Balsa wood

The core of our surfboards, and therefore their main element, is Balsa wood (Ocroma Pyramidale). Balsa is the ligh- test wood of all and was already used as a transport float in South America 1000 years before the Inka Empire. This plant is one of the fastest growing species, reaching a height of up to 10 meter and a diameter of 20-25 cm within 3-4 years.

The Balsa wood we use comes from a family farm, situated in the costal region of Ecuador. The head of the farm and family is Don Zandoval. The Balsa trees are planted in a sustainable mixed cultivation program together with bananas, yuca and beans.

The production of «foamblanks» has an extremely negative effect on the envi- ronment. This is caused by the use of materiels (Polyurethane or Polystyrene) which are produced from fossil fuels (mineral oil), as well as by the emission of carcinogen substances during the pro- duction process. Added to this, produc- tion requires a great deal of energy, producing a lot of Carbon Dioxide. More- over, the final product can hardly be recycled.

By contrast, Balsa wood is a fast growing, sustainable and recyclable raw material, producing no toxic substances. Therefore it can safely be said, that the use of Balsawood is a sustainable method of producing surfboard blanks.