A balance board can be used as a successful training aid for surfers, as well as being helpful for those who need to work on their balance. It consists of a flat piece of board, big enough for someone to stand on, and an unstable bottom pedestal that a user can learn to balance on by shifting her weight back and forth. A balance board can be time consuming to make, and tools are required to assemble it, but making one on your own can save you money over purchasing one at a fitness equipment supply store.
Step 1
Lay your piece of plywood on the floor. With a ruler, measure to the midpoint of the plywood, and draw a line down the exact center of the plywood horizontally, and then one vertically to find the exact center of the piece of plywood.
Step 2
Tap a nail into the place where the lines intersect, and then affix a 1 1/2-foot length of string to the nail. Tie the string to a pencil, and draw a circle around the plywood by pulling on the string as you draw around the edge of the board.
Step 3
Remove the nail, string and pencil, and use a jigsaw to cut the circle out of the board, where your round pencil lines are. Discard the excess pieces.
Step 4
Flip the plywood circle over, and affix a length of pipe with a flange lip to the back by drilling it in. Choose the length of pipe based on your skill level. Someone who is only starting with a balance board can use a 2-inch piece. One who's had some experience can use a 4-inch. Attach the pipe by screwing four screw into the lip.
Step 5
Twist a rounded cap onto the top of the piece of piping. It should be hard plastic, and able to withstand some pressure.
Step 6
Flip the board over, and sand all of the edges that may still be rough.
Step 7
Use grip tape to create a few points of friction on the board. You can do it in any style and pattern that you want, just make sure there is ample grip tape for your feet to not slip while using the board.
Things You'll Need
- 2 by 2 feet of plywood
- Ruler
- Nail
- Hammer
- String
- Pencil
- Jigsaw
- 2- to 4-inch length of 4-inch-diameter pipe with a lip
- Rounded 4-inch-diameter pipe cap
- 1/2-inch screws
- Power drill
- Grip tape
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