Pomona, New York. He specializes i

Glassing is your board’s armor. The right build balances weight and strength for the way you surf and where you ride. Sanded vs Gloss Sanded can be lighter; gloss adds a classic look and extra protection. The best choice depends on your priorities. About the Author Michael Silverman is the craftsman behind Inland Board Works in Pomona, New York. He specializes in custom surfboard shaping and glassing—reinventing classic, old-school outlines into modern, high-performance wave

Rails are where your board meets the water. They decide how easily you set an edge, how forgiving turns feel, and how the board releases. If two boards share the same dimensions but feel totally different, rail shape is often the reason. Soft Rails Soft rails are often more forgiving and smooth. They engage gradually, which can help on weaker waves or when you want a board that doesn’t punish small mistakes. You’ll usually find softer rails up front (and sometimes through the

Rocker is the board’s curve from nose to tail. It’s one of the biggest “feel” levers: too flat and the board can pearl; too much and it may feel slow to paddle. Nose Rocker More nose rocker helps in steeper waves and late drops. Less rocker paddles faster and loves softer takeoffs. Tail Rocker Tail rocker influences how tight the board turns. More tail rocker can loosen turning; less can add drive and speed. FAQ Is flatter rocker always faster? It can be, but only if the wave

Delamination happens when the glass skin separates from the foam—often from heat and pressure. The easiest fix is prevention: cool storage, shade, and fast ding repairs. What Delamination Looks Like (Early Signs) Look for bubbling, a soft “spongy” feel under your feet, or areas that sound hollow when lightly tapped. Early delam can feel small, but it spreads when heat and flex keep pushing the skin away from the foam. Top Causes Hot cars, direct sun, and moisture trapped insi

Midlengths are popular for a reason: they paddle easily, get into waves early, and still turn with control. If you want one board that feels confident in a wide range of conditions, a 7’2 is often a strong starting point. What a Midlength Does Well More glide and stability than a shortboard, with less swing weight than a longboard. That makes it easier to handle real-world, imperfect surf—small peaks, soft shoulders, and slightly late drops. Sizing and Setup Basics Length is

Custom color is part of the fun—but it should support the board, not fight it. The best pigment and airbrush work is planned alongside glassing and finish, so you get a board that looks right and lasts. Pigments, Tints, and Airbrush: What’s the Difference? Pigments add bold color; tints are more translucent; airbrushing allows detail and fades. Each option can be paired with sanded or gloss finishes depending on the look and protection you want. Build Considerations (So It St

Most expensive repairs start as small, avoidable problems. Use this checklist to keep your board reliable and looking good—without turning maintenance into a chore. After Every Session Quickly inspect rails and tail for cracks, rinse if needed, and don’t leave the board baking in the sun. A 30‑second check often catches the ding that would have become a waterlogged repair later. Pay extra attention to high‑impact spots: rail mid‑section (from handling), tail corners (from par

Fin boxes take a beating—impacts, torque, and stress from turns. When a box fails, it’s not just annoying; it can compromise the structure and let water into the board. Common Warning Signs Watch for a fin that won’t stay tight, hairline cracks around the box, soft foam feel, or a box that visibly shifts. Any of these deserve attention before your next session. What Replacement Involves A proper replacement is about more than swapping plastic. The damaged area is removed, the

Fin choice can change the feel of a board as much as a shape tweak. Use this guide to pick a setup that matches your waves and the way you surf—without guessing. Single Fin Smooth, classic lines and strong trim. Great for longboards and riders who prioritize flow over quick snaps. 2+1 (Single + Side Bites) Adds stability and hold while keeping that longboard feel. A versatile option when conditions change day to day. Thruster vs Quad Thrusters are predictable and balanced. Qu

A ding is never “just cosmetic.” Even a small crack can let water into the foam, leading to soft spots and bigger repairs later. Here’s how to make the right call quickly. Step 1: Identify the Damage Type Look for open cracks, crushed foam, delamination (bubbling), or damage near fin boxes and leash plugs. High-stress areas usually deserve a pro repair. Step 2: Decide DIY vs Professional DIY is reasonable for tiny surface chips when the foam is dry and intact. Go professional

Finish isn’t just looks—it changes how your board holds up and how it feels under your feet. Here’s a straight comparison so you can choose with confidence. What a Gloss Coat Does A gloss coat adds extra resin and polishing. You get a classic shine and an added layer of protection, especially helpful for boards that see lots of handling and travel. What a Sanded Finish Does A sanded finish keeps things lighter and simpler. It’s a popular choice when performance and weight are

Retro boards aren’t about nostalgia—they’re about flow. Modern boards aren’t about hype—they’re about precision. At Inland Board Works we build retro-inspired shapes with performance-minded adjustments, so you get glide without losing control. What Makes a Board “Retro”? Think fuller outlines, easier paddle power, and forgiving entry. Many classic templates carry speed from a high line and stay stable when the wave is less than perfect. What Makes a Board “Modern”? Modern des

A custom surfboard isn’t just a different logo—it’s a board built around your waves, your body, and the way you like to surf. Here’s the practical process we use at Inland Board Works (Pomona, NY) to turn an idea into a board you’ll trust on day one. Start With Your Surfing Goals Before dimensions, we talk about where you surf most, what boards you’ve liked (and why), and what you want to improve—paddling, speed, tighter turns, or stability. This prevents over-building a boar

Dings don’t just happen in the water—many happen in cars, garages, and airports. A few simple habits can save you from the most common (and costly) damage. At Home Store boards in shade, off concrete when possible, and away from high heat. Avoid leaning a board where it can fall or be bumped. In the Car Use padding on rails, keep heavy objects away from the tail, and never leave a board baking in a closed vehicle. Travel / Flights Remove fins, protect the tail and nose, and a