Info

surf handplanes
MATERIALS
Hand crafted and sculpted from various woods.

The handplanes are all individually shaped from various types of wood. The wood has been chosen for its ability to be hand-crafted as well as its characteristics when immersed in salt water.

Due to the organic nature of the wood each handplane is unique. Some of the woods I use are heavier which will influence how thick or thin I make the handplane, but the basic shapes stay the same.

SHAPES
The surf handplanes come in two main shapes but custom shapes can be ordered.

: : Fish tail
: : Rounded tail

Both of these board shapes work well in a wide range of surf and waves.

The choice of tail shape is more of a personal preference, either shape is fully functional. Whereas the bottom of the handplane is what really makes it work. I use a concave running through the centre of the board that blends into the rails for a smooth release. It is the combination of these features that allows you to get on the plane, change direction, or stall your body into the steeper part of the wave or barrel.

HANDLE
The handle is integral to the overall performance, as it also helps with control. I really wanted the handplane to be comfortable and functional, working well with your natural swim stroke. After experimenting for almost two years with different designs and cut outs I now use a specially designed strap that really works well. The webbing is soft and does not cut into your hands. It also allows you to change hands easily and lets you swim with your hand in its natural position. In fact, rather than hinder, it actually helps to power you through the water and gives your upper body a real workout too.

CATCHING WAVES
To make the most of the waves it really helps to be right on the peak and if you can sink your body into the wave before paddling, you’ll get a much better entry into the wave. Timing, as in surfing, is imperative.

Body position also plays a major role in how you project down the face of the wave. By twisting your body so that the back of your shoulders are against the wave you can trim across the face rather than just going straight down the wave.

LEFT OR RIGHT?
If you are going left on a wave, have the handplane on your left hand and if you’re going right on a wave, have the handplane on your right hand. The simple yet sturdy strap allows for very quick and easy transfer between hands.

FINS
Swim fins are really important and the power they produce will make all the difference to whether you catch a wave or not. Remember the handplane floats but it is not a buoyancy aid so the fins will help you to tread water as well as catch waves. In a strong rip fins make life a lot easier.

I personally like DaFiN or Viper fins, but you should always try them on before ordering as all the fins fit differently and some will feel far more comfortable than others depending on your own foot shape.

The Vipers are heavier and have tons of drive and really hold your legs in the face of the wave.

The new DaFiNs have a very soft foot area and great rails, again with loads of drive. You can see why they are the choice of some of the top body surfers.

The fins are not cheap but they are a great investment, fin savers are a must. You can also wear neoprene socks as well if you wish.

WETSUIT
A good wetsuit is actually really important. You are submersed in the water much more than a surfer or bodyboarder so staying warm and not getting cramp is important. Also - as you are using your whole body to surf - a good fit is vital.

CARE
Take good care of your handplane. After use towel dry your handplane then allow it to dry naturally. Don’t leave it on a heater or radiator - this will cause the wood to dry out too quickly and could lead to cracking. The handplanes have been pre-oiled but should be oiled with raw tung oil between surfs to keep them at their best (think of it like waxing your surfboard).