Hollow. The way to get a board faster, stiffer and lighter.
"We took the plunge, took the plunge and it turned out so damn good. The new Numinous Hollow M2 became our fastest, lightest and stiffest board. This is the future" - Joachim Larsson
But what exactly is a Hollow board?
And how/why do you build a board that way?
Construction - Function - Aerodynamics - Planing - Balance - Frequency - Surfing - Design - Construction - Sports car - Hull - Volume - Manufacturing - Tires - Drainage - Fins - Surface condition - Stability
Construction
Hollow means hollow.
A hollow construction involves creating a board with a hollow interior, usually achieved by using a combination of lightweight materials such as carbon, stringers and composite layers.
Here are some benefits of hollow construction in paddleboards:
Lighter, stiffer and faster. But above all, it has a longer lifespan, as a Hollow board is easier to repair if an accident should occur.
Our Hollow boards have the same shape as our boards built with a foam core, but are built in a different way and have different properties.
Weight reduction - Increased buoyancy - Stiffer - More environmentally friendly
Weight loss
Hollow construction allows for significant weight reduction compared to solid boards. By using lightweight materials and removing excess bulk from the board's core, paddleboards with a hollow construction are much lighter. Reduced weight leads to improved maneuverability, easier handling, and improved performance in a variety of conditions.
Increased buoyancy
Paddleboards with hollow construction provide excellent buoyancy. This buoyancy helps maintain the stability of the board and makes it easier to paddle and stand on, especially in rougher water or when carrying extra weight.
Improved stiffness
Hollow construction allows for the implementation of structural reinforcements such as stringers or carbon fiber layers. These reinforcements add stiffness and rigidity to the board, resulting in improved responsiveness, better energy transfer, and improved overall performance. A stiffer board also reduces flex, making it more efficient for paddling and providing better stability.
Special customization & repair
Paddleboards with hollow constructions can be designed with modular components, which allows you to customize the board more precisely according to your choices and preferences. The hollow construction also allows repairs to the board to be made with simple methods. Previously, the board "sucked water" when damaged, which meant that the foam core filled with water and it was very difficult to completely empty it, which led to an increase in the weight of the board. Now it is easy to empty and repair, and the board becomes as strong as before the damage occurred. This saves both time and costs compared to fixing a solid board.
Environmentally friendly
Hollow construction often involves the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled pieces and sustainable composite materials. This approach is in line with environmental awareness by reducing waste and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing process. The repair factor also plays a big role in this perspective.
Sustainable design
One of the most important parameters in this development work has always been about quality, i.e. the durability of the board over time. Since we have now seen that the hull shape itself is so functional and fast that it will help everyone to develop and enjoy SUP training and win competitions for many years to come, we also wanted the construction to last at least as long. Our aspiration and goal is that at least three people should be able to use each individual SUP board from Kona for at least three years. Which also means that all our SUP boards for competition and training need a lifespan of more than 9 years.
Summary
Overall, hollow construction in paddleboards offers reduced weight, increased buoyancy, improved stiffness, customization, repairability, and eco-friendly features. These benefits make hollow construction an appealing choice for paddleboard enthusiasts.
