Last weekend we attended the first European meeting of ecological wooden surfboards, which took place on the beach of Berria. This meeting, organized independently and without commercial support, has its origins in Australia and is organized by the blog specialized in WOODEN surfboards, WOODENSURFBOARDS, and the invaluable collaboration of Sergio, from Flama surf.
Motivated by his blog’s grand reception, the Australian shaper Grant Newby decided to organize an event to bring together everyone interested in this type of surfboards. Growing interest, and disinterested support from all participants, have made possible new issues in Australia and its extension to European lands, where interest in practicing this type of hangover is gaining enthusiast every day.
During this year conference, the participants, including «UlaOla, Flama surf, Camiño do Rio, Holoowcoresurf, Playwood, Sinum surfboards, and The Williams longboarding company» exchanged knowledge about materials and production techniques, always seeking to improve the sustainability of surfboards to transform surfing into a 100% respectful sport with the environment, in this case, the ocean.
Why Wood?
Originally the surfboards, they consisted of pieces of solid wood. The most known, the «Alaia,» was used for centuries in the Pacific. These were flat boards without keels.
Later, the solid wood was replaced by «balsa» wood, with a density of 0.10 to 0.15 g / ml (100 kg / m 3 to 150 kg / m 3). It makes it lighter than cork, and the rate of renovation is one of the most optimum regarding big trees. The wood has other qualities: its excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, its low weight, its facility to glue, and the minimum movement of water between their cells.
In the middle of the last century, with the irruption of polyurethane foam and fiberglass, the use of wooden boards decreased and was practically displaced outside the global market.
During this time and thanks to work done by countless artisans from all over the world, the production techniques have been developed what implies a qualitative improvement in the quality and sustainability of the tables. This improvement has been accompanied by a greater interest from the surfing community, who find in this modality a way to return to the origins, the very essence of the slip.
At present, there are many craftsmen and more and more companies who are betting on the production of wooden surfboards; fortunately it is becoming easier to buy one of these boards.
At Ekohunters, we currently have the participation of «Sliver surf shop» led by Sergio Costa, whose work is a true reflection of contemporary eco surfboards. We hope to have the involvement of new producers soon; stay tuned!
