Beyond the Buzzwords: The Truth About "Eco-Friendly" Bodysurfing Handboards and Why Performance Matters (The POD® WOW Handboard Story)

As bodysurfers, we share a deep connection with the ocean. Naturally, we want our gear to reflect that respect for the environment. In recent years, the market has seen a surge of products touting "eco-friendly" materials, with "recycled plastic" often taking centre stage. While the intent behind such initiatives is commendable, as a manufacturer with over 35 years of experience in plastics and rubbers, I've seen firsthand how these terms can sometimes be used to greenwash products, leading to materials that may sound good but ultimately fail in terms of performance, durability, and even true long-term sustainability.

Today, we're going to pull back the curtain. Using our new POD® WOW Handboard as a case study, we'll explain why meticulous material science and unwavering performance are paramount and how true sustainability often lies in longevity and thoughtful design.

For a general overview of choosing the right handboard, check out our guide: Click here for 'How to Choose a Bodysurfing Handboard'.

The Problem with Hype: When "Eco-Friendly" Falls Short in the Waves

The allure of 'recycled plastic' handplanes is undeniable, promising guilt-free enjoyment. However, as many dedicated bodysurfers can attest, and as I've witnessed with frustrating regularity, the reality often falls short. I've seen brands market boards made from what they term 'eco-friendly' or 'ocean recycled plastics' that are brittle, significantly overweight, and simply not up to the dynamic demands of bodysurfing. These boards break easily, hampering performance, cutting short sessions, and ironically contributing to more waste as they quickly end up in landfills.

Consider this: if a handboard were made from typical raw Polypropylene (PP), which has a density between 0.895 and 0.92 g/cm³, for our POD® WOW's volume of 788 cm³, it would result in a weight of approximately 710 grams. That's a far cry from the 330 grams of our POD WOW Handboard, which is over 200% heavier.

But it gets even more challenging. Suppose this board were made from contaminated Ocean Plastics, which are inherently a mix of various plastic types and often include other organic matter. In that case, the material's properties become highly unpredictable and generally inferior.

To illustrate the variability, here's a quick reference of standard plastic densities:

• Polypropylene (PP): 0.895 – 0.92 g/cm³
• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): 0.92 – 0.94 g/cm³
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): 0.95 – 0.96 g/cm³
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): 1.16 – 1.45 g/cm³
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): 1.38 – 1.39 g/cm³

As you can see, if a mix includes denser plastics like PET or PVC, the overall density of the "Ocean Plastic" blend would be significantly higher than pure PP. This means a board made from such a mixed, degraded material would likely be even heavier than 710 grams and, critically, far more brittle and less durable. This is due to degradation from UV exposure, salt water, and the inherent incompatibility of mixing different polymer types.

From a manufacturing perspective, the amount of recycled content a product can effectively incorporate varies drastically depending on its required performance and application. For high-performance products like bodysurfing handboards or handplanes, which demand precise characteristics such as specific flex, rebound, lightness, and extreme durability in dynamic ocean conditions, even a small percentage of inconsistent or degraded recycled material can significantly compromise the final product. We've seen firsthand that introducing high percentages of mixed or recycled plastics, particularly from varied and potentially degraded sources like ocean plastic, can lead to unpredictable material behaviour, increased fault rates, and ultimately, a product that fails to meet the rigorous demands of bodysurfing. This means compromising on critical properties, such as strength, flexibility, and overall longevity. This substantial weight increase, coupled with compromised structural integrity and increased brittleness, simply isn't suitable for the agility, safety, and lifespan required in high-performance bodysurfing.

The POD® Ware Approach: Performance-First, Sustainability Always

At POD®, our commitment since 1988 has been to create inventive, novel, well-designed, and quality-manufactured products. This dedication stems from a lifelong passion for design (rooted in my early 1980s studies in jewellery design, which instilled meticulous attention to detail) and a deep love for the water. True sustainability begins with creating a product that lasts, performs optimally, and fosters a deeper connection with the ocean, wave after wave, year after year.

Read more about our journey: Click here 'POD Bodysurfing Handboards History - Successful 30 Years'.

This philosophy was at the heart of developing the new POD® WOW Handboard. We identified the shortcomings of existing handplanes, such as their lack of comfort, control, wrist strain, optimal buoyancy, and responsiveness. We set out to create a handboard that eliminated these compromises, introducing a new standard in body surfing gear.

The 18-Month Journey: Engineering the WOW Handboard

Our decision to use a custom-formulated polyurethane (PU) for the WOW Handboard wasn't accidental. Building on our deep understanding, as discussed in our blog "Which is More Eco-Friendly: Polyurethane or Plastic?",we recognised that PU offers the versatile properties necessary for optimal performance and unparalleled durability.

But choosing PU was just the beginning. The real challenge, and the reason for our intensive 18-month development journey, was finding the perfect PU formulation and the right manufacturing partner to bring our vision to life. This wasn't about simply moulding a piece of plastic; it was about meticulously engineering the material's Weight, Density, and Rigidity (WDR) to meet the precise demands of bodysurfing. This meticulous approach is why we are proud to provide detailed specifications that truly matter for performance, instilling confidence in the quality of our product.

• Weight: At just 330 grams, the 13-inch WOW handboard is the lightest in our entire POD® range – 25% lighter than typical wooden boards. Why does this matter? A lighter board allows for more natural swimming and paddling freedom, reduces fatigue, and gives you greater control in critical wave moments.
• Density: Through expert PU formulation, we achieved a degree of compactness that delivers that ultra-light 330-gram weight, coupled with a flexible core and a robust, dent-free outer layer. This specific density provides the optimal upward buoyant force, crucial for lift and speed, while ensuring the board can withstand the rigours of the surf.
• Rigidity: We've created a PU board with rigidity similar to wood, strong enough to prevent snapping, chipping, or dents, yet featuring excellent flex and rebound.

Flex Rebound: A World-First for Bodysurfing Handboards

This isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. The unique PU formulation in the WOW Handboard delivers the right amount of flex with remarkable rebound. This innovative characteristic actively reduces the load on your wrist, arm, and shoulder. This feature reduces the risk of injury and significantly enhances your bodysurfing experience by providing a smoother, more connected, and less fatiguing ride. The benefits of this unique PU formulation are clear: it keeps you in the water longer and more comfortably, making it a must-have for serious bodysurfers.

Beyond Materials: The Ergonomic Design for True User Experience

While our material science sets the foundation, it's the meticulous design of the POD® WOW Handboard that truly elevates your ride.

• Unparalleled Innovation - The Ergonomic Palm Support and Hold: This isn't just a feature; it's a revolution in handboard design. The world's first ergonomic palm support on the WOW 13-inch board actively relieves stress from your hand and arm muscles, a common issue with flat-deck hand planes. Its asymmetrical, three-dimensional form mirrors the natural curvature of the human palm, with a subtle convex dome that gently lifts and supports the palm arch. This design ensures your hand stays securely under the strap, promoting a relaxed, neutral wrist posture for all-day comfort, wave after wave.
• Superior Strap System: In stark contrast to other handplanes with narrow, uncomfortable straps, the WOW handboard features custom POD-designed hand strap retainers (50mm / 2-inch, not a small 25mm surfboard plug purposely designed for a leg rope cord) combined with a wider 65mm / 2.5-inch Double-Padded Neoprene strap. This robust, comfortable, and secure system ensures a secure grip across your hand, guaranteeing that your board won't slip off easily and reducing skin irritation and hand discomfort.
• Signature Shape and Keel Fin: Our proven classic signature shape boasts almost zero splash back towards the face, while the deep 18mm concave bottom, integrated with a keel fin, provides unmatched lift, speed, and precision control.

Does Size Matter? The POD® Perspective on Handboards

You might have heard the theory that there's no "right size" for a bodysurfing handboard. My answer, in short, is incorrect. Just as you wouldn't choose a surfboard or bodyboard without considering its volume, dimensions, and materials for your specific needs, the same applies to handboards. The WOW 13-inch, with its precisely engineered dimensions, volume (788 cm³), lifting force (up to 100 kg), and upward buoyant force (up to 30 kg), is a testament to the fact that detailed specifications directly translate to functional performance. This board's 13-inch planing surface and combined WDR characteristics are purposefully designed to offer unparalleled performance for a wide range of bodysurfers, offering optimal lift, speed, and control without being cumbersome.

For a more detailed explanation of our "size theory," refer to our blog: Click here 'What is the correct size bodysurfing handboard that will best suit the individual?'.

The True Meaning of "Eco-Friendly" at POD®

At POD®, we believe actual "eco-friendly" goes far beyond a single material claim. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of a product:

• Longevity is Sustainability: A product like the POD® WOW Handboard, designed with precision engineering, optimal material selection, and robust construction to last for years, resist damage, and perform consistently, is inherently more sustainable than a cheaper, "recycled" alternative that quickly breaks down and becomes landfill waste. Choosing durability reduces the cycle of consumption and waste.
• Responsible Manufacturing: Our "Sustainable Manufacturing Since 1988" ethos means a commitment to thoughtful design, minimising waste in our production processes, and rigorously selecting the right material for the specific demands of the job, ensuring both performance and longevity.

The "peace of mind" you get from a POD® product comes from knowing you're investing in gear that works incredibly well, lasts a long time and is backed by genuine expertise – not just marketing claims. It's just pure wave riding.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Ride Better

Don't be swayed by buzzwords alone when choosing your bodysurfing handboard or handplane. Look for genuine innovation, meticulous material science, and a design philosophy focused on performance, comfort, and longevity. The POD® WOW 33cm Handboard represents the pinnacle of this approach.

Experience the difference between a handboard truly engineered for performance and comfort. To learn more about and purchase the POD® WOW Handboard.

With over 35 years of dedicated experience, POD® is committed to bringing you the highest-quality, most functional bodysurfing equipment designed by bodysurfers for bodysurfers.

Signing off,

Shane
Innovator and Lead Designer