On a lovely afternoon, while we were organizing our garden shed, my attention was drawn to my windsurf board. For some reason, I expressed my desire to construct a wooden surfboard out loud. My spouse simply encouraged me to do so. Initially, it seemed like a simple task, but upon further consideration, it became more complex and confusing.

What should the structure be like – solid wood or hollow? How does a fin box and mast mount work? Can that even be made of wood? Which wood anyway? Do I still need fiber optics? epoxy?

Some questions were answered faster, others took me a year to think about it until the plan was at least complete in my head. After another six months and many broken wooden planks, the time had come.

My first board was ready.

Although the design and weight could be enhanced, the excitement surpassed any flaws. Despite my doubts and my standard surfboard, I traveled to Lake Neusiedl. Once I set up my equipment, I entered the water and experienced the same level of anxiety as my initial sinking ride. The adventure began with a water start and my emotions skyrocketed. My board didn’t merely ride on the surface, it effortlessly glided over the water. I felt like Dr. Frankenstein as he exclaimed „It’s alive, it’s alive“.

On that particular day, my interests were not limited to just surfing, as I was also engaged in constructing boards.