3CSup, an ecological and transparent paddle board made of cardboard

3CSup, an ecological paddle board made of cardboard

The Italian studio NERD has developed an ecological, ultralight and transparent paddle board made of cardboard and cork, called 3CSup. Technological and ecological, this board uses recycled, recyclable and affordable materials unlike the highly polluting foam cores used in the mass production of paddle boards, inflatable or not.

"Surfers and shapers have been trying for years to find solutions to replace the polluting foam used to make boards. We have considered products made from recycled materials to meet all the expectations of surfers and nature lovers around the world. In the production of 3CSup panels, we have implemented an innovative lamination system that minimizes the use of materials" indicates the nerd team.

The 3CSup has a triangular cardboard core that is digitally designed using a set of algorithms that control shape, structural performance, internal ventilation, weight and material optimisation. This is reinforced by a thin layer of carbon nanotube.

Highly customizable, three basic schemes have been defined to configure the board in terms of performance and aesthetics. One of the advantages of this technology remains the lightness thanks to the central structure and a lamination system that optimizes the materials. In addition, the basic pattern (in triangle) gives a perfect balance and reinforces the integrity of the structure, while making the board very light (less than 7 kg).

A digitally developed, easy-to-assemble cork edge reinforces the cardboard panels and makes the board perfectly smooth. Thanks to their natural "cardboard" colour, the triangles of the board filter the light with different angles to obtain different effects according to the models and weather conditions. The 3CSup creates a real play of light and shadow through the water.

To expel air from the board, a mechanism with a valve allows ventilation of the core and at the same time guarantees water protection for the structural core.

Finally, the studio announces lower manufacturing costs and therefore a lower than average selling price!

More articles on the theme