PROJECT SURF SHOP

PROJECT SURF SHOP

PROJECT SURF SHOP

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OUR MISSION

Thunderbolt Technologies is known for its innovative approach to surfboard construction. All of our surfboards are hand crafted using a blend of traditional and modern techniques, with a focus on enhancing flex, durability, and performance. The use of advanced materials like carbon fiber and the implementation of vacuum-bagging makes these boards stand out in terms of both feel and longevity.

Here’s a breakdown of our technology…

OUR TECHNOLOGY

Thunderbolt Technology - Black

THUNDERBOLT BLACK / MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

Carbon Fiber hand Lamination
High performance Weight & Flex
Hand-Crafted

Thunderbolt Black is our lightest and most high-performance based technology. The board is laminated with carbon fiber, which quickens its rebound rate and adds durability without significantly increasing the weight. Thunderbolt black blank construction features fiberglass internal flex components. Hand laminated with 6oz carbon fiber x 2oz fiberglass cloth on both the top and bottom. Thunderbolt black construction is typically light weight with our quickest rebound rate which makes this construction the most responsive in our range. Thunderbolt Black construction is designed for any surfer seeking to maximize performance on a board that delivers durability, speed and control in a wide variety of conditions.

Thunderbolt Technology - Red

THUNDERBOLT RED / ALL AROUND PERFORMANCE

Fiberglass hand Lamination
performance Weight & Flex
Hand-Crafted

Thunderbolt Red was our first technology and works beautifully in all conditions. Our Red blank construction features carbon fiber internal flex components hand laminated with 6oz x 2oz fiberglass cloth on both the top and bottom. Red is incredibly versatile with a medium amount of rebound which makes this construction amazingly user friendly and predictable. Thunderbolt Red construction is designed for any surfer looking for all around performance and feel in a wide variety of conditions.

Thunderbolt Technology - Silver

THUNDERBOLT SILVER / TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCE

Fiberglass hand Lamination
Traditional Weight & performance Flex
Hand-Crafted

Thunderbolt Silver was designed to offer a well-balanced blend of traditional performance, flex, and durability. Our Silver blank construction features fiberglass internal flex components hand laminated with 6oz x 2oz fiberglass cloth on both the top and bottom. Although Thunderbolt Silver is the most “traditional” feeling technology we offer it does still have the most amount of flex which turns up the performance value way beyond any PU board on the market. Thunderbolt Silver construction is versatile and predictable making it suitable for a wide variety of wave conditions and skill levels. If you love the feeling of a traditional PU surfboard and want to turn up its natural performance value than this is a great technology for you.

OUR BLANKS

All Thunderbolt surfboards typically start with our high-quality EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core blank. The foam is lightweight and buoyant, making the board easier to paddle and maneuver. EPS is made of small, bead-like foam pellets that are fused together. EPS is lightweight, durable, and provides a responsive feel underfoot.

Thunderbolt surfboards have no central wooden stringer, which is traditionally used for strength in surfboards. Instead, we rely on modern construction methods like carbon fiber and or fiberglass elements for strength, stiffness and flex control. The standout features of a Thunderbolt surfboards are the advanced material flex components that we build into our blanks. Our blanks are designed with specific flex characteristics that mimic the feel of a traditional surfboard blank but with enhanced feel and elevated performance. Our flex patterns vary depending on the model, catering to different surfing styles and conditions. We offer a range of shapes, from high-performance shortboards to classic longboards. Each shape is designed to take advantage of Thunderbolt’s technology, providing surfers of all skill levels with an elevated surfing experience in any waves they choose to ride.

Depending on the construction (Black, Red, or Silver), carbon fiber or fiberglass flex components are applied into the blank in our “A-beam” - “V-beam” and “T-stringer” configuration. These elements are the heart and soul of our surfboards and provide the flex characteristics that we are known for.

LAMINATION PROCESS

Thunderbolt uses fiberglass, carbon fiber and other composite materials in our lamination process. Carbon fiber is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, adding durability without making the board excessively stiff or heavy. The boards are often vacuum-bagged during the lamination process. This technique ensures even resin distribution, so we are capable of hitting our target weights. Vacuum-bagging also minimizes inconsistencies in the construction process, leading to more consistent flex and performance characteristics across different models. Despite our (mostly) lightweight construction, Thunderbolt boards are known for their durability. The combination of advanced materials and careful construction techniques ensures that these boards can withstand the rigors of extreme surfing. Nothing performs and holds up like a Thunderbolt.

YU SAN

Yu Sumitomo is a renowned surfboard designer and craftsman from Tokyo Japan. He is well-regarded for his constant innovation in surfboard designs, blending traditional board building techniques with modern technology. His craftsmanship is notable for balancing performance with durability, and his surfboards are often sought after by professional surfers and enthusiasts alike. Sumitomo’s efforts with Thunderbolt Technologies has helped integrate cutting-edge technology into traditional surfboard building, enhancing the board’s strength, flexibility, and overall performance.

OUR BUILDERS

Mr Yu Sumitomo (head designer)
Tokyo Japan. 40 years surfboard building.
Local surf spot Chiba

Mr Masaru Nagasaka (polisher)
Tokyo Japan. 42 years building boards.
Local surf spot Shizuoka

Mr Shun Sumitomo (head laminator- air brush)
Tokyo Japan. 25 years building boards.
Local surf spot Chiba

Mr Sumio Kato (laminator)
Tokyo Japan. 30 years building boards.
Local surf spot Ibaragi

Mr Atsushi Kato (head shaper)
Tokyo Japan. 25 years building boards
Local surf spot Shonan

Mr Ryuji Mihara (master sander- shaper )
Ooita Japan. 34 years building boards.
Local surf spot Chiba

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Thunderbolt Technologies Surfboards