Glassing Choices: Staying Light Without Sacrificing Strength

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 sliders. Michael works directly with surfers to dial in design, fin setups, and finishes (from sanded to full gloss), and he also handles repairs like ding restoration, fin box replacements, and leash plug fixes. His approach combines hands-on experience, traditional build methods, and a focus on practical performance in real surf conditions.