8' Hollow Wood Square Tail Funboard — A Tribute to the Classics

Every once in a while, a board project is less about performance and more about honoring where surfing came from — while still building something that belongs in the water, not just on the wall.

That was the spirit behind this 8' hollow wood square tail funboard.

I wanted to create a board that paid tribute to the classic era of surfing — not with foam and glass, but with the natural beauty and feel of wood. At the same time, I wanted it to be surfed — not just admired. The materials and details reflect that blend of craftsmanship and function.

At its core, this board is built around a Paulownia skeleton frame, giving it lightweight strength and natural flex. The skin is a combination of Redwood and Paulownia planks, carefully selected and shaped to follow the flow of the outline. The result is a board that feels alive — not stiff or overbuilt, but with just enough flex to move with the wave.

The rails on this board are shaped to match the spirit of the era — boxy 50/50 rails that provide both lift and smooth transitions. They give the board excellent glide and trim, making it forgiving and flowy — perfect for the kind of surfing this board was built for.

I paired it with a custom single fin, also crafted from Paulownia and Redwood — designed specifically for this board. The fin has a subtle flex pattern tuned to drive through turns while offering just enough forgiveness to cut cleanly through Santa Cruz kelp beds — a nod to the conditions these boards were born to ride.

For the details:

• Custom CNC-cut Walnut leash plug — designed to complement the board’s aesthetic, but also practical: it incorporates a Gore-Tex membrane vent to handle the internal air pressure of the hollow body.
• Glassed with a single layer of 4 oz E-glass on both deck and bottom — enough to protect the wood and give it a modern wear layer without hiding its natural beauty.
• Entropy bio-based epoxy resin — staying consistent with the spirit of sustainability that a wood board deserves.

The square tail gives this board a bit more release and maneuverability than a traditional pin, making it a joy to surf on smaller, cruisy days. It paddles like a dream, trims beautifully, and brings a different energy to the lineup — one that turns heads and sparks conversation.

For me, this board is about slowing down, appreciating craftsmanship, and remembering that sometimes the simplest designs can be the most timeless. It’s a tribute to the classic days of surfing — but built to be ridden today.