2005 RISD graduate Kevin Cunningham has set about developing a new method of making surfboards that is more in tune with nature. The concept of using wood to make surfboards is by no means a novel idea – it dates back to the first half of this century. What is novel, however, is Cunningham’s use of a honeycomb structure within the board to reduce weight and the level of craft which he achieves.
While typical surfboards are made from a highly toxic foam core coated in fiberglass, Cunningham works to achieve the same level of control and finesse with wood, a more eco-friendly alternative. He uses only sustainably harvested wood sources and when he creates composite boards, hybrids between his wood method and traditional foam, he utilizes salvaged foam from broken or discarded boards and recycled plastic. He cites Gary Linden, master surfboard shaper and legend when talking about his inspiration to become more sustainable.
The next phase of surfboard evolution must be about returning to natural methods [until the late 1950's all surfboards were wood]. Surfing is Nature’s gift to us. In turn, we must protect Nature in any way we can.
Cunningham first discovered how he could combine his love of the surf with his design education while at RISD. Wanting to purchase a new board, he couldn’t afford the $600 – but he could afford the materials. After a couple of “rideable” versions, Cunningham was able to perfect his technique. Upon graduating, he opened his own company called Spirare to make boards full time. He switched to wood when his supplier, Clark Foam went out of business for failing to meet environmental standards.
He is currently working on a board for Red Bull featuring a V-shaped fishtail and mother of pearl and abalone inlays in the shape of the logo. Cunningham strives to create functional works of art that are made to get wet and his collection is testimony to this commitment. They are not cheap, however. A full wood board may run up to $1,500 while a composite is somewhere between $800 and $1,200 but will last 10-12 years compared to the 2-year lifespan of a typical foam board. In June, the collection will be part of a show in AS220 in Providence, a community-based gallery where Cunningham has his studio.
Via projo.
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