Wooden surfboards
Built by you.

We craft wooden surfboards in Portugal and teach you how to build your own.

Ondanova was born from the desire to make surfboards differently: with natural materials, thoughtful design, and a slower, more considered way of working.

From our workshop near Ericeira, we build wooden surfboards and guide surfers through the process of making their own. The result is a board that rides well, feels light and strong, and carries a real connection to the way it was made.

Make it yourself

Our workshops give surfers a rare opportunity to learn the art of shaping by making their own board. Over three days, we guide you step by step through the build, from the wooden frame to the final shape. No previous experience is needed. More than a surfboard, it is a real experience: a way to understand what you ride, work with your hands, and create something that stays with you long after the workshop.
JOIN A WORKSHOP

Words from our board builders

"The Ondanova experience is outstanding! There’s nothing quite as gratifying as creating a surfboard with your own hands using just a few simple tools. Antoine is the perfect guide for the journey; knowledgeable, patient, and deeply passionate about surfcraft and design. Nestled in the rolling hills of Mafra, the atelier offers breathtaking views while you sip fresh espresso and enjoy delicious cookies. I can’t recommend Ondanova enough. And you can test your board just kilometers away. Muito obrigado Ondanova!"

Teddy

Mini Simmons

USA

"We did a workshop with Antoine and it was absolutely amazing. He is a very pleasant, fun to work with and will go way out of his way to ensure everybody is getting the most out of the workshop. The location is also very scenic on a hill in the middle of a big vineyard. We had a very good time, learned a lot and walked away with two gorgeous boards that are super fun to surf. Can't recommend it enough!"

Oli & Teresa

Modern Fish & Midlength

Germany

"Building a wooden surfboard is an incredible experience. I’ve already built four boards with Antoine, and each one has been pure fun from start to finish. He guides the process with care and makes sure every board turns out beautifully. Surfing a board you built yourself feels truly special, and somehow each new one feels different."

Jan

Fishes & Midlength

Portugal

"The best birthday gift I could have imagined. Antoine made this workshop unforgettable: with his patience and knowledge he helped me create the surfboard of my dreams. I love riding it!"

Anna

Mini-Simmons

Portugal

"I took part in a workshop three years ago and still have very warm memories of it. I learned how to build a surfboard, was able to do a lot on my own, and really enjoyed the company of Antoine and the other participants. I still surf the board I made there today, which makes the experience even more special to me. Last but not least, the workshop is set in an even more idyllic place than I could have imagined :)"

Leika

Twin fin

Germany

The Atelier

Our atelier is part of the experience. Set on a small hill overlooking vineyards in the Portuguese countryside, it is 15 minutes from the beautiful waves of Ribeira d’Ilhas, near Ericeira, and around 45 minutes from Lisbon.

The landscape is quiet and open, inviting you to slow down. It is a place made for craft, creativity, and time away from the usual noise.

OUR STORY

    Our surfboards

    There are two ways to get an Ondanova board: build your own during a workshop or order a board from our fixed collection.

    However you choose, each board is made with the same focus on quality, design and performance.

    EXPLORE OUR BOARDS

    Naturally Light, Built to Perform

    Ondanova surfboards are hollow, meaning they are made out of air, wood and a bit of fiberglass and epoxy. We use paulownia wood because it offers a rare balance: lightness, strength, and a naturally low environmental impact. Instead of relying only on foam and synthetic materials, our wooden construction gives each board a solid, responsive feel while keeping the weight where it needs to be. Ecology and performance can work together, resulting in a board that rides well, lasts longer, and feels more connected to the material it is made from.

    FAQs

    • You can either build your own during our 3-day workshop or order one of our fixed shape.

    • Wooden surfboards take much more time to craft, use high-quality sustainable materials, and are built to last longer than regular foam boards. Each one is made by hand, with care and precision. Nothing is mass-produced. What you're investing in is not just a surfboard, but a unique, durable, and consciously made piece that carries a lot of craftsmanship.

      In a workshop, the value goes even further. You do not simply receive a board at the end. You learn how it is made, understand the structure, use the tools, and take home knowledge that allows you to keep exploring or even building boards by yourself.

    • Not necessarily.

      Our boards are designed to balance weight and durability, making them comparable in weight to traditional foam boards while being significantly stronger. For boards over 7’ and alternative shapes (like fishes or mini-Simmons), the weight is similar to conventional foam boards. However, low volume or performance oriented shortboards, are about 10 to 30% heavier than their foam counterparts.

    • At the moment, we don’t offer test boards.

      Since each board is custom-built and not part of a rental stock, we prefer to keep them in the best possible conditions.

      That said, if you have questions or need help choosing the right shape, we’re happy to guide you through the decision process. Just reach out and we’ll help you find the board that fits you best.

    • We prioritize eco-friendly materials like sustainably sourced wood, cork, partially bio-sourced resins and natural oils. Our process minimizes waste, reduces synthetic resins, and focuses on longevity, creating boards that last much longer than traditional foam models.

      Beyond materials, we also believe sustainability is about the way we work. During our workshops, we encourage a collaborative spirit, participants help each other, share tips, and enjoy the process together. Shaping a board becomes a collective experience rather than a solitary task, which adds meaning to the final product.

    • If we haven’t quite managed to answer your question, please explore the other pages or it might certainly be on our FAQ page → or don't hesitate to contact us directly by Whatsapp or through our contact form →