Balsa Surfboard History

Wooden Surfboards were originally made of hard and heavy woods such as Redwood, Cedar or Wili Wili. These Surfboards weighed up to 60 kg and so were difficult to travel with or transport.

In 1932 the heavier woods were combined with light Balsa wood. Through this, wooden surfboards became much lighter, easier to handle and in consequence surfing became more popular.

With the invention of fibreglass during the Second World War, Balsa surfboards revolutionised the surf community dramatically. The combination of light Balsa wood with the hollow surfboard production technique of surfer legend Tom Blake, made the surfboards much lighter, more manoeuvrable, and easier to surf.

The first surfboard made entirely of Balsa wood probably dates back to 1940 and pioneer shapers such as legendary surfers Bob Simmons, Velzy, Joe Quigg and Matt Kivlin.

In the 1950`s, Balsa wood was the most popular material for creating surfboards, the most recognisable commercial shapers at the time being Hobie, Velzy, Jacobs and Sweet.

In the Sixties, foam revolutionised surfboard manufacturing worldwide, as Balsa had done back in the 40s

But Balsa wood surfboards never disappeared from the surf scene, due to their beautiful look, strength and good buoyancy.

In 2005, when the world’s biggest foam factory «Clark Foam»  had to close its doors as a result of the environmental pollution it had been causing for many years, surfers became more conscious of the harmful impact their wave toys were causing.

Especially since that day, wooden surfboards have been experiencing a revival, as they are made of long-lasting, renewable and biodegradable blank material, which helps to reduce the pollution of the ocean, the place surfers love so much.