Hey Slyde,
The concept of this board was to make something specifically for kitesurfing. Bob already shapes an awesome board, and his stock boards work very well kite skimming, but I wanted something tweaked based on the last 5 years I have been riding ZAPS. I wanted something fast mainly for riding in flats or light chop. The stock boards weigh about 6.4 lbs with pads, and I wanted something under 5.5lbs. This board turned out to be just under 5 lbs, with pads.
What I notice most about Zaps is that Bob is a master of shaping a rail and outline on a skimboard - it seems like it should be easy, but it is not. Any little wobble, defect or imperfection in the outline is felt by the constant edge against a kite, and that translates into a less than great ride. You asked about the layup, after testing quite a number of boards out of carbon, texillium, and epoxy I found the best alternative for the majority of riding is the epoxy/glass layup. The carbon has a very stiff ride, and you can get slightly better speed and reflection, but overall it is much harder to ride and enjoy. So, I guess you know what happened to my carbon board.
Since the design focus was that I wanted more speed and mostly flat water use we went pretty light on the rocker, and no fin holes. Although, I did have a better than expected session in waist to chest high surf last week.
Honestly, this season has been so bad I am going to have to take up SUP. We have had maybe 10 - 20 knot plus days since October. Its been rough brother. Hope you are getting plenty of riding where you are.