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> WHAT IS EPOXY? AND WHY ARE
XTR EPOXY BOARDS THE CHOICE
OF
SURFING CHAMPIONS?
- REPAIR INFORMATION
- Repairs (Using Easy Ding)
- Do I always need to use Epoxy Resin to fix my XTR Surfboard?
- TAKING CARE
- Can I leave my XTR surfboard on the car?
- Can I apply wax or install traction pads
on top of the vents?
- Can I use a wax removed on the area of the
vents?
- "THERMOVENTS"
- What is "Thermovent" technology?
- Why do surfboards need "Thermovents"?
- How are Thermovents applied to the surfboard?
- STRENGTH
- How strong is an XTR Epoxy Surfboard?
- How strong are the XTR Epoxy Surfboards for big waves?
- CUSTOM BOARDS
- How long does it take to get a custom
XTR Epoxy Surfboard?
- How can I order, if I don't know the
exact dimensions I need?
- Can I order a shape that is not featured
in the website?
- How do these XTR Epoxy Surfboards look?
- Can I order a surfboard with color?
- XTR PROCESS
- What is XTR 5.0 and XTR 5.2
- How are the XTR Surfboards built?
- Why is not every shaper using XTR epoxies?
- How can an XTR Surfboard improve my
surfing?
- What surfers are using XTR?
- Why not all the surfshops carry XTR surfboards?
- SHIPPING
- How long does it take for shipping?
- How about international shipments?
- Is it safe to ship a surfboard?
- Can I order 2 surfboards and save money?
- PAYMENTS
- Can I pay using my credit card?
- What can I do when PayPal is not accepting the payments online?
- What can I do when the total balance doesn't
match my order?
- Do I need to pay taxes outside of California?
REPAIRS
It's important to understand that all XTR epoxy surfboards do not take in water when dinged or damaged, the foam
(XTR) is closed cell and does not absorb water. You only need to repair the surfboard when the damage is severe
and strength and safety become an issue.
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REPAIRS
(USING EASY DING)
1) Make sure the area to repair is dry. (if not, use a hair dryer or sunlight)
2) Remove fiberglass that is broken or loose or not attached to the foam.
3) Sand all the area around the ding with the coarse sandpaper provided.
4) If it is a small ding, skip (4) go to (5). Cut a piece or two of fiberglass if
the foam is exposed and if the damage is on the rail.
5) Apply the resin on top of the foam if necessary. Next apply a layer of fiberglass
and a last extra layer of resin on top of the fiberglass. Make sure the fiberglass is saturated with resin and
there are no major air bubbles.
6) Immediately after applying the resin, use the clear plastic (peel ply) material
on top of the resin and apply pressure to remove all air bubbles and extra resin (this is very important to avoid
heavy sanding later). Always follow the shape of the area you are fixing, clean all the extra resin. You can have
better results when using masking tape to hold the plastic and remove the extra resin.
7) Wait 2-4 hours depending on temperature, and then peel off the plastic and sand.
(If resin is still sticky, wait some more time). At higher temperatures the resin will go off faster. Do not exceed
120' F. EasyDING" can be purchased on this website (go to accessories) this repair kit will work for small
to medium size dings.
TIPS For faster results, before pouring the resin time yourself, the longer you mix the
faster it will go off. For medium or bigger jobs where fiberglass is required mix for no more than 30 seconds.
This will allow you more working time and lower viscosity to wet the fiberglass.
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DO
I ALWAYS NEED TO USE EPOXY RESIN TO FIX MY XTR SURFBOARD?
No, epoxy resin is only needed when the foam inside the surfboard is exposed. In other words, when you can see
and touch the foam.
If you have a small ding in an area like the nose or tail where the XTR foam is exposed, you don't have to repair
it. It will not change color or gain any weight due to the closed cell foam. The water will not penetrate the surfboard.
You will only need to fix this small ding for cosmetics and for safety.
If you don't have easyDING or any epoxy resin, you can cut some corners by using Elmer's glue. Apply a very thin
coat and, after making sure it is completely dry, just use the normal (polyester) resin or repair kit that you
always use and proceed as usual.
If you have a bigger ding, you can fit a piece of foam (not XTR) on the damage area glued with Elmer's glue. When
dry, you can use the standard resin and proceed as you usually do when repairing a standard surfboard.
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TAKING
CARE
CAN I LEAVE MY XTR SURFBOARD ON THE CAR?
Yes, if you have a white or reflective board bag, Even if you travel to really warm destinations around the world,
it is very safe when you have a white board bag. We don't recommend the use of a sock, they just generate heat
in small pockets and the XTR epoxies don't need a sock that is designed for small dings, these dings are not a
problem for XTR.
The temperature limit that you have to be aware of is 145'F. This temperature is impossible to reach with a white
board bag.
Avoid board bags that are white and also have a big black patch on the nose or a big black pocket on the side.
The biggest misconception about epoxy XTR boards is the sun; some people think the sun will damage the board. It
all depends on where you are. If you leave your surfboard in the sun in California a hot day at the beach will
only reach 100-'F, without a white board bag, and you are safe. If you are in Cabo (Mexico), Hawaii or Indonesia
or any tropical place, your board may get near 120-140'F.Without a white board bag you may reach the temperature
limit. With a white board bag you will be completely safe.
The source of heat is sun. The problem with heat is over 140'F and this depends on where you leave your board.
If you leave your surfboard inside the car with a white bag it's ok, even better if you open the zipper for added
ventilation.
The most common mistake we see is when people try to protect the board from the sun and they use a dark board bag
or a dark towel, the sun light doesn't go through, but the heat does. Common sense.
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CAN
I APPLY WAX OR INSTALL TRACTION PADS ON TOP OF THE VENTS?
Yes. Thermovents only work
when hot (over 90'F). At this temperature the wax will melt and will allow the release of gas. Under the traction
pads, the glue will soften and the powerful gas will find its way out under the traction pad.
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CAN
I USE A WAX REMOVER ON THE AREA OF THE VENTS?
Yes, just make sure you don't
pour directly on the vents. Use a rag and apply the wax remover to it and then scrub the surfboard with the rag,
avoid any solvents directly to the vents or to the foam when doing a repair.
DO I HAVE TO WORRY WHEN MY SURFBOARD GOES ON THE AIRPLANE.?
No, since surfboards made with XTR have a closed cell foam and each cell is not connected with each other, the
difference in pressure on the airplane will not affect the foam.
Other epoxies (EPS beaded foam or expanded open cell) may be dramatically affected by the difference in pressure
in the cargo compartment, not XTR.
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"THERMOVENTS"
WHAT IS "THERMOVENT" TECHNOLOGY?
All Surfboards glassed at Epoxy Pro after June 2002 come with "Thermovents", a patented solution that
eliminates the bubbles due to heat or use on the deck and rails of your XTR surfboard. "Thermovents"
are small vents that penetrate the fiberglass to the surface of the foam allowing gas to escape when hot (all XTR
blanks have gas inside each small cell, it makes the surfboard more responsive and resistant to aging).
Water cannot penetrate the foam because XTR is closed cell foam, only a small amount of moisture will get inside
the vents, nothing that will alter the weight or strength of your surfboard.
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WHY
DO SURFBOARDS NEED "THERMOVENTS" ?
Epoxy Pro has been making
surfboards with Extruded Polystyrene Foam since 1991. All the surfboards made with these materials by Epoxy Pro
or any company will in the long run bubble or blister under your front feet or rail due to the gas inside the foam.
Hundreds if not thousands of stoked customers were eventually calling with a complaint about a bubble or a delamination
on their surfboards.
Many sleepless nights and countless ideas were spent trying to solve the bubbling or delamination problem, until
one day, in June 2002, Javier and his son Diego started to vent a surfboard that was a year old and start a set
of temperature tests until they discovered that the surfboard did not bubble!! Even at 140'F.
Since then the vents have been perfected and also added to the rails of all short boards in 2004.
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HOW
THERMOVENTS ARE APPLIED TO THE SURFBOARD?
Javier has designed and also patented a special tool that reaches 200'F and penetrates the glass all the way to
the foam. This tool is applied after the surfboard has been finished.
This tool is made with special needles that conduct heat to melt the outer layers of the fiberglass and resin without
debilitating the surfboard. It takes less than 1 minute to apply the vents and they are almost invisible.
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STRENGTH
HOW
STRONG IS AN XTR EPOXY SURFBOARD
XTR is designed to have a light weight and still be stronger than your standard board by 40-50%.A surfer who destroys
a board in 1 year can have an extra 6 months or more from an XTR, with the added benefits that the board will still
feel like new when getting older.
These boards are designed to slightly dent under your feet after 3-6 months of use.
Molded boards don't dent and don't feel natural under your feet.
XTR boards will not ding that easily. We don't recommend the use of a sock that is designed for small dings.
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HOW
STRONG ARE THE XTR EPOXY SURFBOARDS FOR BIG WAVES?
We have been making guns for Hawaii for pro Surfers like Jamie Sterling, Garret Mc. Namara Makua Rothman and Ikaika
Kalama, "most surfers think they need a heavy board for big waves. This is only true when it comes to windy,
bumpy and very big waves." they said.
When surfing waves up to triple overhead or 15 ft., a light gun works great Especially with glassy conditions or
light winds, you will have the extra flotation that you don't get with a heavy board and they are a lot easier
to turn on top when doing a snap or a cut back because there's no weight on the nose to swing around when doing
a tight turn.
However, we have made guns with the extra glass to add strength for big waves and with the benefits of the responsiveness
of XTR surfboards generating more speed. We don't add more stringers (that will make the board stiff and not necessarily
stronger). Extra glass will add strength on the rails to avoid torsion and dings, and it's the rail where a board
usually starts to break.
Garret Mc. Namara got a Brewer quiver for '04-'05 season in Hawaii from 10' Waimea gun, 8'0" Pipe super light,
7'6 Pipe & Sunset super light 7'2" pipe 6'8" Pipe. All these boards where requested extremely light
with the exemption of the 10' for the "Eddie Aikau." (See photo section). We also made boards extra strength
glassed with 2 layers of 4 oz on the bottom and 6 and on top. Garret Mc Namara comments "This board should
be broken by now. I got caught inside at Pipe on a 10 Ft. day and the board survived its amazing".
We even make 5'3" XTR Tow boards for huge waves that are glassy, these tow boards are glassed with 3 layers
of 6oz on each side and weight only 6 lbs. Ikaika Kalama survived Techupo in Aug. '04 when he was the only one
getting deep in the barrel and racing the foam with a clean and fast line.
Remember, strength is something you can add to your custom XTR epoxy surfboard without compromising performance.
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CUSTOM
ORDERS
HOW
LONG DOES IT TAKES TO GET A CUSTOM XTR EPOXY SURFBOARD?
XTR Surfboards from stock will only take 3-6 days after order and payment are received. Custom XTR surfboards require
the shaper-designer to do the final touches. It depends on the particular shaper how fast you can get your board,
some shapers are particularly busy at summer/spring time.
The fastest for production are the boards that we finish in our factory at Epoxy Pro, for example Pulse, Brewer,
Linden and others. Before high season you can easily get a board in 2-3 weeks. (In the near future we will add
a special service charge for a board to be finished in 10 days or less with Future fins and sanded finish)
Other ways to speed your order are choosing Future fin systems instead of other systems, and ordering clear boards
are also faster. Color boards will add 5-10 days extra depending on the design. Stock boards are shipped the next
day and will get to you in 5-7 days.
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HOW
CAN I ORDER, IF I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DIMENTIONS I NEED?
In most cases the dimensions are always respected when you include them, if you are not very sure about some dimensions
or tail design, write in the comments section to leave up to the professional shaper to decide, he can decide for
you utilizing all the information you already provided.
You can also print the custom order to have a copy for your own references.
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CAN
I ORDER A SHAPE THAT IS NOT FEATURED IN THE WEBSITE?
Yes, you can include in the comments section all what you want the board to do and where are you going to use this
surfboard, also make sure to include what model is the closest to what you are ordering. (In this case the shapers
that can do custom shapes are more limited, you can ask what shaper you want to use and we will find a match or
a different shaper to do exactly what you are looking for).
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HOW
DO THESE XTR EPOXY SURFBOARDS LOOK?
XTR epoxy boards are a big surprise for most surfers; they just look like your standard surfboard with a whiter
look. You can see the stringer (not like molded boards). The XTR foam is very white and no different than your
normal surfboard. The only difference is the XTR logo on the rails. And when placed against a bright light, you
can see the small vents on the center and on the rails.
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CAN
I ORDER A SURFBOARD WITH COLOR?
Yes, we believe color is part of a custom surfboard. However, with performance in mind, we don't want to overkill
the board. More color will diminish the bond between glass and foam (paint acts like a film in between) and will
add weight due to the amount of resin that accumulates.
The best way to choose a design is to go to the custom order section and to the design and color options. These
designs and colors have been proved to work fine.
You can also send us your art if not too big we can put it on your surfboard, we can put pictures or your own designs,
just send us an email with the art and we will take care of it. (Size will be no more than 8" by 11"
and can't include dark or too much black color logos, obscene or indecent images will be discarded.)
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XTR
PROCESS
HOW
ARE THE XTR SURFBOARDS BUILT?
Epoxy Pro manufactures XTR foam and we keep blanks in stock for all the shapers that work with us. After the order
is received, depending on the shaper, is it either hand shaped or cut on a CNC shaping machine according to your
personal specifications.
Sometimes we need to deliver the blank to the shaper for the fine tuning and final touches. After that it comes
back to Epoxy Pro where we glass the blank using Epoxy resin (XTR-16) and then after the board is sanded, we oven-cure
for 6-8 hours at 140'F.
Finally the board gets the "Thermovents" and is ready to get in the water; you don't need to wait for
curing anymore.
NEW: Epoxy Pro introduced in 2005 XTR 5.0 and XTR 5.2 .
5.0 and 5.2 represent the 5th. version of the "Thermovent
Technology", less vents in some areas and more vents in the bottom of the surfboard near the rails. XTR 5.2 have two layers of glass on the bottom (4 oz. and
3oz. glass designed specially for epoxies). 5.2
is designed for boards that are 2 1/4" or less in thickness, to prevent the board breaking in half,
we recommend 5.2
for guns, longboards and thin shortboards. The weight on 5.2
is only 10-15 % more than 5.0
and will help to keep your board in one piece.
The top or deck of all xtr's are glass with at least 2 layers of 4 oz. and one layer is 'S" glass, we
also added a small patch of 4 oz. right where the front foot will go.
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WHY
IS NOT EVERY SHAPER USING XTR EPOXIES?
Most of the shapers using XTR are leaders in the industry; they know there is a need for alternative and environmentally
friendly materials and a stronger, lighter surfboard.
Most of the top shapers in Southern California are using XTR, or are in the process of getting the technology.
Shapers who want to use this technology are willing to take the time to shape these boards and invest some money.
Epoxy Pro offers the option of obtaining a License to use this technology.
Epoxy Pro doesn't sell blanks to the public due to the difficulty of the glassing and the proprietary technology
of the "Thermovents". Licenses are still available in some areas right now.
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HOW
CAN AN XTR SURFBOARD IMPROVE MY SURFING?
The main reason these surfboards can help you surf better is the responsiveness; the XTR foam is more alive due
to the physical properties of the foam. You will go faster and speed is the key of performance.
All XTR boards are lighter than most boards this translates in extra flotation that will help catch more waves.
Extra flotation can also translate into a thinner board, and if you can catch more waves and have a thinner board
it means you will have a lot more control, due to a lower center of gravity.
Magic boards are usually magic for a short period of time until they gain water and change the flex and flotation,
XTR boards will not change because the foam doesn't absorb water. After a survey with our customers 80% respond
with the same answer; "This
is the magic board I was looking for".
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WHAT
SURFERS ARE USING XTR?
There is about 1000 new surfboards being build each year since the "Thermovent" was introduced in 2002
and later perfected in 2004.
Customers from shapers like Al Merrick, Lost, Dick Brewer, Linden, Doc Laush, WRV, Pulse, Blair, Pro Circuit, Minami,Timmy
Patterson, Cordell, Midget Smith, Etc.
Pro surfers that have XTR boards on their quiver are Bruce Irons, Andy Irons, Chris Ward, Cory Lopez, Shea Lopez,
CJ Hobgood, Timmy Reyes, Dino Andino, Rob Machado, Garret McNamara, Erick Mc Henry, Jamie Sterling, Ikaika Kalama,
Makua Rothman, Sofia Mulanovich, Taj Burrow, Parko, Bethany Hamilton, etc.
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WHY
NOT ALL THE SURFSHOPS CARRY XTR SURFBOARDS?
XTR boards are specialty surfboards and are not mass produce.
One big factor to sell one of these boards ifs the knowledge of the sales person at the shops, we can't work with
shops that have little knowledge about these boards. Some boards on the past without the vents where having problems
and they don't keep up with the new improvements, for other shops it's like trying to sell a Ferrari on a Toyota
dealer. Some shops can't afford the extra effort to explain about the vents or how to take care of the board it's
is hard to train the kids who sell boards and only work there for a couple of months.
However we have been working for a long time with some surf shops like Surf Ride in Solana Beach CA, Channel Islands
in Santa Barbara CA, Eastern Lines in Belmar NJ, and Rocking Fig, HSS, in Huntington Beach, CA. Surf Hut in
San Diego, and ZJ. WRV in Virginia.
All what you need to do is ask, most surf shop owners or shop managers (that really surf) know about XTR surfboards.
Epoxy Pro is finishing a DVD to educate about this boards, it takes time.
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SHIPPING
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR SHIPPING?
After the board is finished we protect the board using foam and cushioning materials and we pack with a special
cardboard box, we also recommend getting a board bag for better protection on shipping.
We ship via Fed-Ex or UPS for up to 2 small surfboards (6'4" or under. For multiple orders we will use different
carriers.
You can also pick up the board at our factory when ordering online and save money on shipping.
The shipping prices are relatively low due to a program that we have with Fed-Ex and UPS. For faster service we
recommend second day for an extra cost. (See chart at custom order).
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HOW
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS?
We can ship almost anywhere in the world at a cost, for example to ship a shortboard 6'2" or under in Japan
is $150.00 Europe $130.00 Canada $75.00, (this prices are approximations only based on past shipments to specific
cities and price may vary according to other cities and size of surfboard).
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IS
IT SAFE TO SHIP A SURFBOARD?
We have been packing surfboards for a while and we know the lighter, the easier for the carrier to avoid any damages.
So far all XTR surfboards have arrived in perfect conditions. In case something goes wrong, we have an insurance
that will cover the damages.
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CAN I
ORDER 2 SURFBOARDS AND SAVE MONEY?
Yes when ordering two boards the second board will not be charged for shipping. When the surfboards are 6'2"
or under the shipping is Free, (USA only).
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PAYMENTS
CAN I PAY USING MY CREDIT CARD?
All payments are processed with PAYPAL, theyuse a credit card system and is the safest way to send and receive
money on the internet, It costs us around $20.00 a surfboard to use this service, for your own safety.
For safety reasons we don't accept credit card numbers on the phone or via email.
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WHAT CAN
I DO WHEN PAYPAL IS NOT ACCEPTING THE PAYMENTS ONLINE?
Once you bought something on the internet via Paypal you can use the service in the future without problems, if
this is the first time just follow the steps is not complicated and is a secured site.
However sometimes Paypal can't accept credit cards that are not current, either for outstanding balance or wrong
entries when processing the payment.
First try using a different card and make sure expiration date is correct.
If still not working make sure you still submit your order (custom orders) and send us a check or money order payable
to Epoxy Pro to; 230 Via Del Monte Oceanside CA 92054, we will start your order right away if you send us an email
explining the situation and the problem and the action you are taking.
We can't start orders without payment Paypal is instant and we will start your order immediately. If the money
is send via mail we will need to receive the money before we start.
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WHAT
CAN I DO WHEN THE TOTAL BALANCE IT DOESN'T MATCH MY ORDER?
If for any unknown reasons you have been over charge you must let us know so we can refund you the money.
If you are buying accessories and the total doesn't match, all you need to do is go to Paypal and send the balance
to our email. epoxypro@epoxysurfboards.com.
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DO I NEED
TO PAY TAXES OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA?
Only California residents will have to pay taxes, Epoxy Pro is Base in Oceanside CA, when ordering from out of
state you don't need to pay taxes.
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