The surprising history of surfboard design: From alaias to asymmetricals
- The origins: Alaias and ancient Hawaii (pre-1900s)
- The wooden era: Solid and hollow boards (1900s–1940s)
- The foam revolution: Lightweight and maneuverable (1950s–1960s)
- The twin fin and thruster era (1970s–1980s)
- Fiberglass ferraris: Performance boards take over (1980s–2000s)
- Alternative shapes, foamies and the retro revival (2010s–present)
- The rise of asymmetricals: Function over symmetry (2010s–present)
- What comes next?
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A sepia-toned vintage photo shows a Hawaiian man standing proudly on the shore with a traditional wooden surfboard
The origins: Alaias and ancient Hawaii (pre-1900s)
Long before modern materials and shaping techniques, there were alaias.
These thin, finless, round-nosed boards were crafted by the ancient Hawaiians from local woods like koa. Alaias were typically between 6 and 12 feet long and required incredible skill to ride.
They had no rocker (the upward curve of a board’s nose and tail) and their flat design demanded precise foot placement and balance.
Surfing was deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture with different boards used by different social classes. Chiefs often rode the longest boards, known as olo. Commoners used the shorter alaias.
These boards weren’t just sporting equipment. They were expressions of identity, spirituality and status too.
Key takeaways
Alaias were early, finless surfboards made from solid wood
Riders needed incredible balance and finesse
Different designs reflected social class in Hawaiian society
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A black and white photo shows a man in board shorts standing confidently in front of a row of early surfboards
The wooden era: Solid and hollow boards (1900s–1940s)
As surfing spread beyond Hawaii in the early 20th century, the boards began to evolve.
Solid wood boards, often made from redwood, were heavy and cumbersome... some weighing over 50 kilograms! They worked but had serious limitations when it came to manoeuvrability.
In the 1930s, Tom Blake revolutionised surfboard design by creating the first hollow board.
By drilling holes into a solid board and sealing it with a thin layer of wood, he significantly reduced the weight. Blake also added a fin (or skeg) to help with directional control.
This marked a pivotal moment in board performance.
His innovations made surfing more accessible and set the stage for further experimentation and expansion.
Key takeaways
Redwood boards were heavy and hard to control
Tom Blake’s hollow board design reduced weight drastically
The addition of a fin improved turning and control
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A man stands barefoot in the sand with a shortboard and looks out at the waves
The foam revolution: Lightweight and maneuverable (1950s–1960s)
The 1950s and 60s brought a seismic shift with the introduction of polyurethane foam and fiberglass.
These materials allowed for boards that were not only lighter but also easier to shape. This era saw the birth of the “shortboard revolution”.
Shapers like Bob McTavish and George Greenough pushed the boundaries, creating boards that allowed surfers to perform radical maneuvers. The classic longboard, stable and graceful, gave way to shorter boards designed for speed, agility and high-performance turns.
The leash/legrope also came into play around this time, allowing surfers to take more risks without constantly chasing their boards to shore.
Suddenly, surfing was becoming faster and more dynamic.
Key takeaways
Foam and fiberglass replaced heavy woods
Shorter boards led to the shortboard revolution
Surfers embraced more aggressive, high-energy styles
Leashes allowed for riskier, more progressive surfing
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A surfer in a wetsuit and competition shirt performs a dynamic cutback on a clean left-hand wave
The twin fin and thruster era (1970s–1980s)
In the late 1970s, Australian surfer Mark Richards introduced the twin fin design.
This setup gave a looser, skate-like feel and opened up new lines on the wave.
Then came Simon Anderson’s breakthrough: the three-fin “thruster” in 1981.
The thruster offered a powerful balance of speed, control and responsiveness. It caught on fast and became the standard for high-performance surfing around the world. Technological innovation played a growing role here.
Shapers began using CAD tools and eventually CNC machines to refine their templates and shapes. The ability to consistently reproduce designs gave rise to performance tuning at an elite level.
Key takeaways
Twin fins allowed for loose, fluid surfing
The thruster delivered speed and control in one package
Simon Anderson’s design still dominates modern surfboard setups
Precision shaping tools began transforming surfboard design
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A young child in a wetsuit walks along the beach in the morning with a surfboard
Fiberglass ferraris: Performance boards take over (1980s–2000s)
Following the success of the thruster, the 1980s through early 2000s became a golden era for high-performance shortboards.
These sleek, finely-tuned machines were built for power surfing, aerials and pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a wave.
Designs became more refined and tailored to elite-level competition. Rockers increased, tails got narrower and rails sharper.
These boards required skill but offered unmatched responsiveness. Top pros rode boards that worked best in perfect waves, often at the expense of accessibility for the everyday surfer.
Still, their influence was massive. Every grom/grem (young surfer in Australian and American slang) and garage shaper wanted to emulate the boards seen in surf films and on the surfing world tour.
Key takeaways
Performance shortboards dominated surf culture
Designs focused on speed, control and responsiveness
Pro-level boards became aspirational but not always beginner-friendly
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A mother and her two children sit on a surfboard in shallow water and smile at the camera
Alternative shapes, foamies and the retro revival (2010s–present)
As surfing matured, many looked to the past for inspiration.
The 2010s till now brought a revival of retro shapes: fish boards, single fins and mini-Simmons reappeared in lineups around the world.
These designs offered a different experience on the wave. Instead of high-performance tricks, they emphasised flow, glide and creativity.
It was about the feeling rather than the flash. They quickly became the "thinking person's surfboard".
This era also saw a renewed respect for craftsmanship. Surfers began to seek out hand-shaped boards and unique designs that stood out from mass-produced models.
Technology kept evolving too. Board builders started experimenting with sustainable materials like recycled EPS foam, paulownia wood, bio-resins and flax fiber.
The first eco-conscious surfboards entered the market, responding to growing concerns over environmental impact.
At the same time, soft-top boards (commonly called foamies) started appearing in surf schools.
These boards featured a soft outer layer and forgiving design, making them ideal for beginners. While not designed for advanced performance or eco-friendliness, they opened the door for more people to enter the sport safely and with confidence.
Key takeaways
Retro shapes made a strong comeback
These boards prioritized glide and creativity
Craftsmanship and uniqueness became more valued by surfers
Sustainability started influencing board materials
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Two men walk along the beach in board shorts and Lycra shirts, one carrying a shortboard, the other a mini Malibu
The rise of asymmetricals: Function over symmetry (2010s–present)
One of the most intriguing developments in modern board design is the asymmetrical surfboard. These boards break the traditional idea that both sides must be identical.
They’re engineered to suit the different mechanics of frontside and backside turns. That means different rail lengths, fin placements and tail shapes on each side.
And the result? A board that performs uniquely well in both directions.
Carl Ekstrom pioneered the concept decades ago, but it’s surfers like Ryan Burch who’ve brought it into the mainstream.
Modern tools like 3D modelling and digital design software allow shapers to experiment with such complex designs more easily. Combined with alternative materials and a new generation of curious surfers, asymmetricals have carved out their niche.
Key takeaways
Asymmetrical boards challenge traditional shapes
Each side is designed for a specific function
The design enhances performance and fluidity on turns
Digital tools and new materials support this evolution
What comes next?
The evolution of surfboard design is far from over.
Each era brought its own wave of creativity, from the simplicity of alaias to the complexity of asymmetricals.
At A-Frame Surf Camp, we celebrate this journey every time we paddle out. Whether you’re gliding on a classic log, testing a high-performance shortboard or catching your first wave on a soft-top, you’re part of a story that stretches back centuries. And we absolutely love that!
Surfing isn’t just about the ride, after all. It’s about the craft, the environment, the culture and the connection.
Where it all goes next? Nobody really knows. All we hope is that you have a chance to ride a piece of history with us!
What others have to say
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Sebastian Münkel
a week ago
Absolutely fantastic time we had here, great beaches, lovely staff, fantastic food, -- no really, the food is among the best I have ever had, day after day -- very lovely guests and super convenient distances to the surfing.
- Surfing: the whole schedule is centered around the surf times, and for good reason. The staff make sure that the groups always get the best waves of the day, even if that means taking a short drive somewhere else. The equipment is great for learners (I cannot judge the hard tops etc) with clean, relatively new, and fitting wet-suits. In addition to the lessons we can always go for more sessions privately, with access to the equipment.
- Lessons: The teachers are fantastic, their joy is contagious, they made learning super fun. In addition to great individual feedback there are additional offerings in terms of lectures, e.g. on wave theory. The video analysis also really helps to internalize some additional feedback. But again, the teachers are great!
- Food: Great food, always accommodating dietary restrictions, and with great variety. Every meal is different to the last, the meals are flexible if you're almost an hour late it's still usually fine, and they make sure you have enough of all the food you could want. Unlimited coffee, tea and fruit is also a great addition. Beer and wine cost extra, but at basically no markup. But once again: best food, fantastic, 6/5.
- Lodgings: Apartments where you will either be with the group you traveled with, or other guests. Clean, quiet, daily cleaning, everything you really need if you want to retreat during the day, or even cook a meal. WiFi is fast enough to fulfill most use cases.
- Common areas: allow all levels of socializing, provide fantastic views, promote meeting your fellow surfers.
- Yoga: I am not a fan of yoga, so I didn't do any, but the ones who did said is was great.
- Additional services: Photos from your surfing adventures and mishaps are available, massages, additional outings outside of the surf lessons (for example surf-skating) are on offer as well, providing a beautiful well rounded programme for the entire day.
- Vibes: 10/10, chill, social, down-to-earth, helpful.
Overall, better holiday than for example a ski trip in November (and I love skiing too). Come here! -
Tobias_ keller.t
6 months ago
This has already been our second stay at A-Frame and again it was a super relaxed week and overall a holiday that can‘t be much better. We, a family with a toddler, can ony recommend this place to other families who are looking for a relaxed holiday with yoga, surf and amazing food. The people at A-Frame from surf coach to kitchen staff are just super friendly and you feel very much taken care at all times. Thanks so much to the whole team for another great holiday experience. We‘ll be back for sure.
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Victor Lombardi
6 months ago
Pretty much a perfect vacation. I learned to surf, did a lot of yoga, soaked up the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, and met some wonderful people. I don't speak German or Spanish and the staff switched to English to make everything easy for me. El Palmar is a very chill area and from there it's easy to make day trips to Conil, Vejer, and Cádiz.
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Yoav Nassau
a year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed our stayed at A-Frame. Super friendly and helpful staff. We were always received with a smile and welcoming attitude. Shoutout to the kitchen people who were kind, and did an incredible job of serving tasty, healthy, and varied food that we all loved. We came with three small children and they all had a great time - surf lessons, board games, ping-pong table among other fun activities.
The house was spacious, well-kept, and clean. Would definitely stay there again if visiting El Palmar in the future. -
Inga
a month ago
One of the best sufcamps I´ve visited so far. Excellent sufcoaches with a great accomodation and catering nearby the beach.
