Kickstarter

Who Is Rozbern

Rozbern Surf, LLC is a New Jersey based company that designs and manufactures surfboards. Owned and operated by John Oppito and Kevin Strickland, we are committed to furthering the progression of high performance surfboards while minimizing our impact on the environment. In an industry where volatile chemicals and toxins are a norm in construction, Rozbern is dedicated to using environmentally sustainable materials. The development of epoxy resins and more sustainable foam sources have allowed shapers to create stronger, lighter, more responsive surfboards in a way that is also more environmentally responsible.

Enviornmental Responsibility

At Rozbern, we are committed to doing our part to protect nature and the environment. The current industry standard in surfboard construction is an extremely toxic process that emits tons of pollutants into the environment. There are known short and long term effects from human exposure to the materials used, including respiratory and nervous system failure and even death. Not only that, the end product may only last a month or two. And when it does break or become unrideable, it is destined for a landfill as these materials are not recyclable. At Rozbern we believe the surfers and the surf industry are ready for a change toward environmental awareness. We are committed to using materials that are not only stronger, lighter, and more durable, but also better for mother nature. Materials that can be used to make boards that will last years instead of months. And when your done it can be recycled and made into another board. These technologies and materials are slowly becoming more popular in the ‘mainstream’ surf community and will continue to grow acceptance as we push towards greener practices within our industry.

Traditional polyurethane foam (P/U) also has extreme risks to health and the environment. The health risks involved with P/U foam are most prominent during the production stage of the blanks where workers are exposed to toluene diisocyanate (TDI). TDI is an extremely toxic chemical and even short term exposure can effect the respiratory and nervous system. The shocking closure of Clark Foam in 2005 was most notably caused by lawsuits levied at the company due to the death of a worker from TDI exposure. P/U foam is also more difficult to recycle, causing most scraps and old boards to end up in the landfills.

Standard surfboards use a polyester resin that emits dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) into the atmosphere. This is not only extremely dangerous to the health of the glassers who apply the resin, but also the environment. Polyester resin also becomes more brittle over time, making it more prone to dents, dings, and breakage.

Our Surfboards

Rozbern is dedicated to making the highest performing boards in the conditions at hand, while minimizing our environmental impact. Our surfboards are constructed using expanded polystyrene foam and epoxy resins that are more eco-friendly and create a stronger, longer lasting board. The volatile emissions from epoxy resins are much less than half of their polyester counterpart and is more resistant to breaking and dinging.

While the style of surfing and riding waves has made a dramatic shift since the early days of cruising on longboards, the materials used in surfboard construction have remained the same. The modern style of rail and aerial surfing can put a lot of strain on boards. Turning the board on a rail requires the boards to flex and spring back, while aerials can lead denting and dinging of the deck from repeated, harsh landings. This, combined with the need for lighter boards, has caused traditional boards to be laminated using less fiberglass, thereby compromising their strength.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS), more commonly referred to as styrofoam, is most notably used in coffee cups and beer coolers. EPS is a lightweight foam that serves a great material for cores because of its ease in shaping and its availability in varying densities. This also allows for fine tuning in flex characteristics. While styrofoam is not biodegradable, it is easily recyclable. This allows for almost no waste, and no reason for a surfboard to end up in a landfill. Because it is so lightweight, the EPS can be laminated using more fiberglass cloth to yield a stronger board. This allows for a greater range in control over the strength to weight ratio of the board.

What You Are Supporting

The funds raised will go towards producing a line of environmentally friendly boards to display at the NJ Surf Show as well as the marketing and promoting of the event.

Rewards

PLEDGE $10 OR MORE

An assortment of die cut Rozbern stickers and an e-high five.

PLEDGE $30 OR MORE

Rozbern 'Planer' Tee Shirt- Exclusive to Kickstarter! The planer is what shapers use to turn a chunk of foam into a refined, wave-riding machine. Support your local shapers in style!

PLEDGE $60 OR MORE

Rozbern 'Planer' Hoodie- Exclusive to Kickstarter! The planer is what shapers use to turn a chunk of foam into a refined, wave-riding machine. Support your local shapers in style!

PLEDGE $75 OR MORE

Limited Edition Rozbern Print -A 20x30 print by one of our local NJ photographers. Each print will be signed and numbered.

PLEDGE $150 OR MORE

Limited Edition Framed Rozbern Print -A 20x30 print, matted and framed, by one of our local NJ photographers. Each print will be signed and numbered.

PLEDGE $200 OR MORE

Body Surfing Hand Plane- Hand planes are used to provide lift while body surfing, allowing for more speed and tons of fun! Or makes a great piece of art for the wall. Hand-shaped by John Oppito.

PLEDGE $250 OR MORE

Everything Rozbern Pack- Stickers, Rozbern 'Planer' Tee Shirt, Rozbern Hoodie, and Limited Edition Framed Print.

PLEDGE $800 OR MORE

Hand-Shaped Rozbern surfboard- Custom, environmentally friendly surfboard shaped to your specifications. Includes thruster fin set up (3 fins) and Rozbern logos. (please email first for international shipping rates)

PLEDGE $1200 OR MORE

Hand-Shaped Rozbern surfboard Including Custom Artwork- Custom, environmentally friendly surfboard shaped to your specifications. Includes choice of fin setup, Rozbern logos, and your own custom artwork! (please email first for international shipping rates)