DIY Balsa Wood Surfboard Course
Learn how to build your own environmentally friendly balsa wood surfboard in this hands-on, one-on-one woodwork course in Sydney. Working under professional supervision, you will design, draw, shape and sand a custom board to your preferred style and requirements.
This practical course is a mindful creative escape and is ideal for anyone wanting to learn traditional board-building skills. The board can be glassed and surfed on, or displayed as a unique handmade piece inspired by classic 1950s and 1960s surfboards.
All necessary tools are supplied in a safe workshop environment. Optional surfboard kits are available through tutor Mark, with a range of sizes and materials, including foam options.
Course Outline
- Session 1: Introductory talk, kit handover, timber or foam layout, cutting, gluing, clamping and drawing the board plan shape.
- Session 2: Shaping the bottom and deck, sanding, rail shaping, finishing, and discussion of fins and glassing.
- You may take home your shaped board or arrange to glass the board with the tutor for an additional cost.
Schedule & Pricing
- Runs over two sessions, generally from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
- Upcoming sessions include 3 August to 10 August 2026 and 30 November to 7 December 2026.
- Course fee is $379. Optional kits range from $400 to $1550 depending on board size and material.
Additional Information
- This is a one-on-one course and beginners are welcome.
- Please bring lunch or a snack, or drive to Miranda Westfield, approximately 5 minutes away.
- Students should enrol at least one week before the course begins where possible so materials can be prepared.
Details
You will learn
- Understand balsa wood, sustainable board making and environmental considerations.
- Learn how mass-produced surfboards can impact the environment.
- Use power tools and hand tools to shape, sand and finish a wooden surfboard.
You will get
- Professional one-on-one guidance throughout the board-building process.
- Access to all necessary workshop tools and equipment.
- A shaped custom surfboard, certificate of completion and class photos.
Appropriate for
Beginners with no prior woodwork or surfboard-building experience required.
Preparation
What to bring
- Covered comfortable shoes and old clothes suitable for dust or glue.
- Bottle of water.
- Lunch or a snack.
What to wear
Old clothes and covered comfortable shoes
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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DIY Balsa Wood Surfboard Course
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