Alaia Surfboard - Performance Model

The Alaia is a finless, thin wooden surfboard with hardly any rocker which was ridden by the ancient Hawaiians.  

The Performance Model - The performance model is designed for high performance surfing in fast or hollower waves and will surf well in the pocket and carve on steep faces. The parabolic tail shape was used in ancient Hawaiian Alaia designs and really helps the tail bite into the face of the wave like a fin on a normal board. Combined with the concave it makes the Alaia much easier to control in steeper waves. 

Surfing the Alaia – fast and fun! Without fins and being nice and flat, these boards like to trim and go fast. While it takes a little practice to get the hang of turning, you will be surprised how manoeuvrable and responsive these boards are. Sliding turns, 360° spins, speed in the tube and never-ending floaters!

Rails - the hard, sharp edge on the bottom of the rail holds the board and gives it bite in turns.

Thickness - The thin board flexes enormously and creates drive and responsiveness through turns. The flex in the board is phenomenal and you can feel it under you feet as you turn on the wave.  

Width – the ideal width of an Alaia is 16-17”. Any wider and it becomes very slippery, any thinner and its too hard to paddle.

Bottom contours - the smooth, single concave runs from the tail about 1/3 the way up the board and increases control under the back foot and prevents sliding out too much. The gentle roll from the stringer line to the rails makes for smooth transitions through turns.

Nose- the scooped nose helps prevent nosediving on steeper waves and pearling through turns.

Length – 6 - 7ft is the ideal length of an Alaia. Lighter, smaller and more advanced surfers should look for something from 6 - 6’6”. Heavier, taller and less advanced surfers should look towards 6’6” – 7ft for a board with bit more paddle power. 

Weight - finished boards generally end up between 2.5 - 3.7kg.

Materials – we use only Paulownia wood for our Alaias. Paulownia is an incredibly light hardwood with great water and rot-resistant qualities. The blank is glued up with waterproof glue, hand shaped and then oiled with linseed oil. The board will require re-oiling (simply wipe board with an oil soaked rag) every few weeks/months depending on how much you surf. Linseed oil can be easily and cheaply found ($5 a bottle) at any hardware store.

The boards are guaranteed  - if your board breaks due to a fault in the blank within 12 months, we will replace it at no cost to you.

Custom orders are also available if you would like a particular shape or size.

Freight - these boards can be sent anywhere in the world. Boards are wrapped in a layer of bubble wrap, then cardboard and are fully insured during freight.

You can also pick up the board from Coolum Beach, QLD free of charge.

Freight costs are below. Please select the correct location when ordering so the correct freight amount is added to your order.

If you live in North QLD, NT or overseas, please email us before ordering.

Pick up - $0

South East QLD & Northern NSW - $35 (including North Sydney)

Southern NSW - $45 (Southern Sydney to Vic border)

VIC - $55

SA - $60

WA - $70