Getting a new surf board in Bali

Bali is a surfing mecca and people from all over world flock here for the sun and the waves.

I recently visited an Aussie named Palu Waskiw who manufactures surf boards here in Bali and rents them on Kuta Beach. Palu’s boards really stand out because they are big and bright yellow. Not being a surfer myself I wanted to get some info on Palu’s background and how someone would go about getting a new board for Bali.

Nick: Where did you learn to surf?
Palu: I grew up in Byron Bay the mecca of Aussie surfing. Began to snap boards from an early age but now being 6′ 5″ and 100kg I know how to make a board that will take a beating.

Nick: How long have you been surfing?
Palu: I’ve been surfing 27 years, 19 in Indonesia. I’ve surfed every continent and have devoted my life to surfing and the surfing way of life. I’m a ’soul surfer’ and have have spent years exploring the hidden breaks up and down the coast of Java and Sumatra searching for big waves.

I’ve spent 6 years making Palu boards, based in Byron Bay. I’m now based in Bali.

Nick: Palu how would you describe your surf boards?
Palu: Custom made surfboards for the individual from the beginner through to the pro. Boards can be specifically made for your level of ability and are made to last.

Nick: What is unique about Palu surfboards?
Palu: In today’s world of light weight disposable surfboards, which often only last 6 months you can still buy a surfboard made with superior materials and made to last.

Nick: What features do Palu boards have?
Palu: A Palu board will last longer than the average board, at least 2 years. The average board will last 6 months.

Palu boards are ideally made for beginners or the larger person wanting to surf. Also older guys, who are looking for a decent board to enjoy waves on.

Nick: How do you make Palu boards unique?
Palu: I use heavier glass and a stronger finish. My boards are specific in that the
learning boards are made for learners, hotdog boards are made for hotdoggers, ‘guns’ are made for the Indo reef. My boards are speciafically designed for your own height weight and ability, as well as the surfing conditions.

Nick: What’s your price range?
Palu: My prices range from US$300 to US$1000

Nick: If someone orders a custom board from you online how soon will it be ready?
Palu: I can make a board in 5 days once I have the specifications from a customer. Your new custom made board can be ready and waiting for you in Bali by the time you arrive.

Nick: Where can the customer pick their new custom board?
Palu: My factory is located in the heart of Kuta and new boards can be picked up at the factory.

Not having a fancy shop like the big brands helps me keep the price of the boards down.

Nick: Can a customer create their own design for the board?
Palu: We can do any color and design the customer chooses. They can email a graphic to me. I also have an Indonesian artist that works for me.

Nick: What accessories do you stock?
Palu: Leg ropes and deck grips are available too, rash vests, covers, all under the Palu label.

Nick: What does a customer get with a new board?
Palu: Every new board comes with an airline board bag.

Nick: What do you need to know from a novice surfer before you can make them a new board?
Palu: I need to know their height, weight, age, sex, how long they’ve been surfing, where they want to surf ( beach breaks, reef, sewer of Berlin…I actually had one customer who surfs the overflowing sewers in Berlin when it rains!).

Nick: What do you need to know from an experienced surfer?
Palu: If you know what board you want, I need to know, the height of board (in feet and inches), width, thickness, type of rail, type of nose, type of tail, amount of rocker in nose and tail.

I also need to know how heavy would you like your glass. The standard is 4oz bottom + 6oz top, heavy glass is 6oz bottom + 12oz top, or super heavy is 12oz bottom + 16oz top. All my rental boards use super heavy glass.

We ask what type of fin system they need (glassed fin or FCS, single, dual, tri).

When I spoke to Palu he was covered in this brown zinc stuff to prevent sunburn and didn’t want a photo, but you will be hearing more about him and also soon have a way to order a new board ready to attack the summer season on the Bukit Bali.

Related Posts

• Beginning surfers in Bali
• Buying your first Surfboard in Bali: Tips and Hints
• Riding big waves in Bali
• Buying a new surfboard in Kuta Bali
• Renting a surf board in Kuta Bali

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