What is the cost breakdown of a typical Balsasurfers board?
A. Balsa wood like any commercial commodity has its price raised according to political and economic influences. I recently paid 45 for a tree. Up to three trees are needed there fore the raw material could be 135. The transport of lumber from the forest and drying in kilns adds 80. So before shaping the cost is minimum 205. To shape, cut and glue a blank with a stringer cost 60. The resin, fibre glass, hand designs and polishing increases the amount to 400. Shipment by sea including documentation, export permits and VAT adds 200 to each board. Transport from the port, storage and publishing brings the total to 750 per long board. Balsa Surfer is a cooperative and has not made a profit, but Tamzen donated 1150 to Cesar Moriera last year for regular water supply to the shaping rooms in Montanita.
