Mark Riley owner of Riley Balsa Surfboards visited the balsawood farm and factory in PNG from where he sources his balsawood and then took a group surfing to Kavieng staying at the Nusa Island Retreat, which is the capital of the New Guinean Province of New Ireland situated on the northern tip of the island in April 2016 and 2017.
Mark has been building Eco friendly Balsa boards for the past 20 years and originally sourced his balsawood from Ecuador, but 5 years ago discovered a much better quality wood in PNG, and since then has been importing containers of balsawood from PNG.
Mark and his party traveled to PNG by Air Niugini direct to Nusa Island on the same day.
The whole adventure was recorded and documented by Ian Hamilton from Lime light Studios. They have edited a stand alone video that highlights the ecological benefits of using balsa instead of PU foam and also the work carried out by SAPNG and PNGPTA.
SAPNG - SURFING ASSOCIATION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA. They have developed a unique and sustainable foundation upon which the surfing resource is developed and managed for the collective benefit of its traditional resource custodians and SAPNG affiliated surf clubs and commercial operators. http://www.sapng.com/ The rest of the world needs to take note.
The inaugural adventure in 2016 was to meet and surf with the locals and to build boards with them and create great new friendships with great success.
The group stayed at the beautiful Nusa Island Retreat which is renowned for its eco friendly environment and thinking.
This will be a yearly event so if you are interested in the 2018 trip contact Mark and start planning now.
November 3-16, 2018
Join us in Papua New Guinea for your endless summer on this fully escorted reef tour of Rubio Surf Camp and Nusa Island Retreat. This incredible location will have you living the island life in no time. We have teamed up with Mark Riley an Australian balsa surfboard shaper to run a unique surf safari into the wilds of Papua New Guinea. We will be milling the addition to your personal quiver from local balsa resources, shaping it and sending it home with you. Our two-week surf gig in paradise will be unique; beyond designing your board with locals you will have the chance to fish, surf, and visit Kavieng, Nusa, and Rubio. Handcrafted balsa wood boards created to your specs. In addition to daily surf sessions, this offering includes amazing opportunities for world-class surfing, fishing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling. You will learn the entire process of felling local balsa, milling the planks and the craftsmanship involved in building & shaping the final product. This is a surf trip like no other! (extra to build your own board $1000)
All surf levels welcome but surfing experience recommended. All levels will have an opportunity to meet their challenge.
No matter where you live this trip can be catered for you to arrive in Kavieng all together for a one of a kind adventure.
Passing on a message of thanks from a parent. Connor has not stopped talking since he got home last night. What an amazing experience he had in PNG. He feels very privileged to of been able to go. He keeps commenting on how little they have but how happy they are. And has realised how lucky he is. Thank you so much to you and the other teachers for your support and guidance, we really do appreciate it. Have a great weekend, cheers
Care
To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.
Design
Our dedication to excellence extends beyond materials; it encompasses the artistry and craftsmanship illustrated in every piece we create.
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Tony
First Class
Mark
Made the long trip from Bondi to see your exhibition. Kudos to you and the team for putting together a first class tribute to the wooden surfboard
Regards
Tony Rich
Riley Balsa Wood Surfboards
Ere
Fantastic Exhibition
A wonderful exhibition about the history of surfboards.
@rileybalsasurfboards Mark Riley has beautifully created this unique exhibition that shouldn’t be missed . It will be on another couple of weeks in Sydney at @hazelhurstartscentre .
We were so fortunate to experience it and learn from this curated story . Happy also to see Maura & Milla as a fun duet at the opening ceremony.
Thanks Mark and Lourdes for allowing us to be a part of this incredible moment . Proud of his research and dedication. Passion for surfing and handcrafted wooden surfboards . An extraordinary man that is passionate about surf and nature and has made an outstanding product that leads by example to others in how amazing many materials are that can help reduce landfill waste & ocean waste with more sustainable materials.
Riley Balsa Wood Surfboards
John
Amazing event
Mark
Thank you so much for your efforts in promoting the History of the most magical pastime known to man.
It is really appreciated by those of us AGED Surfers who can no longer participate, but truly appreciate the sport.
Your love for Surfing & skills in promoting & Producing Balsa boards is in my mind exemplary. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORT.
Warmest Regards
John
Riley Balsa Wood Surfboards
holger
made all the difference
Hi Mark,
Just wanted to share a quick update — I’ve completed my scratch build of the RES Eagle competition glider, and I’m stoked with the result! Every single part was cut, sanded, and painted by hand, and the take-off weight came in at just 436 grams.
Today was the maiden flight, marking the end of this 4-week project. I’ve attached a few photos so you can see what your balsa wood has turned into!
Thanks again for the great balsa — it made all the difference in this build.
Cheers,
Holger
Italy 2400mm long Raw balsa wood
Holger
your balsa made all the difference
Hi Mark,
Just wanted to share a quick update — I’ve completed my scratch build of the RES Eagle competition glider, and I’m stoked with the result! Every single part was cut, sanded, and painted by hand, and the take-off weight came in at just 436 grams.
Today was the maiden flight, marking the end of this 4-week project. I’ve attached a few photos so you can see what your balsa wood has turned into!
Thanks again for the great balsa — it made all the difference in this build.
Cheers,
Holger
So sorry Mark for the delayed text - just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your support with Jack finalizing the surfboard for his major work. Cannot thank you enough. He loved working with you Kristy
He is a good person. He has some talent in this type of work.you should be proud of him
I just wanted to get back to you regarding the order sent to France.
After a hand injury forced a break (amazing what a planer can do to your hand... first time in 30 years of use!) I finally got around to opening things up and began shaping this week.
The cut lumber looks great, that'll be for the second board.
Anyway, I'm stoked to be advancing on this and thanks for working with me on billing and shipping.
Best Jeffrey from France
Thats great Jeffery, let me know if you need any more sent from Italy to France
Wow!!! Very nice balsa!!! I jus got it and opened it, all safe n sound. Thank you for working w me. Ill be spreading the news as well, for awhile. I love how the balsa was cut n harvested.
Daniel
Thats great Daniel, let me know if you need any more sent from Australia to USA. Show Frost Lumber in San Diego when you get a chance - they are keen to buy a container load.