From workshop to Wave: The Story behind the Bob Bywater Surf Longboard
If you’re searching for a wooden surfboard that blends timeless style with modern performance, look no further than The Bob.
Designed and built in our Brisbane workshop, The Bob takes its inspiration from legendary surfer and shaper Robert August.
You've probably seen this legend before in a little movie called Endless Summer ,but we digress; The Bob is a board that captures the smooth, flowing feel of traditional longboarding while incorporating the lightweight strength of modern hollow wooden construction.
A Shape That Does It All
Available in 9’6” and 10’ lengths, The Bob is a versatile longboard suited to a wide range of surfers and conditions.
Featuring a rolled nose, rolled centre section and a subtle V through the tail, The Bob offers incredibly smooth rail-to-rail transitions and effortless glide. Whether you’re trimming down the line, stepping forward for a nose ride or simply enjoying the rhythm of a clean point break, this board feels right at home beneath your feet.
Built from Sustainable Paulownia Timber
Every Bob is crafted using sustainably grown Paulownia timber. Known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, Paulownia allows us to create hollow wooden surfboards that are surprisingly light, highly durable and visually stunning.
No two boards are ever exactly the same, with the natural grain and character of the timber making each Bob unique.
From Small Beach Breaks to Clean Point Waves
One of the things we love most about The Bob is its versatility.
It happily cruises through playful one-foot beach breaks yet has the capability to handle clean five-foot point waves when the swell picks up. It’s the kind of board you’ll reach for again and again, regardless of the conditions.
Build Your Own or Let Us Build It For You
The Bob is available in several formats depending on how hands-on you’d like to be.
Signature Handcrafted Board
Let our team build a fully customised Bob in our Brisbane workshop. Every board is handcrafted with care and tailored to suit your surfing style.
DIY Customised Kit
For those wanting the satisfaction of building their own wooden surfboard, our DIY kit provides everything you need to create your own Bob.
Premium Kit
Our Premium Kit includes pre-machined timbers, taking much of the preparation work out of the process while still allowing you to enjoy the building experience.
More Than Just a Surfboard
A wooden surfboard isn’t simply equipment—it’s a connection to craftsmanship, sustainability and surfing’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re chasing your next favourite longboard, looking for a rewarding build project, or simply appreciate beautifully made things, The Bob offers a surfing experience unlike any other.
Interested in learning more about The Bob or our wooden surfboard kits? We’d love to chat
