In an industry long defined by hand-shaped craftsmanship, Kinaroad is quietly rewriting the rulebook. Widely regarded as one of Australia's most advanced surfboard manufacturers, the company has embraced a philosophy more akin to aerospace or automotive production than traditional board building — one grounded in precision, repeatability and data-led production systems.

This shift in mindset is not just philosophical — it's fundamental to performance. Surfboards are highly sensitive instruments where even the smallest variation can alter how they respond in the water.

"Surfboards are performance products, and even small variations in weight, flex, resin content or finish can affect how they perform," he explains. "Our systems are designed to minimise variation and ensure every board meets the same standard."

One of the most striking examples of Kinaroad's innovation is its automated surfboard sanding robot — believed to be the only one of its kind in the world. Developed to address one of the most labour-intensive and inconsistent stages of production, the robot represents a significant leap forward in manufacturing precision.

Far from replacing craftsmanship, automation at Kinaroad enhances it. By removing variability from core processes, skilled technicians can focus on refinement, speed and quality. "It moves surfboard production closer to a modern engineered manufacturing model," Cohen says. "Craftsmanship remains essential, but automation allows our people to concentrate on the areas that matter most."

Central to this production system is the KINETIX® Surfboard Epoxy range, with specific systems selected for different process requirements and finished results, including R110X, R111B and R104. Each system plays a critical role in how a board performs, processes and presents visually — from flex response and strength through to clarity and final finish.

The company is also keeping a close eye on emerging materials — from marine-based feedstocks to basalt fibres and bio-resins. This is where systems like the KINETIX® R135 Bio Based Surfboard Epoxy System become highly relevant, offering a more sustainable resin option without compromising the consistency and finished results required in advanced board manufacturing.

For surfers, the benefits are tangible, even if the manufacturing process remains unseen. "Surfers may never see how a board is made, but they feel the result," Cohen notes. "Greater precision means boards perform exactly as intended by the designer, board after board."

Kinaroad's approach has also enabled something many thought increasingly difficult: viable large-scale manufacturing in Australia. Rather than competing on labour costs, the company has focused on efficiency, innovation and automation.

Looking ahead, Cohen sees an industry in transition. "The future of surfboard manufacturing will combine craftsmanship with advanced materials, automation and digital design tools. End-of-life management is one of the industry's biggest challenges — we're continually investigating ways to recover, recycle and repurpose materials."