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Buyer Guide To Build Your Own Balance Board

Creator Kits come in two sizes and have a variety of applications. Here are some things to consider when choosing a size and platform.

What Are You Balancing On?

  • We provide a 3" solid ball which creates a sharp pivot point compared to a roller.
  • The sharper the pivot point the more chance for the standing platform to flex.
  • A high quality and strength wood is best.

What Type Of Balance Board Do You Want?

  • Skate Kit:
    • Only kit that will fit a skateboard deck.
    • Great for small kids and toddlers who are growing.
    • Small amount of ride space for beginners or those wanting to confine the ball.
  • Starter Kit:
    • Larger riding space in width and length.
    • Great for beginners who desire a larger standing platform.
    • Great for kids who are still growing or are in small sized shoes.

What Material Do I Use To Build My Balance Board?

  • We suggest using a strong plywood such as birch or maple.
  • Check with the manufacturer if all layers are the same wood or have different core woods.
  • Woods that have voids or softer wood ply within will be weaker and cause more board flex.
  • We do not recommend using composite woods such as particleboard or medium density fiberboard (MDF).

How Thick Should I Make My Balance Board?

  • All Starter boards are made with an 11 ply 5/8" thickness.
  • We suggest you choose at least an 11 ply if you are under 220 lbs.
  • If you weight more than 220 lbs we suggest a thicker ply.
  • If using a wood that is structurally weaker than birch or maple ply we suggest a 13 or 15 ply.

How Big Should I Make My Balance Board?

  • We leave a minimum of 4" from the rail to board end for your foot.
  • Consider giving yourself enough room to stand over the rail without slipping off the board.
  • We suggest making the board length at least 8" longer than your desired rail length.
  • We suggest making the board width at least 6" wider than the rail width.

How Does Perimeter Shape Effect The Ride?

  • Ellipse:
    • Egg shape creates a faster transition to the ends.
    • Turning the board is easy do to less weight at the ends.
  • Pointed nose:
    • Surf style shape cuts more weight off the end to make it lighter.
    • Carving turns is fast and easy.
  • Rectangular:
    • Rides with an even distribution throughout the nose, middle, and tail.
    • Carving turns is slow and can be "clunky" feeling.
  • Round:
    • Feels completely centered in the middle.
    • Will ground forward and backward with ease due to shape.

How Does Board Rocker Or Flatness Effect The Ride?

  • A flat board platform is completely predictable, smooth and consistent.
  • Rocker along the length of the board creates a fast transition to the ends of the board.
  • Rocker also feels more natural to the hips when riding.

How Does Board Concave Effect The Ride?

  • Skateboards with concave have curvature along the width of the board.
  • This creates a sharp angle is difficult to keep the board centered over the ball.
  • Your ankles and feet will fatigue from riding the front or back edge.
  • This is the most difficult to ride.

How Does Board Concave Effect The Rail Attachment?

  • We suggest using clamps to hold the rail to the board during assembly.
  • We suggest using the middle of the skateboard deck.
  • The rail will flex slightly but will not be able to bend on the curvature of the nose or tail.