# Portable Puzzle Surfboards Max Robotham's 3D-Printed Surfboard Design Can Be Easily Collapsed By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-07-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfboard-design References: [3dprint](http://3dprint.com/81630/3d-printed-surfboard-jigsurf/) The average size of a surfboard makes the water sport inaccessible for some, simply because the logistics of carrying around a surf board design of that size is just plain inconvenient. But industrial design student Max Robotham wasn't about to let [surfboard design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proflex-technology) conventions of the past stand between him and the waves. With the aid of [3D printing technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-carbon-cello), Robotham was able to craft an amazing surfboard that's like a giant puzzle. The board is constructed from 48 separate puzzle-like pieces, forming a board that stands about six feet tall. Two kinds of joints are used to keep all the [separate pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elio) in place, including pieces that interlock, as well as a high tensile steel cable that strings through the edges of the board for maximum support. Since the board can be easily dismantled away from the sea, transporting a long, heavy board is no longer an obstacle. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **3D Printing in Surfboard Design:** The use of 3D printing technology in surfboard design allows for modular and collapsible surfboards, solving the problem of portability. - **Modular Design in Sports Equipment:** The incorporation of puzzle-like pieces and joints in sports equipment design offers the ability to easily disassemble and transport otherwise bulky items like surfboards. - **Smart Materials and Reinforcement Mechanisms:** The use of high tensile steel cables as reinforcement in surfboard design showcases the potential of smart materials for increased strength and support. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Equipment Manufacturing:** Sporting goods manufacturers can explore the use of 3D printing and modular design to create innovative and portable equipment for various water sports. - **Materials and Components Manufacturing:** Companies in the materials and components manufacturing industry can invest in the development of advanced smart materials and reinforcement mechanisms for applications in sports equipment design. - **Outdoor Retail and Rental:** Outdoor retail and rental businesses can benefit from offering portable and modular sports equipment, such as collapsible surfboards, to meet the needs of adventure-seeking customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco-Friendly 3D-Printed Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paradoxal-surfboards.md) - [Biotech-Informed Surfboard Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battboard-electric-surfboard.md) - [Modular Electric Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-electric-surfboard.md) - [Hybrid Electric Surfer Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scubajet-hybridboard.md) - [Modular Electric Surfboard Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyclemate-electric-surfboard.md) - [3d-Printed Retail Suitcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-3d-printed-suitcase.md) - [Multipurpose Modular Watersports Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watersports-board.md) - [Fun-Filled Inflatable Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-board.md) - [Collapsible Carbon Fiber Kayaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/packable-kayak.md)