Ecto Handplanes: Upcycling Broken Surfboards into High-Speed Bodysurfing Devices

Revolutionizing Bodysurfing with Sustainable Design

Chris Anderson's inspiration for Ecto Handplanes came from his "1000 Surfboard Graveyard" project, which aimed to highlight the wastage and disposable nature of high-performance surfboards. By collecting and repurposing broken surfboard foam, Anderson found a way to give these discarded materials a new life as functional and stylish handplanes.

The Ecto Handplane stands out with its fully adjustable one-size-fits-all strap and optional wrist leash, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for every user. The handplane's ideal volume of 2L and signed dimensions of 15 1/2" x 8" x 1 1/4" provide optimal buoyancy and maneuverability in the water.

Constructed with durable polyester resin and a satin finish, the Ecto Handplane features a slight single concave on the bottom, along with rail and tail curves that generate speed and hold. The handplane also includes a GoPro camera nose mount, allowing users to capture their best waves and wipeouts. Additionally, fabric inlays provide contemporary decoration and added strength.

The manufacturing process of the Ecto Handplane involves shaping polyurethane foam using 3D CAD software and glassing the shaped foam blanks with polyester resin. Rice paper logos and fabric inlays are then added for branding, decoration, and extra strength. The handplanes are equipped with fully adjustable straps made of 25mm strapping and a comfortable layer of 3mm neoprene.

With its dimensions following the tradition of surfboard design, the Ecto Handplane measures 15 1/2" (393mm h) x 8" (203mm w) x 1 1/4" (32mm d). Each handplane comes with an optional wrist leash and swing tags that provide full product information.

The Ecto Handplane's refined shape and volume of 2L buoyancy offer an effective increase in speed and control. The transition between round rail edges near the nose and harder rail edges underneath the tail generates hold and speed, while the slight single concave on the bottom efficiently channels moving water. The rounded square tail aids maneuverability, and the foam and fiberglass construction provides superior smooth sliding characteristics.

Ecto Handplanes were developed between 2011-2012 in Kiama, Wollongong, and Mona Vale. Since their launch in 2013, they have gained popularity both online and in the Australian surf retail market.

Chris Anderson's research on the "1000 Surfboard Graveyard" project revealed that there are between 47 to 63 million surfboards in circulation worldwide, most of which end up in landfills due to the lack of recycling options. Ecto Handplanes aim to address this issue by repurposing broken surfboards and promoting a comprehensive recycling program.

The design of the Ecto Handplane presented several challenges, including getting the right volume of buoyancy for effective hydroplaning, developing a special technique to shape the handplanes from broken surfboards of various sizes, sourcing broken surfboards regularly, and raising awareness among beachgoers about the benefits of using handplanes.

Ecto Handplanes, designed by Chris Anderson, have received recognition for their outstanding design and innovation. They were awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Sporting Goods, Fitness, and Recreation Equipment Design category in 2015. This prestigious award acknowledges the handplanes' exceptional technical characteristics, artistic skill, and ability to evoke positive feelings of amazement and wonder.