Mat, Martin and James’s Wooden Surfboard Workshop Experience

There was a familiar face you may recognise, who joined us as we all enjoyed our first coffee in the sun on Monday. Mat, who used to work with us here at Otter, providing much of the written and visual content over the past 10 years, and who was an integral part of establishing the brand, would be returning for the week to make his own 9’7’’ custom longboard. The design of which Mat had asked us to create, taking inspiration from a classic shape he had had his eye on, when dreaming of his perfect wooden surfboard. 

Mat lives locally and runs Hailer Media, a digital marketing company. So we still see him from time to time, but it was special to have him in for the week to properly reconnect and enjoy his company. Mat is a passionate surfer with a great knowledge of the cultural and historical story of surfing, he brought a bright energy to the workshop and he was right at home, shaping away on the front trestles.

One workspace over, Martin who had joined us from Bath, was making a 9’1 Wicket, our performance mal, which is aimed at longboarders who like a high level of manoeuvrability. Martin spent the week staying in his van onsite, open to the elements, with a sea view and surrounded by the stunning scenery just outside Porthtowan.

This was pretty far removed from Martin’s city lifestyle in Bath, where he works as a product designer, and his local break, Bristol’s ‘The Wave’. Luckily there were some natural waves about for the week and he managed to sneak a couple of surfs at the beach before heading back up country.

We are always stoked to find out how workshoppers come to the decision to make their own wooden surfboards, and for James on the third set of trestles it was an easy one, it was a surprise 50th birthday present! Joining us from Dorset for the week, James made a 7’4’’ Island Hopper, a perfect board for catching lots of waves and a good all rounder, which he had chosen with the aim of progressing his surfing.

There was a relaxed vibe throughout the week, with conversation flowing freely, it was a lot of fun sharing stories alongside seeing 3 new wooden surfboards coming to life.

Thanks so much to James, Mat and Martin, we can’t wait to see you all soon for the first surf!

If you would like to join us to make your own wooden surfboard, click here…