Custom wood stand up paddle boards – beauty and performance

Determining the absolute "top selling" wood stand up paddle board for 2023 presents a bit of a challenge, as specific sales figures aren't often publicly available and can vary across regions and retailers. However, I can offer some insights based on several sources:

Popular Brands and Models:

Starboard SUP: Their wood-carbon construction boards, particularly the Spice and Promodels, consistently receive high praise and are featured in many "best of" lists.
Hala Gear: The Rado is a well-loved all-around wood paddle board known for its performance and durability.
Isle Surf & SUP: Their Pioneer line offers hybrid wood-epoxy construction boards with strong reviews for versatility and stability.

Industry Awards and Recognition:

Paddle Monster SUP Awards: While 2023 award winners haven't been announced yet,Starboard and Hala boards are frequent recipients in the wood paddle board category.
SUP Magazine Annual Gear Guide: Their 2023 guide featured several wood boards,including the Starboard All Star wood and the Hala Lahui Wood as standouts.

General Trends:

Limited Market Share: Wood stand up paddle boards represent a smaller segment of the market compared to inflatable and composite boards.
Premium Pricing: Their higher price point may limit their overall sales volume compared to other options.

Custom wood stand up paddle boards are a unique and beautiful type of stand-up paddle board that are handcrafted by skilled artisans. Unlike traditional SUPs, which are typically made from foam or plastic, custom wood paddle boards are made from high-quality wood materials, such as cedar, paulownia, or bamboo. These boards are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

One of the key benefits of custom wood paddle boards is their customization options. Because they are made by hand, these boards can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the rider. Customizations can include everything from the size and shape of the board to the type of wood used, the finish, and even the addition of personalized designs or logos.

In addition to their unique appearance, custom wood paddle boards are also highly functional. They offer excellent stability and maneuverability on the water, making them a great choice for a variety of SUP activities, from recreational cruising to racing and surfing.

While custom wood paddle boards can be more expensive than traditional SUPs, many riders find that the investment is worth it for the beauty and craftsmanship of these unique boards. Plus, because they are handcrafted from high-quality materials, custom wood paddle boards are built to last and can provide many years of enjoyment on the water.

Custom wood stand up paddle boards made in the U.S.

There are several companies that make custom stand-up paddle boards in the U.S. Here are a few options:

Jarvis Boards:
Based in Austin, Texas, Jarvis Boards offers a variety of custom wood SUPs made from sustainable materials. Customers can choose from a variety of wood types and finishes, and can even add custom designs or logos to their boards.

Foote SUPs:
Located in Washington state, Foote SUPs specializes in handmade, custom wood SUPs made from a variety of wood types. Each board is crafted to the specific needs and preferences of the rider, with options for custom shapes and designs.

Shore Boards:
Since 2013, they have been building one-of-a-kind boards that are timeless in design and deliver exceptional performance.

Little Bay Boards:
Based in Michigan. Choose the ideal custom paddle board size for your weight, height, and the waters you ride.

When choosing a company to create a custom SUP, it's important to do your research and consider factors such as the company's reputation, craftsmanship, and customer service. With the right custom board, you can enjoy a unique and personalized SUP experience on the water.

Custom wood stand up paddle boards —You could call it old school—in a new way. Humans have long embraced wood for its buoyant and hardy characteristics, so it stands to reason that SUP manufacturers and do-it-yourselfers would look to this traditional material to create beautiful—and beautifully functional—boards.

These boards do not have foam cores or veneer; they’re solid wood with a hollow core. Depending on the manufacturer, these boards will vary in rib and spine structure on the inside, the core structure that gives these boards stability, support, and strength.

Custom wood stand up paddle boards are more ding resistant than other boards thanks to the thickness of the wood as compared to thin veneer covering a foam core board. The species of wood used will also provide some measure of resistance as to overall wear and tear. And bonus: these boards can be just as lightweight as their foam core cousins.

According to Paul Jensen, a long time surfer and now maker and instructor in building custom wood stand up paddle boards, these boards are unique for several reasons:

• Handling: they have a distinctive flexibility compared to foam core hard boards.
• Feel: they simply feel more alive, particularly in the surf.
• Appearance: a custom wood stand up paddle board can be strikingly beautiful.

Solarez UV Cure SUP Pro Travel Kit - Epoxy Surfboard Repair Kit

The process of building a paddle board in 4 minutes 19 seconds

Stand Up Paddle Board Construction from simon winograd on Vimeo.

Why build a custom wood stand up paddle board?

Before automation and assembly lines, there were builders in wood. There is satisfaction in crafting something using traditional materials, especially when you embrace the challenge to build something you will use and love. By building it yourself, you can customize your ride for a uniquely personal experience from start to finish—on the water!

Video below - Part 1 - building a wooden paddle board by Robinson Custom Fab and Woodworking

From North Vancouver, British Columbia, a hand crafted stand up paddle board by Kelvin Humenny.

MAKE IT YOURSELF KITS

KAHOLO SUP (kits)

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/surf_boats/kaholo-stand-up-paddleboard.html

Build in one week

• Kaholo 14
• 14 ft length
• 4-5/8 in thickness
• 29-1/2 in width at the rail
• 27-1/2 in width at the waterline
• 32 lb

Kaholo 12 ft 6 in

• 12 ft 6 in length
• 4-1/2 in thickness
• 29-3/4 in width at the rail
• 28 in width at the waterline
• 29 lb
• marine plywood
• kits include premium nonskid deck pads, breather tubes, custom laminated skegs, and manual.

Building a Kaholo Board – accelerated time frames