This original Dave Sweet surfboard, circa early 1960s, is a rare piece of California surf history. Sweet, a local Santa Monica surfer and pioneer in foam surfboard production, helped usher in the transition from heavy wooden boards to lighter, more maneuverable foam designs.

At first glance, this board appears to be wood—but it’s actually an early foam board with a hand-painted woodgrain finish. The warm brown hue comes from natural aging: early foam lacked the UV-protective additives found in later blanks, resulting in the signature sun-burnished tone prized by collectors today. Fully original from paint to fin, this board is a striking example of innovation meeting style at the dawn of modern surfing.

Dave Sweet’s contribution to surfing history can’t be overstated. While balsa and redwood boards once ruled the waves, Sweet was among the first to embrace polyurethane foam blanks—dramatically changing the sport. This example captures that transitional moment, blending the visual appeal of wood with the progressive performance of foam. Collectors and historians consider early Sweet boards to be cornerstones of West Coast surf culture, especially in such well-preserved condition.

Shaper: Dave Sweet, Santa Monica, California
Era: Circa Early 1960s
Construction: Early foam with woodgrain painted finish
Length: 
Condition: All original, surface wear consistent with age
Fin: Original single fin
Features: Hand-painted wood appearance, original graphics