Balsa — Living Heritage

I source the finest timbers available — Ecuadorian and New Guinean balsa, Western Red and Australian cedars — to create a limited number of balsa boards each year.

Balsa has deep roots in surfing’s heritage.

It is a sustainable, fast-growth timber, chosen not only for tradition, but for performance.

Over decades of experimentation I’ve developed unique construction techniques that bring the natural properties of the wood to life. Timber is bent and glued under tension, imparting a resonance much like a guitar, cello or violin. The result is a board that feels alive underfoot — effortless glide, natural momentum, and a smooth harmonic flow through the water.

Each board is hollow-chambered, removing around 60% of the mass. The internal airspace creates buoyancy that offsets the inherent weight of timber, giving surprising paddle power and sensitive response.

As a shaper and designer first and foremost, I draw on more than 50 years of professional shaping experience. Every balsa board is a one-off creation — handcrafted, cutting-edge in performance, yet carrying timeless classic lines.

In tribute to fine musical instruments, each board is finished with an inlaid Mother of Pearl logo. These are not just surfboards, but lasting works of functional art — built to be ridden, loved, and passed down through generations.

Lifetime boards.

By custom order only.