Balance Boards
Indo Boards are great for improving your balance and strengthening your legs, but if you can't afford to buy one you can make something similar for a fraction of the cost.
Layne Beachley and Serena Brooke are just some of the surfing celebs who love their Indo Boards.
You Need:
Plywood sheet about half an inch thick, about 20" by 30" for a regular sized board. Two 2" x 20" pieces of plywood.
Pipe - about six inches in diameter is good but you can experiment. 18" length.
Wood glue, sandpaper, measuring tape.
A saw (preferably not a handsaw!)
1. To get a symmetrical board tape a sheet of paper or two together to measure 20' x 30" in all.
2. Fold into four.
3. Draw a curve on the outside edge then cut along it.
4. Use the oval template to trace onto the plywood.
5. Cut the plywood.
6. Sand it (the whole thing, especially if you want to paint it).
7. Glue the two strips onto the board (see pic), clamp/weight them and let them dry.
8. Seal it all with PVA glue mixed with water. You can then paint it if you wish. It's best to seal it at least so it'll last longer. Make sure you fill in all those gaps.
9. Cut your pipe to length. You can put grip tape on it or paint it with something like roof tar to make it less slidey.
Notes:
You can make the board a bit slower to roll by filling the pipe with sand and blocking off the ends with pipe covers.
One sheet of plywood as sold in B&Q etc. will often be enough to make two boards. Get a mate to pitch in then you can make two. I made two for about £35 all in (but I stole everything but the wood off my dad!).
You can screw the end bumpers in as well as gluing them, this isn't such a neat finish but ensures longer life.
You can use sand or grip tape (but tape would be expensive) on the top of the deck for better grip.
Mine is a slick finish but is fine with bare feet.
The DVD that comes with the Indo Board package is wicked.
You can get tips on riding from http://www.indoboard.com.
Disclaimer: The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ takes no responsibility for any injuries incurred while building or using your balance board - take care!
