Hand-Built Wooden Surfcraft.
Crafted for flow, feel, and longevity.
Built with materials that work with the sea, not against it.
Awarded International
Gold Level Acreditation
@TheEcoBoardProject
The theory behind the build
Here at Theory, each board is made by hand using Paulownia wood sourced and cultivated in Spain, combined with bio resins, cork, and low VOC materials — offering a more durable, repairable, and lower-impact alternative to the more common foam and polyester surfboards.
Traditional Surfcraft
From the bellyboards of Cornwall to the alaias of Hawaii and paipos of Polynesia, traditional surfcraft tells the story of how people have ridden waves for generations using little more than wood, skill and imagination. Across the Atlantic coastlines of Portugal and northern Spain, a deep maritime heritage and connection to the ocean continue to shape life by the sea.
Handcrafted in southern Spain from sustainably sourced paulownia timber, our collection celebrates this shared coastal heritage. Simple, functional and built to last, these boards offer a timeless connection between surfer, wave and craft.
Hand Plane
A timeless bodysurfing companion.
Inspired by the simple wooden handplanes used by wave riders for generations, they add lift, speed and control while maintaining a direct connection to the ocean.
60 €
Dimensions:
Construction:
Weight:
Finish:
58.6 x 19.2 x 2.5cm
Sustainably sourced Paulownia, theory-wooden brass pin leash plug
0.25kg
Eco hardwax oil
Prone Bellyboard
A classic piece of British surfing heritage.
Ridden for generations along the coastlines of Cornwall, UK and beyond, bellyboards deliver a simple, direct connection to the wave and a reminder that surfing doesn't need to be complicated.
Steam-formed and hand-shaped from sustainably sourced marine birch, then sealed and protected with eco water-based varnish for a durable, low-impact finish.
80 €
Dimensions:
Construction:
Weight:
Finish:
121 x 30 x0.9cm
Sustainable Marine Birch Plywood
2.5kg
Naked or Painted, finished with Eco water-based Varnish
Paipo
120 €
A Hawaiian classic.
Ridden prone and close to the water, the Paipo offers a unique blend of speed, glide and freedom. Its simple design rewards flow and wave awareness, creating a surfing experience that feels both timeless and exhilarating.
Handcrafted from sustainably sourced paulownia, hand-channelled for grip and finished with natural linseed oil.
Dimensions:
Construction:
Weight:
Finish:
20 x 34-31 tapered x 1.5cm
Solid Paulownia
1.5kg
Natural, finished with raw linseed oil
Alaia
From:
425 €
Surfing in its purest form.
Inspired by the traditional wooden boards of Hawaii, the Alaia strips surfing back to its essentials. Finless, fast and highly responsive, it encourages a smooth, flowing style and a closer connection to the energy of the wave.
Handcrafted from sustainably sourced paulownia, sealed with bio-epoxy and finished with eco hardwax oil. Two models available, natural paulownia or 3mm cork deck. Custom options available.
Dimensions:
Construction:
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Finish:
213.4 x 48 x2.2cm ~ 7'.0" x 18.9" x 0.87"
Sustainable, Solid Spanish Paulownia
4 kg
Bio-epoxy Seal coat, finished with hardwax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash plug
- Available in, natural paulownia or cork deck.
No two boards are exactly the same...
Wood doesn't lie — and neither does the water. What changes is who rides them.
Shaped by hand in Conil de la Frontera from sustainably grown Spanish timber, bio-resins and finishes that age with the ocean rather than against it.
Each board is built to order — typically ready in 4–6 weeks. A small number are occasionally available from stock, please see my workshop page.
Prone - B Series
Prone surfcraft offer a simple, direct connection with the wave. Ridden lying down, they are fast, intuitive, and suited to a wide range of riders and conditions.
theory Prone B4.1
395 €
A modern interpretation of the bodyboard.
Fast, buoyant and remarkably easy to ride, the B4.1 combines traditional craftsmanship with modern prone-board design.
Its generous outline and volume create effortless speed and glide, making it equally at home in small summer waves or more powerful surf.
Dimensions:
Construction:
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Finish:
40.9" x 21.1" x 2.5" Volume 27.8L
Hollow Paulownia, Cork rails, 3mm comfort deck pad
4 kg
Finished with bioepoxy varnish and hard wax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash, vented
Shortboards - S Series
Perfect for maneuverability and speed. Designed for performance, they help you catch those quick waves while maintaining control and stability.
S6.4
895 €
A versatile all-rounder.
Combining easy speed, responsive turning and smooth flow, the S6.4 is designed to perform across a wide range of conditions.
Its balanced design makes it equally enjoyable for everyday sessions and those memorable days when the waves turn on.
Dimensions:
Construction: :
Fin set Up:
Finish:
6'4" x 21.1" x 2.6" Volume 38.3L
Hollow Paulownia, Cork rails, 3mm comfort deck pad
Thruster
Bio-epoxy Seal coat, finished with hardwax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash, vented
S6.8
995 €
Built for speed and flow.
The S6.8 combines easy paddle power, effortless glide and smooth, flowing turns.
Inspired by classic fish designs, it rewards a relaxed approach to surfing while delivering speed and enjoyment across a wide range of conditions.
Dimensions:
Construction:
Fin set up:
Finish:
6'8" x 22.2" x 3.0" Volume 49.2L
Hollow Paulownia, Cork rails and 3mm comfort deck pad
Twin
Bio-epoxy Seal coat, finished with hardwax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash, vented
Mid-Length - M Series
Mids provide the best of both worlds, for all waves and suitable for every surfer. Enjoy the versatility and maneuverability that adapts to style and conditions. A mid-length board is a must in anyones quiver!
M7.0
1095 €
The modern mid-length.
Designed to maximise wave count without sacrificing manoeuvrability, the M7.0 combines smooth glide, easy speed and flowing turns.
A versatile board for surfers seeking a balance of performance and simplicity.
Dimensions:
Construction:
Fin set up:
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7'0" x 23.3" x 3.1" Volume 55.1L
Hollow Paulownia, Cork rails and 3mm comfort deck pad
2 + 1
Bio-epoxy Seal coat, finished with hardwax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash, vented
M7.4
1195 €
The modern mid-length.
Designed to maximise wave count without sacrificing manoeuvrability, the M7.0 combines smooth glide, easy speed and flowing turns.
A versatile board for surfers seeking a balance of performance and simplicity.
Dimensions:
Construction:
Fin set up:
Finish:
7'4" x 22.5" x 2.5" Volume 56.6L
Hollow Paulownia, Cork rails and 3mm comfort deck pad
Thruster
Bio-epoxy Seal coat, finished with hardwax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash, vented
Long Boards - L Series
Built for endurance and glide, our longboards offer a classic surfing experience. Ideal for all skill levels, they provide a smooth ride and excellent stability on the water.
L8.0
1395 €
The everyday longboard.
Packing generous volume into a compact, manageable shape, the L8.0 combines easy wave entry, smooth glide and reassuring stability. Designed to maximise time on the wave, it offers much of the paddle power and flow of a traditional longboard in a more compact package.
Its versatile 2+1 fin setup allows it to be ridden as a traditional single fin for classic longboard flow, or with side bites fitted for additional control and responsiveness.
Dimensions:
Construction:
Fin set up:
Finish:
8'0" x 24.5" x 3.0" Volume 73.1L
Hollow Paulownia, Cork rails and 3mm comfort deck pad
2 + 1
Bio-epoxy Seal coat, finished with hardwax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash, vented
L9.0
1495 €
A classic Malibu longboard.
Inspired by the golden era of surfing, the L9.0 combines smooth trim, graceful turns and exceptional glide. Its refined outline and traditional single-fin setup reward a flowing approach to surfing and a deeper connection with the wave.
A true longboard experience, built for those who appreciate simplicity, style and glide.
Dimensions:
Construction:
Fin set up:
Finish:
9.0" x 22.4" x 2.64" Volume 63.88L
Hollow Paulownia, Cork rails and 3mm comfort deck pad
2 + 1
Bio-epoxy Seal coat, finished with hardwax oil, theory Wooden-Brass pin leash, vented
About the Shaper
Hi, I’m Matt.
I live in Conil de la Frontera, where the Atlantic rolls into El Palmar, Los Bateles, and Fuente del Gallo in long, steady breaths. Those waves feel far from the cold, sharp waters of Porthcawl in South Wales, where I first learned how the sea can calm everything.
Art has always shaped my life — from playing bass in dimly lit rooms to chasing a Michelin star in a small pub kitchen, reviving centuries-old dishes with modern techniques. I’ve always tried to give beauty form, whether on a plate or through music.
But, the sea has been the one constant. Running toward it with a board under my arm was where I found clarity.
Still, something felt wrong: surfing an ecosystem scarred by plastic on a board made from the same damage. So I began shaping something different — boards that honour the water, built with the same care as my cooking and the same expression as my music. Boards that move like art.
That was the theory,
A theory that became a way of building.
A theory about materials., A theory about joy, simplicity, and respect for the environment.
Handmade. Wooden. Sustainable.
Boards with presence. Boards with purpose.
Boards that feel as good as they ride.
The ECOBOARD Project
Theory Surfboards proudly supports the ECOBOARD Project, a global movement led by Sustainable Surf that encourages surfboard builders to rethink the materials and methods used to create surfboards.
By embracing renewable materials, reducing harmful chemicals and seeking more responsible alternatives, the project is helping shape a future where high-performance surfboards can be built with greater respect for the environment.
SeaTrees
Healthy oceans begin on the coastline. SeaTrees supports the restoration of vital coastal ecosystems including kelp forests, mangroves, seagrass meadows and coral reefs — natural habitats that protect shorelines, support marine life and help remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Through SeaTrees, surfers, shapers and ocean lovers can play a small part in giving back to the environments that give us so much.
Conil de la Frontera,
11140, Cádiz, Espańa