Experience the WOW Factor: Innovation, Comfort, and Pure Wave Riding – Sustainably Manufactured Since 1988.
Short Description:
Welcome to the POD® WOW 13" Handboard, a game-changer in bodysurfing. Crafted from an innovative lightweight polyurethane, this handboard isn't just eco-friendly; it's engineered for superior performance. Our signature shape virtually eliminates splash-back, while the world's first ergonomic palm support and a double-padded strap ensure unparalleled comfort and a secure, natural grip. At just 330-350 grams, the WOW is 25% lighter than wood yet maintenance-free, remarkably dent and crack-resistant, with responsive flex and rebound.
To put that in perspective, if this board were made from raw polypropylene (PP), it would weigh approximately 710 grams, which is over 200% heavier than the current weight. We meticulously chose our custom PU for its optimal balance of lightness, strength, and durability over heavier, less predictable recycled plastic alternatives.
With 35 years of dedicated experience, we guarantee the highest quality and most suitable materials for functional bodysurfing. No greenwashing here, just pure wave riding. Strap One On to discover the difference.
Detailed Description:
Ready to elevate your bodysurfing? The POD® WOW 13" Handboard culminates decades of design passion and relentless material innovation, setting a new standard for performance, comfort, and durability. After the excellent response to our WOO 12-inch wooden handplane, we pushed the boundaries with the WOW 13-inch, achieving total control over a unique polyurethane (PU) formulation specifically tailored for bodysurfing excellence.
The Science of Surf: Our Unique PU Formulation (Weight, Density, Rigidity)
The WOW 13-inch handboard's performance is driven by its proprietary PU formulation, which is meticulously balanced for optimal weight, density, and rigidity (WDR). This is a level of detail typically found in professional surfboard and bodyboard manufacturing, and we're proud to bring it to bodysurfing handboards:
- Weight: At an astonishingly light 330-350 grams (0.73-0.77 lbs), the WOW 13" is the lightest in our entire POD® handboard range – a complete 25% lighter than comparable wooden boards (e.g., our 12" WOO averages 400 grams, plus it is 1" smaller). This precision weight is a deliberate design choice: if a board of this volume (788 cm³) were made from raw polypropylene (PP), its weight would be around 710 grams, making it over 200% heavier than the WOW! This precise weight translates to superior paddling freedom, reduced arm fatigue, and enhanced control in critical wave moments.
- Density: Leveraging our expert knowledge in PU formulations, we've achieved the ideal degree of compactness for the 330-350 grams weight. This results in a flexible core and a robust, dent-free outer layer, providing optimal upward buoyant force (up to 30 kg / 66.13 lbs) for effortless lift and speed.
- Rigidity: We've crafted a PU board with a rigidity similar to wood, ensuring it's strong and durable enough to prevent dents, chips, or snapping. Crucially, unlike any handplane of this thickness, it possesses exceptional flex rebound.
- Enhanced Net Buoyancy: Despite its flexible design, the WOW's ultralight construction provides significantly higher net buoyancy compared to traditional wooden handboards. This allows for a more leisurely, higher-riding paddle, reducing drag and making wave entry more effortless.
- Dynamic Hydrodynamic Lift: Engineered with our signature concave bottom and keel fin, the board efficiently converts water flow into powerful hydrodynamic lift (up to 100 kg / 220.462 lb planing force), propelling you faster across the wave face.
World-First Innovation: Dynamic Flex Rebound
This isn't just a feature; it's a game-changer. The unique PU formulation in the WOW Handboard delivers the perfect amount of flex with remarkable rebound. This innovative characteristic actively dampens the load on your wrist, arm, and shoulder, reducing the risk of injury and significantly enhancing your bodysurfing experience by providing a smoother, more connected, and less fatiguing ride.
Unparalleled Ergonomics: Palm Hold and Support
Comfort and control are paramount. The palm support on the WOW 13-inch board is a revolutionary design, the world's first ergonomic palm hold. It relieves stress from the hand and arm muscles, a common issue with flat-deck hand planes. This support ensures your hand stays securely under the double-padded neoprene strap, providing an incredibly comfortable and secure grip.
Ergonomic Design Details and Contour: Asymmetrical, three-dimensional form mirroring the natural curvature of the human palm.
- Palm Arch Support: A subtle, convex dome aligns with the metacarpal region, gently lifting and supporting the arch of the palm.
- Surface Profile: The surface profile tapers towards the wrist and deck edges with a gentle slope, reducing overextension and encouraging a neutral hand posture for natural swimming.
- Benefits You'll Feel with All-Day Comfort: Reduces strain and fatigue by supporting the hand's natural resting position.
- Ergonomic Alignment: Helps maintain neutral wrist positioning, minimising injury risk.
- Intuitive Fit: Designed to feel "like it belongs" under your hand, offering an effortless ergonomic experience.
Superior Strap System: Secure and Comfortable
Our new, purposefully custom-built recessed strap retainers, embedded seamlessly into the board, further enhance the palm hold and support. These suit a robust 50 mm / 2-inch hand strap combined with a more expansive 65 mm / 2.5-inch Double-Padded Neoprene. This superior system guarantees comfort across your hand and ensures your board won't slip off, preventing skin irritation and discomfort common with narrower, less secure straps.
Signature Shape and Features for Dominant Performance
The WOW 13" handplane incorporates POD®'s proven classic signature shape, ensuring almost zero splash-back towards your face. The deep 18 mm concave bottom, integrated with a keel fin, provides unmatched lift, speed, and precision control.
Confidence in Every Wave
The new WOW bodysurfing handplane is a lightweight, buoyant, robust, and flexible POD® handboard that guarantees superior performance in any surf condition. Whether you're a novice or an elite, dedicated bodysurfer, this board ensures outstanding performance, natural swimming and paddling freedom, and enhanced bodysurfing achievements wave after wave.
We highly recommend the waterproof polyurethane sustainable WOW POD Handboard, especially if you're concerned about damaging our handcrafted wooden bodysurfing boards. This durable, eco-friendly alternative ensures you can enjoy the surf without compromising the integrity of your premium wooden handplane, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase. The WOW 33 cm / 13" is genuinely the all-around bodysurfing handplane for you, without any doubts.
Pro Tip for Longevity:
We recommend snugly adjusting the hand strap over your hand once. For future bodysurfing sessions, simply slide your fingers under the padded neoprene strap and onto the deck palm support. This ensures the Velcro remains attached and lasts for many years.
WOW POD Handboard Specifications:
- Volume: 788 cm³ or 788 millilitres / 0.206054 US Liquid gallons
- Lifting Force: Up to 100 kg / 220.462 lb
- Upward Buoyant Force: Up to 30 kg / 66.1387 lb
- Size: L 330 mm / 13 inch x W 210 mm / 8.25 inches x D 43 mm / 1.69 inches
- Weight: 330-350 grams / 0.73-0.77 pounds.
- Please note: Due to variations in the PU mixture, the final product weight may vary by +/- 5% from the stated average. This does not impact the board's performance or durability.
- Deck: Convex with World-First Ergonomic Palm Hold and Support for enhanced comfort and grip
- Bottom: Deep 18 mm Concave with Keel Fin provides lift, speed, and control with zero water splashing
- Other Key Features: Signature shape with almost zero splash-back towards the face
- Flex Rebound helps reduce the load on your wrist, arm, and shoulder, thereby minimising the risk of injury.
- The strap holds your hand in the natural swimming position directly above the pivot point and keel fin.
- Custom POD® Designed Hand Strap Retainers (50 mm / 2 inches, not a 25 mm / 1-inch surfboard plug)
- 65 mm / 2.5 inches Double Padded Neoprene (not 35 mm / 1.3 inch strap)
- 50 mm / 2-inch Adjustable Webbing Hand Strap
- Adjustable Wrist Leash (Left-handed users can change the wrist cord to the left side)
- Matt Finish
Care and Precautions:
- Wash the board in fresh water and dry it in the shade after every use.
- Please do not leave the board in the sun or in the car on hot summer days; excessive heat may damage it.
