Learn more about Ventana custom wooden surfboards.

This very special fish is our 100th surfboard! We worked for many months with a host of collaborators to complete this performance work of art and the fish-themed art pieces that accompany it. The actual barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus) lives in the Monterey Bay and is a favorite of our master craftsman, Martijn Stiphout.

The bottom deck of this board is made of more than 1000, laser-cut "fish scales" created from spruce and flame maple offcuts from Santa Cruz Guitar Company and bay laurel floorboards made in 1853 for the cooperage (where barrels were made) at the old Cowell Lime Works which is located on what is now the campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The glassed-on keel fins are made of bay laurel from the cooperage and a blue, resin pour by Upcycled Skate Art using EcoPoxy mixed with Black Diamond Pigments. The fins are based on a fin template from Locus Surfboards.

The top deck includes an inlay of 10 barred surfperches created by Upcycled Skate Art using bay laurel and broken skateboard decks. The fish are based on artwork by Davidson Tattoos and were laser cut to perfection at Santa Cruz Engraving. They are "swimming" in a blue gradient of EcoPoxy mixed with Black Diamond Pigments. Surrounding the ocean scene is Douglas fir is from the hull of the Western Flyer, considered by many to be the most famous fishing boat in the world. John Steinbeck, Ed "Doc" Ricketts and crew sailed this 77-foot sardine boat into the Sea of Cortez in Baja California, Mexico in 1940. The following year, Steinbeck published his book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez about the adventure. Learn more about this amazing boat and Ventana's use of its wood. The curly wood is fiddleback redwood salvaged from our local mountains, and the light-colored strips are maple from Thamer Design & Woodworking offcuts.

The rails are made of cork which is sustainable, more resistant to dings, and easier to repair. There are two sheets of Aerialite 4-ounce fiberglass on top and one on bottom. The epoxy is Entropy Super Sap 100 bio-resin which is up to 40% tree sap and is very strong and light.

As with all Ventana Surfboards, the interior is glassed and sealed, as well. Tyler Hopkins of Locus Surfboards did the sand and polish on the board.

This board is hollow, lightweight and will ride as great as it looks. Given the uniqueness of each side, it's two art pieces in one and can be flipped to showcase either side. We provide a free wall mount or floor stand depending on your need.

Made in Santa Cruz, California by master craftsman Martijn Stiphout in collaboration with Alex Wong of Upcycled Skate Art.

We collaborated with four artists to create pieces that match the theme of the board. These are not available with the pre-owned board purchase.

• Copper Pig Fine Working used the wooden "fish scales" to create a sushi board.
• Andrew Ward created a ceramic barred surfperch.
• Ed Martinez created a metal barred surfperch.
• Andrew Dingeldein (The Local Naturalist) drew a barred surfperch and framed it with a reclaimed wooden frame from Alibi Interiors.

Dimensions: 5'10" x 21.5" x 2.4"

Approx. 20 pounds 

See progress pics and videos here!

All Ventana Surfboards are ECOBOARD Project Gold Level Verified by SustainableSurf.org!

Learn about Ventana surfboards and custom orders.

Pre-owned wooden Ventana surfboard