Post by Catch on Mar 15, 2016 9:21:29 GMT -6
For the CPR Challenge, the rules require a "store bought board". Homemade or DIY boards are not acceptable in nearly all kayak tournaments. Fortunately, there are some fairly inexpensive options, one is the "Hawg Trough" or similiar. These concave plastic boards help cradle the fish to make measurements less stressful for both you and the fish! 
However the Hawg Trough has two issues (1) it's doesn't float and (2) the raised 1/8 inch ridges are not marked and therefore difficult to see in photos. Both situations are easily fixable.
Making the Hawg Trough float
Here's a video on the most popular technique for making your board float.
youtu.be/kkTP25SVMz4
Another option is to get spray can of expandable foam and spray the grooves on each side underneath the board. For this technique, you'll have to wait until it's expanded and dried, then take a razor or filet knife and trim the excess foam that sticks out the bottom. But it works just as well.
Darkening the measuring lines on a Hawg Trough
Here's how to make clean lines on a plastic board
1. Get a sharpie permanent marker.
2. Use masking tape or paint tape.
3. If you're right-handed, you'll be starting from the board end and marking to the board front.
4. For each increment, put the tape on the other side of the line from where you're marking. Use the marker at a 45 degree angle on the ridge. The tape insures the tip of the marker won't make accidental marks.
Surprisingly, I couldn't find a video on this technique even though it's quite popular. If none can be found, I'll make one myself and post it.
However the Hawg Trough has two issues (1) it's doesn't float and (2) the raised 1/8 inch ridges are not marked and therefore difficult to see in photos. Both situations are easily fixable.
Making the Hawg Trough float
Here's a video on the most popular technique for making your board float.
youtu.be/kkTP25SVMz4
Another option is to get spray can of expandable foam and spray the grooves on each side underneath the board. For this technique, you'll have to wait until it's expanded and dried, then take a razor or filet knife and trim the excess foam that sticks out the bottom. But it works just as well.
Darkening the measuring lines on a Hawg Trough
Here's how to make clean lines on a plastic board
1. Get a sharpie permanent marker.
2. Use masking tape or paint tape.
3. If you're right-handed, you'll be starting from the board end and marking to the board front.
4. For each increment, put the tape on the other side of the line from where you're marking. Use the marker at a 45 degree angle on the ridge. The tape insures the tip of the marker won't make accidental marks.
Surprisingly, I couldn't find a video on this technique even though it's quite popular. If none can be found, I'll make one myself and post it.