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Varial Surfboards: A Deep Dive into Performance and Innovation

In the ever-evolving world of surfing, innovation is key. Surfers are constantly seeking equipment that can elevate their performance, allowing them to push boundaries and conquer challenging waves. Among the brands pushing these boundaries, Varial Surfboards stands out with its unique approach to surfboard construction. This article explores the science, performance benefits, and craftsmanship behind Varial Surfboards, providing a comprehensive overview for surfers of all levels considering an upgrade.

What are Varial Surfboards?

Varial Surfboards distinguishes itself through its use of aerospace-grade foam, specifically a material called Infused Glass. Unlike traditional polyurethane (PU) or epoxy surfboards, Varial boards boast a closed-cell foam core that is significantly lighter, stronger, and more durable. This innovative material is the cornerstone of Varial’s performance advantages.

The Science Behind Infused Glass

Infused Glass is a high-density, closed-cell foam that doesn’t absorb water. This is a critical advantage over traditional PU foam, which can become waterlogged over time, adding weight and diminishing performance. The closed-cell structure also provides exceptional strength and resistance to dings and pressure dents, common issues with conventional surfboards. The infusion process ensures a consistent density throughout the core, leading to a more predictable and responsive ride. Varial Surfboards, therefore, are known for their longevity and consistent performance over time.

Key Advantages of Varial Surfboards

Several factors contribute to the growing popularity of Varial Surfboards among professional and recreational surfers alike:

Lightweight Construction: The reduced weight of Infused Glass allows for increased speed, maneuverability, and overall responsiveness in the water. This is especially noticeable in smaller waves where generating speed can be challenging.
Enhanced Durability: Varial boards are significantly more resistant to dings, pressure dents, and water absorption compared to traditional surfboards. This translates to a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance.
Improved Flex Characteristics: The unique properties of Infused Glass allow for precise control over the board’s flex pattern. This enables shapers to fine-tune the board’s performance characteristics to suit specific wave conditions and surfing styles.
Consistent Performance: Unlike PU boards that can degrade over time, Varial Surfboards maintain their performance characteristics for a longer period, ensuring a consistent and reliable ride.

The Varial Surfboard Construction Process

The construction of a Varial Surfboard is a meticulous process that combines advanced materials with skilled craftsmanship. The process generally involves the following steps:

Core Shaping: The Infused Glass foam blank is precisely shaped to the desired dimensions and outline. This stage is crucial for determining the board’s overall performance characteristics.
Glassing: The shaped core is then glassed with epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth. The number of layers and the type of fiberglass used can be customized to further fine-tune the board’s strength and flex.
Fin Installation: Fin boxes are carefully installed to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment of the fins.
Sanding and Finishing: The board is meticulously sanded and polished to create a smooth, glossy finish.

Who Should Ride a Varial Surfboard?

While Varial Surfboards offer significant advantages, they may not be the ideal choice for every surfer. Here’s a breakdown of who might benefit most from riding a Varial board:

Performance-Oriented Surfers: Surfers who prioritize speed, maneuverability, and responsiveness will appreciate the lightweight construction and enhanced flex characteristics of Varial boards.
Surfers Seeking Durability: If you’re tired of constantly repairing dings and pressure dents, a Varial Surfboard can be a worthwhile investment.
Surfers in Diverse Wave Conditions: The ability to customize the flex pattern of Varial boards makes them suitable for a wide range of wave types, from small, mushy waves to powerful, hollow barrels.
Experienced Surfers: While beginners can certainly learn on a Varial board, the increased responsiveness may be more challenging to control initially. Experienced surfers will be able to fully appreciate and exploit the board’s performance capabilities.

Varial Surfboards: Models and Designs

Varial offers a diverse range of surfboard models designed to cater to different surfing styles and wave conditions. Some popular models include:

The Shortboard: Designed for high-performance surfing in a variety of wave conditions. Known for its responsiveness and maneuverability.
The Fish: A wider, flatter board designed for speed and glide in smaller waves. Ideal for surfers looking for a fun and forgiving ride.
The Step-Up: A longer, narrower board designed for riding larger, more powerful waves. Provides increased stability and control in challenging conditions.
The Hybrid: Combining elements of both shortboards and fishes, these are versatile boards for a range of conditions.

Varial Surfboards: Price and Availability

Varial Surfboards typically come with a higher price tag than traditional PU or epoxy boards due to the advanced materials and construction techniques involved. However, the increased durability and long-term performance benefits can often justify the investment. Varial boards are available through select surf shops and online retailers. Custom orders are also available, allowing surfers to personalize their boards to their specific needs and preferences.

Caring for Your Varial Surfboard

While Varial Surfboards are known for their durability, proper care is still essential to maximize their lifespan. Here are some tips for caring for your Varial board:

Rinse with Fresh Water: After each surf session, rinse your board with fresh water to remove salt and sand.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing your board in direct sunlight or in a hot car, as this can damage the foam core and epoxy resin.
Use a Board Bag: Protect your board from dings and scratches by using a board bag when transporting or storing it.
Repair Dings Promptly: Even though Varial boards are more resistant to dings, it’s important to repair any damage promptly to prevent water from seeping into the core.

The Future of Surfboard Technology

Varial Surfboards represents a significant step forward in surfboard technology. The use of aerospace-grade materials and innovative construction techniques has resulted in boards that are lighter, stronger, and more responsive than ever before. As surfboard technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advancements in materials, design, and construction, further enhancing the surfing experience. Varial Surfboards are at the forefront of this evolution, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in surfboard performance.

In conclusion, Varial Surfboards offer a compelling alternative to traditional surfboard construction. Their lightweight construction, enhanced durability, and improved flex characteristics make them a popular choice among surfers seeking to elevate their performance. While they may come with a higher price tag, the long-term benefits and consistent performance can make them a worthwhile investment. As surfboard technology continues to advance, Varial is poised to remain a leader in the industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in surfboard design and performance. [See also: Surfboard Design Innovations] and [See also: Choosing the Right Surfboard for Your Skill Level]

Varial Surfboards: A Sustainable Choice?

While Varial Surfboards offer performance and durability advantages, it’s important to consider their environmental impact. The production of Infused Glass and epoxy resin can be energy-intensive and involve the use of chemicals. However, the increased lifespan of Varial boards can potentially offset some of these environmental concerns by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Some manufacturers are also exploring more sustainable materials and production processes to further minimize the environmental footprint of their boards. Looking into the specific sustainability practices of Varial Surfboards and other brands can help inform your purchasing decisions.

Ultimately, choosing a surfboard is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Varial Surfboards offer a compelling option for surfers seeking high-performance equipment that can withstand the rigors of frequent use. By understanding the science, construction, and advantages of Varial boards, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your surfing experience for years to come. The discussion around Varial Surfboards continues to evolve as more surfers experience their unique performance characteristics. Consider trying one out to see if it fits your surfing style.