When’s The Right Time to Join a Wooden Surfboard Workshop?

To Make a Wooden Surfboard:

This is the most obvious answer.

Many people join us because by the end of the workshop experience they will have made a surfboard that will last, one that contains special memories and is much more eco-friendly than other options on the market.

Below you can check out the video of Ben, Chris and Eleanor’s reflections on what it was like to make their own surfboard with us…

Respite/Reset:

Some folks choose to spend 5 days with us because they have reached a moment in their career when they feel the need to step away from the rat race and try a new experience/gain new perspective, different from their day to day working lives. Whether it be a sabbatical, annual leave or retirement.

Ornella joined us back in 2023 to make a 6’10 Jetty. She had been travelling as part of a sabbatical from work, unsure of just how much time she would be taking away, she decided to add Cornwall on to her already impressive list of destinations to embrace her love of woodwork and surfing.

You can read more about her story here.

Family Time:

Over the years we have had several families and parent/child duos walk through our big blue doors to spend some quality time together. Whether making separate surfboards or working together on the same shape, 5 days experiencing the making process towards a shared goal is a special moment in amongst a busy home life.

Peter and his dad Mike made a 6’4 Woodburner and a 7’10 Clipper back in 2017 (Mike then returned a few years later with his youngest son James!)

“In terms of time with Peter, it was priceless. He is 13 and, as pointed out by my father and wife, how much longer is he going to want to do something like that with me? I had to seize the opportunity. The area is stunning and we had the luxury of time to walk, work doing something that we both enjoy, play and (to a limited extent because of the swell!) surf together.”

Big Birthdays!

We celebrate many milestones here in the workshop, usually as a result of families joining together to save for the special day.

Nick joined us back in 2022 to make his dream 7’10 Clipper, the occasion had been organised by his mum and sister as a surprise gift for his 50th.

“The most amazing 50th. I’m so grateful to my mum, sister and the Otter crew for providing such a great experience. This is not just about building a board. You get to hang out with the Otter crew who enjoy what they do and are good at it. You build the board. But they reign you in before it goes wrong. This makes it an enjoyable, stress free week. 7’10 semi gun. Always wanted to build my own board. For those big Gwithian days.”

If you would like to join us to make your own dream surfboard click here!

All of our sustainable, hollow wooden surfboards are made using wood from local, regenerative woodlands and are intended for a lifetime of waves. Custom made or make your own.