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Early-1900s Waikiki Hawaiian Wood Plank Surfboard

About the Item

1920s original plank-style surfboard made for the waves at Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. Before Hawaiian surfing patriarch Duke Kahanamoku, early surfboards were made of the local woods found in Hawaii. Later, in the early 20th century, different types of woods were brought to Hawaii for use in construction. It was at this time that redwood became the standard for surfboards made in Hawaii. Plank-style surfboards are solid wood and fin-less. Typically ranging in size from 5 to 12 feet, and weighing upwards of 100 pounds for the longer boards. Wood plank style surfboards were the only type of boards ridden until the early 1930s, when renowned surfer and inventor Tom Blake patented the hollow surfboard construction method, significantly reducing the weight of surfboards, ultimately leading to mass adoption of the sport of surfing. This surfboard once belonged to Rari Rogers, an affluent world traveler, who in the early 1900s spent a year with the king and queen of Greece, helping the queen to set up YWCAs (Young Women's Christian Associations). Mrs. Roger's great grandson, who subsequently inherited these surfboards, believes she had spent some time in Hawaii during her travels where she tried the sport of surfing. Rogers returned home to Annapolis, Maryland with two surfboards, this example being the shorter of the two plank-style surfboards we are offering.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 84 in (213.36 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1920-1929
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Haleiwa, HI
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5290225564192
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