Wooden Surfboards: A Timeless Ride with Natural Beauty
Wooden surfboards, often called "woodies," are more than just functional surfcraft—they are works of art. With deep roots in surfing history, they offer a blend of craftsmanship, aesthetics, and performance that sets them apart from modern foam and fiberglass boards. For surfers who appreciate tradition, sustainability, and a soulful connection to the waves, wooden surfboards provide a unique and rewarding riding experience.
Early 1930s Balsa Redwood Surfboard - https://surfingcowboys.com
Construction & Materials
Types of Wood Used
The choice of wood influences the board’s weight, strength, flex, and buoyancy. Some of the most commonly used woods include:
Paulownia – Lightweight, rot-resistant, and sustainable, making it one of the most popular choices.
Balsa – Extremely light and buoyant but requires reinforcement for durability.
Cedar (Western Red & Alaskan Yellow) – Offers a beautiful grain pattern, strength, and natural resistance to water.
Redwood – Heavier but highly durable and traditionally used in early surfboard designs.
Pine & Spruce – Used in hollow wooden boards for structure and support.
Balsa – Extremely light and buoyant but requires reinforcement for durability.
Cedar (Western Red & Alaskan Yellow) – Offers a beautiful grain pattern, strength, and natural resistance to water.
Redwood – Heavier but highly durable and traditionally used in early surfboard designs.
Pine & Spruce – Used in hollow wooden boards for structure and support.
Pro Tip: Many eco-friendly shapers use reclaimed or sustainably sourced wood to reduce environmental impact.
Construction Styles
There are three primary ways wooden surfboards are built:
Solid Wood Construction – Made from a single piece or laminated wood layers, these boards are durable but heavy—ideal for classic longboards.
Hollow Core – Features an internal wooden frame with outer wooden skin, reducing weight while maintaining strength.
Chambered Wood Design – A balance between solid and hollow construction, where chambers are carved into a solid wood blank to reduce weight.
Hollow Core – Features an internal wooden frame with outer wooden skin, reducing weight while maintaining strength.
Chambered Wood Design – A balance between solid and hollow construction, where chambers are carved into a solid wood blank to reduce weight.
Pro Tip: Hollow and chambered boards offer a lighter feel while retaining the natural flex and durability of wood.
Fiberglass & Finish
While traditional wooden surfboards were raw and untreated, modern versions are often sealed with resin, fiberglass, or varnish for added durability and water resistance.
Epoxy Resin Coating – Provides a glossy, protective finish.
Natural Oil & Beeswax Sealant – Eco-friendly and biodegradable, enhancing the natural feel of the wood.
Natural Oil & Beeswax Sealant – Eco-friendly and biodegradable, enhancing the natural feel of the wood.
Performance & Ride Experience
Buoyancy & Glide – Wooden boards float differently than foam boards, offering a smoother and more fluid ride.
Weight Considerations – Heavier than foam boards, they carry momentum well and are great for big, flowing turns.
Flex & Responsiveness – Solid wood boards tend to be stiffer, while hollow designs can have more flex, allowing for greater maneuverability.
Wave Type Suitability – Ideal for cruising small, clean waves, but some modern designs work well in performance surfing.
Weight Considerations – Heavier than foam boards, they carry momentum well and are great for big, flowing turns.
Flex & Responsiveness – Solid wood boards tend to be stiffer, while hollow designs can have more flex, allowing for greater maneuverability.
Wave Type Suitability – Ideal for cruising small, clean waves, but some modern designs work well in performance surfing.
Pro Tip: If you're used to riding a standard fiberglass board, expect a wooden board to feel more stable but slightly slower in quick turns.
Sustainability & Environmental Benefits
Compared to traditional surfboards made with polyurethane (PU) foam and toxic resins, wooden surfboards are often considered a greener alternative.
Biodegradable & Sustainable – Many wooden boards are made from reclaimed, sustainably sourced, or fast-growing woods like paulownia.
No Harmful Chemicals – Some builders use natural finishes instead of fiberglass and resin.
Durability = Less Waste – Wooden boards last longer than foam boards, reducing landfill waste.
No Harmful Chemicals – Some builders use natural finishes instead of fiberglass and resin.
Durability = Less Waste – Wooden boards last longer than foam boards, reducing landfill waste.
Pro Tip: Look for boards from eco-conscious shapers who prioritize low-impact materials and sustainable craftsmanship.
Care & Maintenance
Wooden surfboards require a bit more care than their foam counterparts to maintain their longevity.
Rinse After Every Session – Saltwater and sand can degrade the finish over time.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure – UV rays can warp the wood or cause cracking—store your board in the shade or use a board bag.
Regular Waxing & Oiling – If your board has an oil finish, reapply natural oils (like linseed or tung oil) periodically to keep the wood sealed.
Check for Dings – Waterlogged wood is harder to repair than foam, so fix any cracks or chips as soon as possible.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure – UV rays can warp the wood or cause cracking—store your board in the shade or use a board bag.
Regular Waxing & Oiling – If your board has an oil finish, reapply natural oils (like linseed or tung oil) periodically to keep the wood sealed.
Check for Dings – Waterlogged wood is harder to repair than foam, so fix any cracks or chips as soon as possible.
Pro Tip: If damage occurs, use wood-based epoxy or marine-grade resin for repairs to maintain the board’s integrity.
Cost & Availability
Higher Price Tag – Due to the handcrafted nature and premium materials, wooden surfboards are more expensive than standard foam boards.
Custom Orders & Shapers – Many wooden boards are handmade by specialized craftsmen, offering the option for personalized designs.
Limited Availability – They are less common in surf shops, so finding a wooden board often requires ordering from a boutique shaper.
Custom Orders & Shapers – Many wooden boards are handmade by specialized craftsmen, offering the option for personalized designs.
Limited Availability – They are less common in surf shops, so finding a wooden board often requires ordering from a boutique shaper.
Pro Tip:If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind surfboard, go custom—it’s an investment in craftsmanship and surf history.
Where to Find Wooden Surfboards
Some of the most well-known wooden surfboard shapers include:
Grain Surfboards (USA) – Specializing in hollow wooden surfboards, DIY kits, and eco-conscious craftsmanship. https://grainsurfboards.com
Firewire TimberTek – A blend of wood veneer with high-performance construction, offering modern performance with natural aesthetics. https://www.firewiresurfboards.com
Roy Stuart Surfboards (New Zealand) – Ultra-premium, hand-shaped wooden boards with intricate designs. http://www.roystuart.biz
Tom Wegener Surfboards (Australia) – Known for wooden alaias and traditional-style boards. https://www.tomwegenersurfboards.com/models/alaia
Firewire TimberTek – A blend of wood veneer with high-performance construction, offering modern performance with natural aesthetics. https://www.firewiresurfboards.com
Roy Stuart Surfboards (New Zealand) – Ultra-premium, hand-shaped wooden boards with intricate designs. http://www.roystuart.biz
Tom Wegener Surfboards (Australia) – Known for wooden alaias and traditional-style boards. https://www.tomwegenersurfboards.com/models/alaia
Pro Tip: Some brands offer DIY wooden surfboard kits, allowing you to build your own board—a great way to truly connect with your craft.
Why Ride a Wooden Surfboard?
Timeless Aesthetic – Each board is unique, with beautiful wood grain patterns.
Durability & Longevity – Can last decades if well cared for.
Smooth, Glidey Ride – Perfect for soul surfing and clean, flowing waves.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – A greener alternative to foam surfboards.
Connection to Surfing’s Roots – A throwback to the original surfboards of Hawaii & Polynesia.
Durability & Longevity – Can last decades if well cared for.
Smooth, Glidey Ride – Perfect for soul surfing and clean, flowing waves.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – A greener alternative to foam surfboards.
Connection to Surfing’s Roots – A throwback to the original surfboards of Hawaii & Polynesia.
If you’re looking for a ride with history, soul, and sustainability, a wooden surfboard is the perfect choice for your quiver!
