Wood, Water, and Shape

Before foam and fiberglass, Hawaiian surfboards were shaped from wood with patient hands. A board maker still reads the grain before making the first pass, listening for the hollow whisper of a hand plane and letting the curve emerge a little at a time.

Koa is treasured for its strength, shimmer and deep connection to these islands. Cedar adds warmth and lightness. The curled shavings on this floor are not waste so much as evidence that a straight piece of timber is becoming something made for water.