From The Archives: Surfing Wooden Surfboards In The Maldives

Matt and Sophie took our 5’6 Seadar wooden surfboard on their trip, at 5’6″ x 22″ x 2 5/8″ – 32.4 l the Seadar is a hollow wooden interpretation of the revitalised Bob Simmons inspired planing hull design, a light-weight board designed for speed in small-to-medium waves and down the line point break style waves.

Short, fat and wide throughout with the classic twin keel fins, the Seadar is best planked entirely in Western Red Cedar to reduce weight. It will paddle into waves easily and is a fast board, particularly in down-the-line situations.

Here are some words from Matt on his experiences:

“My heart beats fast when I remember this session and I blink and it’s gone. It was one of the best surfing days of my life; quick hollow empty tubes. It was the first time that I fell in love with this seadar. It hadn’t been my plan to surf this board on this day, but when choosing my craft she was the one that shone the brightest.

I remember holding the full round rails, stroking the nose rail, and paddling slowly back to the line up. I was praised by the men I surfed with, and they like me were surprised to see the wooden craft so alive. She was truly in her element. I learnt that day that weight is so important in scooping in early. I am not the fastest surfer, so it is to my advantage to ride a heavier board in conditions like these.”