A look at Bali's surfboard shaping industry

I'd been curious why surfboards made in Bali are catching the eye of more and more surfers around the world, and then I read an article about Bali's surfboard industry in 2026 that answered the question. It turns out Bali isn't just a tourist destination. The island has become a hub for high-quality custom boards that compete with imports from Australia and the United States.

What's interesting is that the trend is shifting toward mid-length boards and performance shortboards shaped specifically for Bali's varied waves. Local craftsmen stand out for their hand-shaped detail, which they combine with the latest material technology. The result is a board that is light but strong.

The key is the laminating material. Epoxy resin is starting to replace polyester resin because it is more eco-friendly and has a better strength-to-weight ratio. Locally made resin that stays clear and doesn't yellow protects the board from the harsh tropical sun and also holds up in seawater.

Personally, reading this left me impressed. It shows that combining craftsmen's handwork with homegrown material innovation can produce world-class products. It makes me even more eager to try shaping a board of my own someday.

Source: C'ketz