The Original Classic Signature Shape POD® handboard represents over three decades of refinement in bodysurfing and handboarding design. Developed and manufactured in Australia, this handplane is trusted for its durability, balance, and consistent performance across a wide range of conditions.
This model remains a cornerstone of the POD handboard range, valued by bodysurfers and handboard riders who prioritise control, comfort, and long-term reliability.
Handboarding and Bodysurfing Performance
Designed for both handboarding and bodysurfing, the Original Classic handboard delivers predictable lift and directional control without excess buoyancy. Its shape supports confident wave entry, stable trimming across the face, and controlled hold when pressure increases.
The concave bottom and integrated keel fin work together to elevate the board quickly and maintain grip, allowing riders to focus on positioning and flow rather than managing instability.
Neutral Buoyancy Design
A bodysurfing handboard or hand plane performs best when it maintains neutral buoyancy. This allows the board to sit naturally in the water, reducing load on the swimming stroke and minimising strain on the hand, wrist, and arm.
Over-buoyant handboards tend to resist water entry, making it harder to cut into the surface and often twisting the body off balance. The Original Classic Signature Shape is engineered to avoid this, offering a balanced feel that remains comfortable over extended sessions.
Materials and Construction
The Original Classic POD® handboard is moulded from solid, recyclable polypropylene, chosen for its strength, longevity, and consistent buoyancy characteristics. This material is impact-resistant, lightweight, and designed to withstand years of regular use in demanding surf environments.
Each handboard is finished using natural mineral pearl pigments, giving the board its distinctive appearance while maintaining material integrity.
For riders interested in timber construction, the DIY Hand Body Soul® wood handboards explore the same signature shape in cedar and walnut. If a maintenance-free option is preferred, the WOW 13" handboard offers a lightweight alternative, weighing approximately 25% less than comparable wooden boards.
Comfort and Natural Hand Position
The deck is shaped to support a natural swimming hand position, placing the hand directly above the board’s pivot point and keel fin. This alignment improves control while reducing fatigue.
A double-padded neoprene hand strap and under-palm EVA deck grip enhance comfort and security, allowing the board to work with the hand rather than against it.
Left-handed users can reposition the wrist cord to suit preferred hand orientation and wave conditions.
POD® Handboard Features
- Solid recyclable polypropylene construction with neutral buoyancy
- Concave bottom and keel fin for lift, hold, and control.
- Natural swimming hand position aligned over the pivot point
- Double-padded neoprene hand strap with EVA palm grip
- Ambidextrous setup suitable for left- or right-handed use
- Finished with natural mineral pearl pigments
Fit and Care Note
Adjust the hand strap to a snug fit over your hand. With ongoing use, slide your hand between the strap and the EVA deck grip to maintain secure Velcro contact and extend service life. Replacement strap sets are available if required.
POD Handboard Tips, click here.
14 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Handboard
Sooooo much fun on the small days makes it worth the early check
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Pod Handplane
Had the best fun using these beauties.
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Pod plastic hand plane
Wow what can I say , my first real handplane and I’m hooked - gets up easy on the plane , directional changes and control are brilliant , highly recommended with Pod PF3 fins which I already had , I’m 6ft and 90 kg and it planes effortless , Bloody Brilliant best fun can’t wait to hit 5ft plus waves and really test my skills , now I have the right gear to do it
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Plastic POD
I went for this one on the price point and the fact that it uses recycled plastic in it's construction. This a well made unit, I like the strap and the plane works fine for me. I end for ended it, to see how it would go with the "short" end forward and decided I didn't like the instability in that direction. I do find that some of my other handplanes are easier to swim with, but that's not a deal breaker...
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Handboards
Excellent service and delivery. Ordered these and fins as a Christmas present, and received update that they had been dispatched within 24 hours, and received promptly within a week. Well done to the Podware team for great customer service.
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24 Years...
My Dad found these in a surf shop in Bondi junction when i was 15 years old, he got a wooden one and picked up one of these for me kicking off a love of body surfing, back then i could throw it and some fins in a bag and catch the bus to the beach, or ride my bike, easy, very durable, 3 of my mates ended up with them as well. It's still going strong 24 years later, I'm 39 this year, don't think I've even replaced the strap...
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Pod Handboard
I have had a Pod Handboard for around 10 years and recently had to purchase another one as my son kept taking mine whenever we are were at the beach. We both love them.
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8yrs later
I love your products. Used the same hand board for 8 yrs its still good to go, just need to replace the hand board and wrist strap. Keep up the good work!
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Handboard
Smooth,light and worth buying. Easy to use and they feel great on a wave. Delivery services is the best :)
