The FLO 375mm 15inch Cedar Walnut POD® Handboard – Engineered for Powerful Wave Riding
Discover the scale, control, and authority of the FLO 375mm (15-inch) Cedar and Walnut POD bodysurfing handboard. This is the largest and most powerful board in the POD wooden handboard range, designed for riders who demand maximum lift, sustained speed, and stability in stronger, more demanding surf. The FLO is shaped to harness the full energy of the wave while maintaining a composed, predictable feel in the water.
Maximum Planing for Speed and Stability
The FLO 375mm handboard is built for bodysurfers who ride with intent. Its expansive 375 mm × 218 mm hydrodynamic planing surface delivers exceptional lift and early wave entry, allowing riders to maintain speed through open faces and critical sections. This increased surface area generates up to 110 kg / 242 lb of lifting force, translating to confident take-offs, extended rides, and controlled flow across powerful waves.
- Experienced and Elite Bodysurfers: Designed for riders who regularly surf larger or more powerful conditions.
- Big-Wave Confidence: Increased stability and drive when conditions demand commitment.
- Extended Flow: Sustained speed and glide across the wave face.
- Maximum Lift and Propulsion: The highest lift output within the POD wooden handboard range.
Signature POD Wood Craftsmanship
Like all POD wooden handboards, the FLO reflects decades of refinement in material selection and structural design. A solid walnut centre acts as a structural stringer, delivering strength and resistance to torsional load, while lighter cedar wings contribute controlled flex and responsiveness. This balance ensures the board remains stable under load while still feeling alive beneath the hand.
Each FLO handplane is produced using CAD design, precision CNC machining, laser engraving, and careful hand finishing. Natural variations in grain and colour ensure every board is unique, reinforcing the FLO as both a high-performance bodysurfing tool and a crafted object.
Comfort, Control, and Hydrodynamic Design
The FLO is engineered to support relaxed body positioning and efficient energy transfer, even at higher speeds.
- Ergonomic Palm Support: A convex deck with integrated palm hold supports the natural curvature of the hand, reducing fatigue 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, distributing load evenly across the hand and minimising pressure points during longer, faster rides.
- Hydrodynamic Bottom Shape: A deep 20 mm concave with integrated keel fin is engineered for rapid lift versus force, improving speed, maintaining hold on the wave face, and reducing spray toward the face.
FLO 375mm Handboard Specifications
- Volume: 953 cm³ / 953 ml / 0.2517 US liquid gallon
- Lifting Force: Up to 110 kg / 242.5 lb
- Size: 375 mm × 218 mm × 45 mm (15" × 8.25" × 1.61")
- Weight: 460–480 g (varies with timber grain density)
- Deck: Convex with ergonomic palm hold and support
- Bottom: Deep 20 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
Consistent care ensures your wooden handboard maintains both performance and structural integrity.
- 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 sunlight. Excessive heat can damage timber and protective finishes.
- Inspect and Maintain: If signs of grain movement, dull patches, or water ingress appear, lightly sand and recoat with a marine-grade satin finish to restore protection.
The Final Ride
The FLO is built for riders who embrace power and flow equally. Treated with care, it will deliver years of controlled speed, confident lift, and enduring natural character. This is a genuine POD® original, designed to perform at the upper end of bodysurfing conditions and to be passed on with pride.
A Legacy of Bodysurfing Design
For more than three decades, POD founder and designer Shane Vassallo has shaped and refined handboards using select-grade cedar, walnut, and limited timber species. This evolution and design philosophy are documented in our long-form article Successful 30 Years.
Learn More
- Choosing the Right Handboard: Explore sizing and design principles in Human Hydrofoil.
- Technique and Use: Read How to Bodysurf with a Handboard.
- Freestyle or Assisted Riding: Learn more in Bodysurfing the Waves Without or With a Handboard.
10 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Flo Handplane
The Flo is a beautiful, well-shaped hardboard. It feels solid and a bit heavier than my other boards, but that actually works in its favor out on the water. The shape gives it great lift, and the mini keel helps it track nicely. I've been using it here in Thailand—first session was at Klong Dao Beach on Koh Lanta. For a board this size, it gave me early lift and turned short rides into longer ones, with enough speed to get through the flatter sections of the wave. The Flo definitely earned a spot in my carry-on.
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I highly recommend their product and service
I bought thus as birthday present for my partner and he absolutely loves it! We had a small delivery hiccup, but Shane was super quick to sort it out. We'll definitely be buying from them again.
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FLO 375mm
After reading up on why this handplane is crafted the way it is i pulled the pin and bought one. Couldn't be happier, noticed the difference on my first wave compared to my flat surfaced one. The shape just creates so much lift that you really get out of the water and have almost zero splash back in your face when surfing. Was exactly what I was looking for to get more out of my body surfing!
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Heartfelt Thanks
Heartfelt thanks to you Shane . Full credit and congratulations to what you have created with POD Shane, your boards are beyond magnificent and provide such love and joy to so many. You are the master of your craft with your giving heart and soul resonating in every individual piece .
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wonderful piece of art
It’s Wills here from Phuket Thailand, sat in pride of place on the wall for 5 months waiting for some surf only to be locked down right up until now, well yesterday when the beaches finally opened again. Wow! I mean Shane Wow. What a wonderful piece of art you have created. We had a couple of whopper Monsoons hit are area and a magic swell appeared just as Beaches reopened, like it was a call from the Buddha Haha. Many Russians here all fascinated with you Pod Handboards but I won’t sell it to them unless they pay enough for me to replace it including DHL from Sydney haha. My next challenge is to find some bigger rolling waves but again armed with 3 designs of your marvellous handboards I’m sure enjoy even more. Thank again Shane for all your marvellous work
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Flo handboard flows
Do yourself a favour and grab one of these boards! Not only do they look awesome, they perform as well. Handles all conditions well, but the bigger the swell gets the better the Flo handles. Holds a line easily. It’s a bit heavier than the glass handboards I’m used to, but definitely doesn’t hinder paddling into a wave. Huge thumbs up to Shane for his service. When my board arrived there was a slight crack in the timber, I contacted Shane just in case it became an issue at a later date. Shane got in touch straight away and offered to swap the board over. Couldn’t ask for better than that.
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For bigger waves this is incredible
I've been using Shane's pods for 24 years now, i honestly thought that the original Pod was the best design but this is another level. The Flo board allows me to catch the kind of waves that make my heart skip a beat, those big rolling sets that were always a little dicey are now thrilling with the speed and power the Flo provides... Highly recommended for bigger surf, i've had it for 2 months now. If your more of a small wave rider the Woo board i got my Dad is awesome, the Flo is better for bigger waves but i'm jealous of his when it's only 1-2 foot.
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Pod Flo Handplane
First thing you notice is how easy it is to swim with this 15” plane. First thing you don’t notice - as it’s so comfortable - is the padded, adjustable hand strap. On the wave, you get massive lift, and speed, but also control. Trying out the Pod is like the first time you ride a proper motorcycle. On a lot of surf craft there’s usually some sort of compromise in how it functions: on weight, speed, hold, whatever. Thumbs up for the Pod though, it’s spot on.
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Great start to the week... my pod arrived.
As part of my birthday present, the pets of my household (two cats and one hyper dog) ordered me this work of art. And now it's finally here. So excited...I can small the cedar, and I can't wait to launch her. A few thoughts so far. Wow, the attention to detail is fantastic. Three pieces of timber, cedar and walnut, laminated together and then shaped to have a concave hull, lift and then an amazing keel. The deck is raised to provide a comfortable pad for your palm. Wood quality is fantastic. Hand strap is strong, you could lift a car with it, but nicely padded for comfort. It came with a protective hemp bag (again well made) for storing and transport. Even the packaging for this was well made!! I choose a darker cedar as it reminds me of my 70's childhood. So thankful to Shane for offering me a choice, and his thoughts on size board for me. I have been using the original and love it, so I know this work of art is going to perform.
