Fiberglass Shortages Are Going To Drive Up The Costs Of Boards, Again

Fiberglass and resin are rather important materials for surfboard construction, functioning to reinforce and waterproof the underlying foam core. A number of other industries also use fiberglass and resin, including boat building and swimming pool manufacturing.

Several factors have contributed to disruptions in the supply-chain of fibreglass and resin which have driven-up the cost and demand for resin and fibreglass globally. One major factor has been the trickle-down effects of the US’s 25% tariff placed on imported fibreglass cloth and resin, meaning manufacturers who previously relied on cheap materials from China, can no longer afford to import materials at low cost. 

Another major factor was a winter storm this year that brought subfreezing temperatures to Texas, overwhelming much of its electricity infrastructure and shutting down key chemical manufacturing plants in the Houston area. The storm forced two of the country’s largest epoxy producers – Olin Corp. and Hexion Inc. to turn off the lights at their Gulf Coast facilities.

These have seen wide-scale shortage in the composite materials across numerous industries that will drive up the cost of surfboards.

According to an article in Bloomberg:

“Surfboards that used to cost $750 are now going for around $1,000 — a price supported by loyalty to a brand that dates to 1970. Companies with shorter track records and lesser known brands might not be able to command those premiums.”

Read the full article, here.