A rare relic from surf culture’s experimental beginnings.
A rare survivor from the early days of American surf culture, this 1930s hollow wooden paddleboard offers a glimpse into a moment when surf innovation met backyard ingenuity. Built by hand and inspired by Tom Blake’s groundbreaking 1928 paddleboard design, this piece reflects a DIY spirit that spread after Blake published his plans in Popular Mechanics.

Measuring 11 feet 5 inches long, 2 feet wide, and 4 inches thick, this hollow board departs from Blake’s more hydrodynamic designs, featuring a squared-off nose and tail. With hand-set nails along the seams, a narrow wooden fin that may have been added later, and a charming whitewashed finish worn soft with time, it captures the resourceful creativity of its era.

The rustic charm and coastal coloring of this board reflect the homegrown charm of early surf design and culture—crafted not by a master shaper, but by someone driven by admiration, imagination, and access to tools. With its sculptural presence and timeworn patina, it reads as both folk art and artifact. A soulful piece of Americana, ideal for display in a beachside bungalow, design-forward retreat, or interiors that value authenticity, story, and coastal heritage.

Material: Hollow wood with whitewashed finish
Dimensions: 11'5" L x 2' W x 4" D
Era: 1930s
Construction: Handmade, square nose and tail
Condition: Vintage – Rustic and weathered, with visible age and surface character
Origin: United States

An original piece of surf history—perfect for collectors, decorators, and design lovers alike.