EGO 225mm 9inch Wood POD Handboards - Bodysurfing Handplanes

EGO 225mm 9inch Cedar Walnut POD® Handboard – Hand-Built for Precision and Body Surfing Freedom

Discover the unique features of our EGO 225mm (9-inch) solid Cedar and Walnut POD bodysurfing handboard. Each board is a one-of-a-kind piece, designed for riders who value agile precision and a deeply connected feel to the wave. The EGO delivers confidence and control through balance, scale, and shape, allowing for nimble responsiveness on every ride. This model suits smaller hands, youth, and experienced bodysurfers who favour technical manoeuvres and clean lines.

Designed for Agility and Precision

The EGO POD handplane fits naturally in the palm of your hand, often extending just beyond the fingertips. Its compact 22 cm × 20 cm planing surface creates a highly responsive platform that excels in tight sections, barrel riding, and rapid directional changes. The reduced size allows the board to move with the body rather than resist it, creating a fluid bodysurfing experience that feels intuitive rather than imposed.

For riders exploring freestyle bodysurfing or seeking balanced propulsion, the EGO is also available as a Duo POD Handboards set, designed to enhance symmetry and stroke efficiency.

Signature POD Wood Craftsmanship

Like all POD wooden handplanes, the EGO reflects decades of refinement in both design and construction. A solid walnut centre acts as a structural stringer, delivering strength and stability, while lighter cedar wings contribute responsiveness and controlled flex. This combination balances durability with sensitivity, allowing the board to feel alive in the water.

Each handboard is produced using CAD design, precision CNC machining, laser engraving, and careful hand finishing. Natural variations in grain and colour ensure no two boards are identical, reinforcing the EGO as both a functional bodysurfing tool and a crafted object.

Comfort, Control, and Hydrodynamic Design

Every POD wooden handboard is shaped to support a natural swimming position and efficient transfer of force.

• Ergonomic Palm Support: A convex deck with integrated palm hold supports the natural curvature of the hand, reducing fatigue commonly associated with flat-deck handplanes. The hand is positioned directly above the pivot point and keel fin for balanced control.
• Purpose-Built Strap System: Custom 50 mm hand strap retainers secure a wide 65 mm double-padded neoprene strap. This distributes load evenly across the hand, reducing pressure points and irritation during longer sessions.
• Hydrodynamic Bottom Shape:  A deep 16 mm concave with an integrated keel fin is engineered for a rapid lift-to-force ratio, increasing speed, maintaining hold on the wave face, and minimising spray toward the face.

EGO 225mm Handboard Specifications

• Volume: 485 cm³ / 485 ml / 0.1281 US liquid gallon
• Lifting Force: Up to 70 kg / 154.3 lb
• Size: 225 mm × 200 mm × 41 mm (9" × 7.87" × 1.61")
• Weight: 250–280 g (varies with timber grain density)
• Deck: Convex with ergonomic palm hold and support
• Bottom: Deep 16 mm concave with keel fin
• Strap System: Natural swimming hand position above pivot point, custom POD 50 mm retainer, 65 mm double-padded neoprene strap, adjustable 50 mm webbing
• Wrist Leash: Adjustable, reversible for left-handed use
• Finish: Laser engravings, satin protective coating

Longevity and Care

Proper care ensures your wooden handboard continues to perform and age gracefully.

• Strap Adjustment: Set the strap snugly once. For regular use, slide your hand between the strap and palm support to preserve Velcro longevity.
• Protective Storage: Supplied with reusable packaging foam and hemp drawstring cover offering impact, moisture, and water resistance.
• Avoid Excess Heat: Do not leave the board in hot cars or direct sun. Heat can damage timber and protective finishes.
• Inspect and Maintain: Check for grain separation or surface dulling. Recoat with marine-grade satin when required to maintain water resistance.

Your Partnership with the Board

This handboard is built to move with you in the surf. Rinse it after use, protect it from excessive heat, and maintain its finish when needed. In return, your POD® original will deliver consistent flow, control, and natural character over years of use.

A Legacy of Bodysurfing Design

Since the 1980s, POD founder and designer Shane Vassallo has shaped and refined handboards using select-grade cedar, walnut, and limited timber species. This design lineage and evolution are documented in our long-form article Successful 30 Years, tracing the development of POD handboards through decades of hands-on experimentation.

Learn More

• Choosing the Right Handboard: Explore sizing and design principles in Human Hydrofoil.
• Technique and Use: Read How to Bodysurf with a Handboard for practical guidance.