Surfboard Technology
High-Performance Balsa Wood Surfboards
Using innovative technology, every Varuna board offers a lively ride you can be stoked about both in and out of the water. Because we’ve reimagined iconic designs from the hands of world-class shapers, we’ve created an elevated, sustainable surfing experience perfect for green and seasoned surfers alike.
The Process
• Seed planted
• 4 years later harvested
• Kiln dried
• Cut in to 2 x 4's
• CNC cut to make components
• Assembled in jig
• Internal laminating and structural reinforcement
• Internal components installed
• Frame glued
• Board closed with bottom deck
• Shaped
• Laminated
• Sanded
• QC'd
Where does our balsa wood come from?
1. We work with local Indonesian communities to plant balsa trees in land that was cleared and degraded by logging. By planting our Balsa with native plant species we’re regenerating the soil and making it good for Indonesians farmers to use.
2. Balsa trees take 4 years to mature so while we wait for our trees to grow we’re going into the jungles of Java and selectively logging the non native balsa to use for our Varuna Surfboards.
3. In the jungle we have a purpose built kiln facility to dry and store the balsa in lengths purposefully prepared to make everything from little twinnies all the way up to noseriding logs.
How do we build the boards?
1. We start by CNC cutting our balsa to make ready all the necessary components. This precision process keeps the quality control for all of Varuna boards.
2. A custom jig holds the designed shape of each model board as the master craftsman assembles the CNC cut components.
3. Laminating the internal sections and reinforcing the structure gives our boards incredible strength and durability
4. Then we fix our famous skeleton ribbing down the length of the board and glue / clamp the frame together.
5. We then tape all chambers with gore tex to make each chamber water tight.
6. Now we seal the top and bottom decks of the board together before the final shaping touches and laminating are completed by hand.
7. All Varuna Surfboards go through intense quality assurance screening by experienced board builders before they’re ready for your order to come through.
Ribs
An interior structure of bamboo and balsa ribs keeps boards light without sacrificing strength.
Deck / Bottom
A super light balsa wood composite deck laminated with Sicomin resin seals the deal with super strength, flex and durability.
Rails
Hollow balsa rails with flex layers provide power, speed and control. For us, that’s the golden trifecta for an epic session.
Resin
We use bio-based Sicomin resin for all of our boards. Flexible to the touch, this protective layer is strong enough to withstand high temperatures while providing UV stability.
Fin Boxes
Trusted by the global surfing community, we use Futures fin boxes on every board. Exceptional surf performance equipment on a sustainable surfboard? Yes, please!
Leash plug + Air vent Combo
With hollow boards, we’ve added an all-in-one, self-regulating air valve / leash plug to regulate interior pressure. This means your Varuna board will be safe from altitude and heat as you head to your next surfari destination. No maintenance required.
World-Class Collaborations
No foam. All wood.
Our boards are designed by iconic shapers and made responsibly in Indonesia, because we believe that when it comes to surfing, sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive. By replicating world-class designs onto sustainable materials, we envision a world where everyone can surf exceptionally and responsibly.