Foam Densities
The density of your blank determines your board's weight and feel.
Foam blanks come in different densities — lighter and denser options affect your board's weight, float, and overall feel. This is a more technical choice, but Blake's perspective will help you decide.
US Blanks (the Standard)
US Blanks are the most common blank manufacturer. They use a color-coding system:
Lightest to Heaviest
- Orange (Lightest) — Competition weight. Extremely light. Good for small surfers or those who want maximum lightness. Can feel fragile. - Yellow — Medium-light. Sweet spot for many shortboards. Good float without feeling too light. - White — Medium. Very common. Works for most designs. - Blue — Medium-heavy. Good for larger surfers or those who want more durability. - Red — Heavy. Extra strength for big-wave boards and riders wanting maximum durability. - Black (Heaviest/Densest) — Tow-In weight. Super dense for big-wave boards and extreme performance conditions.
For custom Lundquist boards, most surfers will choose Yellow or White depending on whether they want to be on the lighter or heavier side of normal.
Arctic Foam
Another premium blank option:
- Orange (Lightest) through Silver (Heaviest) - Similar density progression to US Blanks - Different shaping characteristics - Comparable pricing with slight variations
Millennium Foam
Alternative blank manufacturer:
- Pink (Lightest) through Brown (Heaviest) - Similar density concepts - Slightly different manufacturing process - Price varies
Blake's Approach to Density
Blake tends to use denser foams especially for longboards and gliders because:
1. Better glide — Denser foam has better float-to-weight ratio, meaning better glide 2. More projection — Extra weight helps the board hold momentum through turns 3. Durability — Denser blanks handle impacts better and don't crush as easily 4. Feel — Many surfers feel denser boards have better flex characteristics
For shortboards and twins, medium density (White) is typical because: - Lighter is better for maneuverability - Modern glassing schedules compensate for density with extra fiberglass - You don't sacrifice much in terms of feel or performance
The Trade-Off
Lighter foams (Orange/Yellow) = easier paddling + more responsive Heavier foams (Blue/Red/Black) = better glide + more durable + longer lasting
Blake will help you choose based on your size, ability, and what you prioritize in a board.
Most custom Lundquist boards use Yellow or White US Blanks as the default, with options to go lighter or heavier based on your preferences and budget.