Traditional rimu paipo (bodyboard) shaped from 200 year old reclaimed rimu. The Deep sea explorer painted in water colors.
*Dimensions 900 mm Long x 400 mm wide x 20 mm thick.
The History of surfboards.
Although the exact origins of surfing are unclear, surfing wooden alaias, olos and paipo surfboards was witnessed back in 1767 in Tahiti.
Historians believe surfing evolved as part of ancient Polynesian culture. It was said the top surfer was also the chief of his local community.
In Hawaii, surfing was part of a rich culture in ancient times. As we know it, the sport is believed to have started in around 1200 AD, although historians say it existed in some form in Tahiti as early as 2000 BC. It wasn't a hobby, it was a way of life.
Making a surfboard was a spiritual experience and a great deal of care went into its construction. The people were interested in discovering the mysteries of the waves and taming the ocean, and the most skilled surfers were highly respected in society
