DIY Redwood Surfboard

Before surfing took off in the 1950s, people who were in to the sport were forced to produce their own boards, and technology was limited. Redwood trees, common on the Pacific coast of North America, were carved and shaped into heavy but effective surfboards. Although difficult to handle, learning to surf on these antique boards can be very rewarding. With a few common tools and some access to redwood, you can construct your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Redwood plank (2 feet by 10 feet)
  • Belt sander
  • Angle grinder
  • Jig saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a solid redwood plank at a finished size of 2 feet by 10 feet and 2 inches thick.

    • 2

      Draw out the desired outline board model onto the plank. If making the common Waikiki Redwood Plank, the back edge will be square with a width of about 10 inches, with the widest point about two feet from the tip at 18 inches. Cut out this outline using a jigsaw.

    • 3

      Grind down the bottom side using an angle grinder so that you create a convex surface. With the middle untouched, grind and belt sand the edges and tip. At no point in the finished board should the thickness be less than 1 inch. From the halfway point to the tip of the board, carve the underside so that the tip will be the highest point on the board when laid flat; this will help it cut through the water.

    • 4

      Turn the board over and grind out the center, mirroring the carving done on the bottom. Create a concave surface, improving the buoyancy of the board.

    • 5

      Sand the board smooth once the desired shape has been formed. No fins were used on these boards at the time they were commonly used, but traditional screw-on fins can be used if you wish.