Would you pay half of a million dollars for a surfboard? New Zealand–based shaper Roy Stewart hopes so. He specializes in handmade, hydrodynamically advanced (and some would say astronomically priced) wooden surfboards, sleek designs that are as much works of art on water as they are tools designed for riding.
Operating on a similar principle to parabolic skis, these organic designs emphasize speed, efficiency, and syncing with the ocean’s waves. A thin, low construction offers flexibility while a narrow tail provides ease of navigation and control. The boards are environmentally friendly, handcrafted in New Zealand and sourced from local Paulownia wood. In short, they represent something of a status symbol, yet one that won’t get you laughed out of the water (as, say, a Gucci surfboard might.)
A passionate proponent of olo surfing (“olo” is an extra-long surfboard famously used by Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, aka The Big Kahuna, The Father Of Modern Surfing, The Duke), Roy aspires to maintain a maverick philosophy with a staunch anti-corporate stance and uncompromising craftsmanship.
While his self-promotion may strike some in the surfing community as a wee bit shameless — Roy somewhat infamously deemed his own Makaha design “Surfboard of the Year” in 2010 — it’s tough to knock the integrity and beauty of his work. Naturally pliant and soulfully resonant, the boards score high on the aesthetic, functionality, and one-with-the-ocean spirituality scales.
For those with woodworking skills (or a lot of free time on their hands), Roy sells detailed design plans so you can DIY your very own Ghost, Duke, Fish, Waikiki, Phantom, or Dragon board in the comfort of your own garage, or, preferably, breezy beachfront woodshop. And if you’re feeling flush you can also purchase a custom board on his website. While the Dow might not be up most days, somewhere, the surf certainly is.
Take New Zealand’s North Island, for example. With kilometers of coastline and warm water temperatures nearly year-round, it’s a true surf paradise. While the west can be pretty wild, the east coast has a variety of breaks that will appeal to all levels — not to mention spectacular scenery. The main attraction at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers may be golf, but the legendary surf spot Waimarama Beach is but a half hour’s drive away — and plenty of more secluded beaches, even closer.
All images courtesy of Roy Stewart.
Like this feature? Subscribe to our RSS or follow us on Tumblr, Facebook or Twitter.
© 2010-2011. TABLET TALK IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TEAM AT TABLET.
