{"product_id":"original-handcrafted-pod-handboard-bodysurfing-handplanes","title":"Original Handcrafted POD Handboard - Bodysurfing Handplanes","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOriginal Handcrafted POD Handboard - Australian Cedar Bodysurfing Handplane\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Original Handcrafted POD® handboard is the board that defined the POD signature shape. Made from select-grade Australian cedar and hand-finished to a marine-grade satin coat, this bodysurfing handplane has been shaped and refined by POD founder Shane Vassallo since the late 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt does not replace the rider or create performance on its own. It works with body position, trim, control, and surface connection, helping the rider hold speed more cleanly and move through the wave with greater consistency.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEach board is precision-machined and hand-finished from solid timber, preserving the wood's natural character. Variations in grain, weight, and colour are not flaws. They are the mark of a genuine handcrafted bodysurfing handboard - each piece individually finished and unique.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEach Original Handcrafted POD handboard is hand-coated up to eight times using marine-grade wood varnish, with light sanding between coats to ensure durability, water resistance, and a refined satin finish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis handboard is produced in limited quantities for bodysurfers who value craftsmanship, heritage, and connection. It is a continuation of a design lineage that has remained relevant for over three decades.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eDeck, Bottom, and Hydrodynamic Shape\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll POD handboard decks are convex, providing natural comfort in the palm of the hand and supporting a relaxed swimming position without unnecessary strain.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe bottom features a concave profile with an integrated keel fin that works with water flow to support lift, directional control, and cleaner movement across the wave. This helps the rider stay higher in the water and hold speed more effectively once positioned correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Original Handcrafted POD handboard feels like a natural extension of the hand rather than an object being held. That sense of flow, balance, and connection is what has defined this board since its inception.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003ePOD® Handboard Features\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eSelect-grade Australian cedar construction\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHand-coated up to eight times with marine-grade wood varnish\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLight sanding between coats for durability and a refined satin finish\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eConvex deck with natural palm support\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eConcave bottom with integrated keel fin for lift and directional control\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eNatural swimming hand position aligned over the pivot point\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDouble-padded neoprene hand strap\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAmbidextrous setup suitable for left- or right-handed use\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLimited production - each board is individually finished\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare and Longevity\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProper care ensures your handcrafted handboard continues to perform and age naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap adjustment\u003c\/strong\u003e: Set the strap snugly once. For regular use, slide your hand between the strap and palm support to preserve Velcro longevity.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtective storage\u003c\/strong\u003e: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A hemp drawstring cover is recommended for transport.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid excess heat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Do not leave the board in hot cars or direct sunlight. Heat affects timber and the varnish finish.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspect and maintain\u003c\/strong\u003e: Check for grain separation or surface dulling. Recoat with marine-grade satin when required to maintain water resistance.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRinse after use\u003c\/strong\u003e: Rinse with fresh water after each session and allow to dry naturally in the shade.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"__mce_add_custom__\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/5826\/3091\/files\/POD-Ware-_Warning-Heat-Damages-Do-Not-Leave-In-The-Sun-or-a-Hot-Car.png?v=1782562297\" alt=\"Heat warning - do not leave wooden handboard in sun or hot car\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eA Legacy of Bodysurfing Design\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSince the late 1980s, POD founder and designer Shane Vassallo has shaped and refined handboards - bodysurfing handplanes, hand planes, and handboards from select-grade Australian cedar and other timber species. That design lineage spans over 35 years of hands-on experimentation in real surf conditions and is documented in \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/our-story\/pod-bodysurfing-handboards-history-successful-30-years\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuccessful 30 Years\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the right handboard\u003c\/strong\u003e: Explore sizing and design principles in \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/understand-the-water\/how-to-choose-a-bodysurfing-handboard\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Choose a Bodysurfing Handboard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique and use\u003c\/strong\u003e: Read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/understand-the-water\/how-to-bodysurf-learn-to-use-a-pod-body-surfing-handboard\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Bodysurf with a Handboard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for practical guidance.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBodysurfing with or without a board\u003c\/strong\u003e: Read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/understand-the-water\/body-surfing-with-or-without-a-board-techniques-skills\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBodysurfing With or Without a Handboard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"POD®","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44450719924275,"sku":"PHBLTD001","price":200.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/5826\/3091\/files\/POD_Handboard_in_the_making_Original-Handcrafted-Bodysurfing-Handplanes__93671.1754302216.1280.1280.jpg?v=1782965401","url":"https:\/\/www.podware.com.au\/products\/original-handcrafted-pod-handboard-bodysurfing-handplanes","provider":"PODWARE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}