Waterman Colors and the Environment

Traditionally paddleboards, like yacht hulls, were finished in simple primary colors. Today, with a huge range of colors, under-skin cosmetic fabrics, the tradition of keeping boards simple.

Fiberglass and resin, even today's advanced Ultra-violet resistant resins are susceptible to solar/environmental damage. In choosing a color for your board be aware that certain colors are more susceptible than others.

Sun (thermal heat) and Ultra-violet solar rays act over time to reduce the molecular strength of all epoxy-plastic resin laminates and their inherent bonding capabilities.

Decks are exposed while you are paddling, or on the beach. Bottoms are exposed during transportation on your racks. The cumulative effect of this negative environmental attrition should be taken into consideration when you select your board's colors.

Without exception we strongly recommended that most environment-resistive colors; White or Ice Blue, for your Waterman Racing Paddleboard.

Aqua and Light Blue are the next best options.

These colors are most element-resistive and least heat-absorbent.

Darker colors, including Dark Blue, Red and Black while available, are not recommended.

White is the most universally and easily reparable color.

Fabrics and Laminates

Fabrics, such as Aloha and Tapa prints under the deck laminations while attractive cosmetically, reduce tensile strength and to some extent are thus less desirable from a standpoint of ease-or-repair and longevity.

Laminates and appliqués of rice paper generally are not a problem unless very dark where the potential for spot de-lamination or bubbling is greater.

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