{"product_id":"wow-13-pod-handboard-unrivalled-bodysurfing-performance","title":"WOW 13\" POD Handboard | Unrivalled Bodysurfing Performance","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWOW 13\" POD Handboard - Lightweight Maintenance-Free Bodysurfing Handplane\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WOW 13\" POD® handboard is the most complete expression of POD design philosophy to date. It brings together decades of handboard shaping experience with long-awaited advances in material formulation, resulting in a maintenance-free bodysurfing handplane built for control, comfort, and long-term durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy the WOW Exists\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many years, POD handboards were shaped primarily in timber and polypropylene, each with known strengths and limitations. The WOW 13\" exists because material technology finally allowed those limitations to be addressed without compromise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goal was not to replace wooden handboards, but to create a handplane that:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemains lightweight without fragility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelivers controlled flex without excess fatigue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires no sealing, drying, or ongoing maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetains the signature POD lift, control, and feel in the water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a handboard shaped around how bodysurfers actually use their equipment over time, in real conditions, across repeated sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom the Designer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter decades of shaping, testing, and refining handboards, the WOW 13\" represents a long-awaited convergence of material knowledge, design freedom, and functional intent. In this short video, the designer explains what led to its development and how it fits within the broader POD® philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"max-width: 900px; margin: 12px 0 12px 0; padding: 0;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Mz8mh_2WvrM\u0026amp;t=1s\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e \u003cimg style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 12px; display: block;\" src=\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/Mz8mh_2WvrM\/hqdefault.jpg\" alt='POD® WOW 13\" - From the Designer'\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaterial Choice - Custom PU Formulation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WOW 13\" is manufactured using a proprietary polyurethane formulation developed specifically for bodysurfing handboards. After extensive testing, this formulation was selected for its ability to balance weight, density, and rigidity - a combination difficult to achieve in handplane construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike heavier recycled plastics or sealed timber, this custom PU provides:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredictable flex characteristics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong surface durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsistent buoyancy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResistance to dents, cracking, and water absorption\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material choice allows the board to perform reliably without the care requirements associated with wood, while maintaining the clean response and durability serious riders expect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWeight, Buoyancy, and Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt approximately 330-350 grams, the WOW 13\" is around 25% lighter than comparable wooden handboards of similar size, while remaining robust and stable in the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor context, a handboard of this volume manufactured from raw polypropylene would weigh approximately 710 grams, significantly increasing the load on the arm and wrist. The WOW's reduced weight improves paddling freedom and responsiveness, while helping reduce unnecessary fatigue over long sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its low mass, the board delivers strong net buoyancy, allowing it to sit higher in the water during paddling and transition smoothly onto the wave face. In real terms, that helps the rider keep movement cleaner and more controlled once the system is working correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHydrodynamics - Signature POD Shape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WOW 13\" uses POD's proven signature shape, the only curved handboard profile in the range, developed to work with water flow in a way that supports usable lift, cleaner control, and reduced splashback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA deep 18 mm concave bottom, combined with an integrated keel fin, helps the board stay higher and track more cleanly through the water. Rather than forcing water upward toward the face, the shape guides flow more efficiently across the board and supports smoother movement through the wave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis matters because speed does not come from the handboard alone. It comes from the interaction between body position, trim, control, and surface connection. The board's job is to help hold and refine that energy once the rider is engaged correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eErgonomics - Palm Support and Natural Hand Position\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComfort and control are central to the WOW design. The convex deck features POD's ergonomic palm support, shaped to mirror the natural curvature of the human hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis design\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports a neutral wrist position\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduces strain during extended sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproves control without excessive grip pressure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hand sits directly above the board's pivot point and keel fin, allowing the board to work with natural swimming mechanics rather than against them. This layout helps the rider stay connected without adding unnecessary tension through the hand and forearm - it supports body position rather than replacing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlex Rebound - Load Reduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WOW's custom PU formulation provides controlled flex with measurable rebound. This characteristic helps absorb and return energy during wave engagement, reducing sustained load through the wrist, arm, and shoulder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than feeling rigid or unstable, the board responds dynamically, delivering a smoother and less fatiguing bodysurfing experience across varied conditions. It does not create speed, but it helps the rider hold flow, stay comfortable, and stay more composed as pressure builds through the wave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStrap System and Retainers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom recessed POD® strap retainers are integrated into the board, designed to suit a 50 mm webbing strap paired with a 65 mm double-padded neoprene hand strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis system\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistributes pressure evenly across the hand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproves security without over-tightening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduces irritation associated with narrow straps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn adjustable wrist leash allows left- or right-handed configuration depending on preference and wave direction. The full strap system keeps the board connected and predictable, so the rider can focus on body position, trim, and timing rather than fighting unstable equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho This Handboard Is For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe WOW 13\" suits bodysurfers and handboard riders who\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWant a lightweight, maintenance-free handplane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurf in a wide range of conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefer predictable lift and control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eValue long-term durability over seasonal replacement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt performs equally well for regular use, travel, and demanding surf environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor riders interested in timber construction, the Hand Body Soul® wood handboards carry the same signature shape in cedar and walnut. If a maintenance-free option is preferred, the WOW 13\" offers a lightweight alternative, weighing approximately 25% less than comparable wooden boards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWOW 13\" Handboard Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume\u003c\/strong\u003e: 788 cm³ (788 ml \/ 0.206 US gallons)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlaning Lift\u003c\/strong\u003e: Up to 100 kg \/ 220 lb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUpward Buoyant Force\u003c\/strong\u003e: Up to 30 kg \/ 66 lb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e: 330 mm (13\") × 210 mm (8.25\") × 43 mm (1.69\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 330-350 g (0.73-0.77 lb)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeck\u003c\/strong\u003e: Convex with ergonomic palm support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottom\u003c\/strong\u003e: 18 mm deep concave with integrated keel fin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e: Matt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrap System\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e50 mm adjustable webbing hand strap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e65 mm double-padded neoprene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable wrist leash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e: Due to formulation variation, final weight may vary by ±5% without affecting performance or durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare and Longevity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse the handboard with fresh water after use and allow it to dry in the shade. Avoid leaving the board in direct sunlight or inside a hot vehicle, as excessive heat can degrade materials over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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 handboard in direct sun or a hot car\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"POD®","offers":[{"title":"Stealth Black","offer_id":44450790047795,"sku":"WOWPHB-40F56748","price":80.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Tropical Teal","offer_id":44450790080563,"sku":"WOWPHB-72468DDB","price":80.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/5826\/3091\/files\/WOW-13-inch-POD-Handboard-Performance-Body-Surfing-Handplane-Black__42388.1760221768.1280.1280_33c1a685-9459-4285-8900-3eb45928773b.jpg?v=1782965578","url":"https:\/\/www.podware.com.au\/products\/wow-13-pod-handboard-unrivalled-bodysurfing-performance","provider":"PODWARE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}