Build a Balance Board
Balance boards are becoming a popular way to build core strength and balancing skills. By trying to stand on an unstable surface, you exercise the parts of your body and your brain that control balance. If you want one but don't have $100 to spend, simply build your own!
Steps
- Figure out what size board you want. This will depend mostly on how tall you are. The board should be long enough so that you can have a wide, shoulder-width stance while riding it. It should also be wide enough so that your feet won't hang off the sides. Around 33" by 14" is good.
- Purchase a piece of 3/4" plywood big enough to cut down to the size you want the board to be with some extra. Also purchase some large diameter, (5" to 7 is good), thick walled PVC or ABS pipe. It should be long enough to fit the width of your board, and strong enough that it does not flex easily, since you will be putting your weight on it.
- Cut the plywood to size, and the PVC, if needed.
- Using the excess plywood, cut 2 pieces, each about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} wide and 14 inches (width of board) long.
- Secure these two pieces at either end of the board, on the same side of the board, for stoppers. Use these for safety if you think you will hurt yourself, otherwise you don't need them. These will help the board not slip off the end of the pipe while riding.
- Lay the pipe on the floor and place the board on top of it. Put on a safety helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads. Again, you only need these if you think you might get hurt. Step on the board carefully, (using a chair or someone's shoulder for support, at least the first few times), and test your balance!
- Finished.
Tips
- Be sure you get THICK pipe. PVC is generally stronger than ABS.
- Wrap rubber or traction tape around the pipe in two spots, a few inches from the edges. Adding a strip around in the middle won't hurt. Be sure all are equal thickness to keep the board level.
- Drill pilot holes before driving wood screws.
- While at the hardware shop, try to pick up some rubber-like window sealing tape or hockey tape. Use this around the pipe to give it some grip on smoother surfaces. This should help provide more traction.
Warnings
- Do not try tricks that are too advanced for you.
- Always wear your safety gear, consisting of helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, while riding a balance board.
- Only ride your homemade balance board in an open area. Make sure there is enough room to fall off of it safely.
- The PVC should roll underneath the board but not away from it because of the stoppers. Nevertheless, sudden, jerky movements could result in the board becoming separated from the pipe, so be careful.
Things You'll Need
- 3/4" Plywood
- PVC pipe
- Wood Screws (or other fasteners such as PVA Wood Glue)
- Hockey Tape or Window Seal(optional)
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