The Story behind the Story - why Wooden Surfboards
Long before fibreglass and foam ruled the waves, the first surfers across Hawaii and the Polynesian Islands carved their joy from solid slabs of timber. Those early boards were heavy, raw, and pure — but they carried the heartbeat of surfing itself.
At Bywater Surf, we’re proud to keep that spirit alive. In our sunny Brisbane workshop, we gather people from all walks of life to build something real — handcrafted wooden surfboards made from sustainably grown timber, shaped by hand, and infused with story.
While modern materials have made boards lighter and faster, many surfers are now rediscovering what those first riders knew: timber brings something special to the experience.
A wooden board glides differently. It hums with the energy of the ocean — smooth, solid, and full of life.
We started building these boards out of pure curiosity and love for craftsmanship. Over time, it became something bigger — a way to reconnect people with the art of making, the rhythm of slowing down, and the joy of creating something lasting.
Building Boards by Hand
Each class begins with simple materials: paulownia ribs and rails that form the skeleton of the board, layered with carefully matched timber skins. Some builders add thin pinstripes of western red cedar for contrast — red and chocolate tones dancing against creamy paulownia grain.
As the hours roll by, the scent of sawdust fills the air, and the shape begins to emerge — soft curves, clean lines, and the promise of waves.
There’s something grounding about it.
No screens, no distractions — just timber, tools, and patience.
By the end of the four days, what started as a pile of planks becomes a surfboard that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Watching each person paddle out for their first surf is something special. There’s always that look — a mix of pride, awe, and disbelief that they actually built it.
And yes, these boards turn heads. Take one to the beach and prepare for questions. People notice the craftsmanship — the grain, the glow, the difference.
Our wooden surfboards aren’t just a nod to the past — they’re a promise to the future. We use plantation-grown timber, hand-selected for strength, beauty, and sustainability. Each board is designed to last a lifetime, ride beautifully, and tread lightly on the planet.
In a world of mass-produced plastic, building your own board is an act of connection — to craft, to nature, and to yourself.
'The Bywater Way'
We believe surfing is more than sport — it’s story, salt, and soul. And when you ride something made with your own hands, that story deepens.
Our wooden surfboard workshops in Brisbane are all about rediscovering that connection — with wood, with the ocean, and with the simple joy of making.
It’s not just about the wave you catch.
It’s about the board beneath your feet — shaped by you, guided by us, and built to last.
