Surftech

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Surftech is an American surfboard manufacturing company, specializing in the production of epoxy boards, or boards with a polystyrene core and an expoxy resin skin. Founded in 1989 by surfboard shaper Randy French, who wanted to see the industry expand from its focus on individually shaped boards or custom boards to efficiently manufactured mass produced boards. The success of his initial product attracted the interest of other professional shapers such as Dale Velzy, Reynolds Yater, Mickey Munoz, Robert August and Donald Takayama. Others who have since begun creating prototypes for Surftech include Glen Minami, Phil Byrne, John Carper, Rusty Preisendorfer, and Al Merrick. Almost all Surftech boards are manufactured in Thailand and are shipped throughout the world. Board prices retail generally for $575 and up, depending on the size.

Surftechs are generally known for their stiff flex and plastic finish. Although many talented surfers ride them, they are primarily ridden by novices and beginners. They also have a tendency to snap in larger waves due to the fact that most of the strength is focused in the shell. True to their name, they are very durable and while lacking in performance, they are a much tougher board than the traditional polysterene board. They are made in the Cobra plan in Thailand and recently large board builders like ...Lost and Rusty have started making a similairly constructed board under the brandname "Tufflite".