PART II: How to make an oversized board-based race costume
For image prep and intro to board printing, please read:
Well, you now have your board. How do you transform this into an actual wearable costume, and to **gasp** actually run in it?
Disclaimer: Well, let’s get the bad news out of the way-- running in a board costume is not comfortable. But I’m guessing that if you’re reading this, you dgaf about comfort. Just be prepared that running holding a board and having one attached to you will change your running gait and posture. The board might hit your knees with every step, your arms might feel locked up, your traps might get sore. It is what it is, just a small price for deciding to look ridiculous.
Second disclaimer: !!!DO NOT BE A DICK!!! You are planning on running a (most likely popular) race with a giant board. There are a lot of other runners on the road so swear to me that you will run with etiquette, respect, and awareness. You don’t want to accidentally poke someone in the eye with the corner of the board because all of a sudden you had to stop to change the music on your phone, and then runDisney might start banning board costumes. Use hand signals for stopping and walking breaks, do not weave people extensively on course, cover the corners with your hands if you’re passing someone really close. Be aware of the space you and your costume are taking up. Don’t be That Guy.
Third disclaimer: The reason why I have shitty progress photos is because I do all of this last-minute and these methods are the product of me winging it and figuring it out on the fly, so I don't really have nice planned photos of this.
Anyways, there are two easy ways to make a board into a “costume”:
The Handle Method
Where you run by carrying the board in front of you using handles in the back that are attached to the back of the board.
You will need:
- 2 grout smoother or grout floats
- double-sided mounting tape (I prefer Gorilla brand)
- extra duct tape
Pros:
No jiggling/bouncing, more range of motion for arms because you can adjust how close/far you’re carrying the board. Easy to hand off to other people if they want to post with the costume.
Cons:
You’re not entirely hands-free, and always have to be carrying something.
A lot of different types of grout floats out there. Best to go with the sturdier ones made of wood and plastic. Don't go for the flimsy metal ones.
Get two flat and light grout tile smoothers (which in writing this, found out that they're called "grout floats") from a hardware store, preferably ones where the handles feel comfortable in your hands. After figuring out the right and comfortable placement for your handles, use heavy duty double sided mounting tape to attach the handles onto the board. Then as extra backup, secure the outer surface of the handle bases with duct tape.
You can see the "handles" in the bottom center square.
The Backpack Method
Where you stick a backpack to the board and wear the whole thing backwards, in front on your chest.
You will need:
- a small backpack with normal straps
- double-sided mounting tape (I prefer Gorilla brand)
- extra duct tape
Pros:
Can switch to carrying the board on your back since it’s a backpack for comfort. Better for longer runs.
Cons:
May jiggle or bounce uncomfortable since it’s not directly attached to you. Chest area will feel constricted.
Get a small empty backpack (do not use drawstring, we're looking for good arm straps.) I use a small Camelbak with the water bladder taken out but I've also used a $6 kid's backpack from Ross. The key thing is to have the plainest pack that has a nice flat front surface. Wear the backpack backwards so it's in front of you. Adjust straps and height, and do this in front of the mirror to determine placement of where your board goes. The top of the board should be at around clavicle height, leaving enough room for it to bounce up without hitting your chin. Cover the front face of the backpack with heavy duty double sided tape. Attach the now-taped sticky backpack front to the board. Then tape down the backpack part in a nice asterisk shape.
And there's plenty of room to jazz it up! This is just a base, after all. I've graduated onto adding more pizazz like adding scent to the costume, and installing EL-wires for glowing effects.
Voila! It’s going to suck running like this, but it will still be somehow fun.