Riding the Wave of Tradition: Cornwall's Wooden Bellyboard Revival
We caught up with surfer Jamie Johnstone, owner and director of Dick Pearce Bellyboards, making traditional wooden bellyboards in their Newquay workshop to celebrate waveriding heritage, the constant inspiration from Cornwall’s beaches, the pure and simple fun of bellyboarding and the fact they offer a sustainable alternative to foam boards with limited lifespans destined for landfill.
Against the backdrop of our new SURF! Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, our surf-inspired shop collection focuses on products that are local, sustainable or that celebrate the spirit of waveriding – Dick Pearce Bellyboards tick all the boxes and we’re pleased to stock them in the Museum shop.
From their Newquay workshop, Dick Pearce Bellyboards represent a combination of heritage craft and modern environmental consciousness. We spoke to surfer Jamie Johnstone, owner and director of Dick Pearce Bellyboards, who is devoted to preserving the timeless art of wooden bellyboard making, while addressing today's environmental concerns.
These boards stand as elegant alternatives to disposable modern foam options - celebrating Cornwall's rich surfing heritage while offering durable, sustainable products designed to last decades rather than seasons. Join us as Jamie shares the story behind these beloved boards and brand.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming the custodians of Dick Pearce Bellyboards?
Dick Pearce Bellyboards was founded by Dick’s father, Charles, in South Molton, Devon, in 1928. The workshop was originally a tannery, and Charles made all sorts of beach goods before starting to craft bellyboards in the 1940s. When Charles passed away, he handed the business down to his son Dick, who carried on the tradition. After Dick passed away in 2010, my business partner Andy and I bought the business from his widow, along with the original manufacturing equipment. Since then, we’ve been proud to continue the heritage and keep the craft alive.
Bellyboarding is the earliest form of waveriding in Cornwall – it’s great to continue the tradition of making and riding boards here on our beautiful beaches. What we love about bellyboarding is the pure and simple fun that you can have on a piece of plywood. And this is ultimately what drives the business. We want to bring the bellyboard back to its former glory. And it’s so satisfying to see more people taking up riding plywood again.
What elements of the making process have you kept the same as the original business and where have you introduced innovations?
We've stayed true to the original craftsmanship that made these boards iconic. Using the same templates, traditional woodworking techniques, and high-quality materials that have been in place for over 70 years. Every board is still cut, boiled, bent, sanded, painted, and screen-printed by hand, just as they always have been. That said, we’ve introduced some innovations to improve sustainability and efficiency.
What eco-friendly practices have you incorporated?
Sustainability is a key part of what we do. We source our birch plywood from sustainably managed forests in Europe, working with a carbon-neutral supplier that minimizes waste in production. We've also introduced environmentally friendly finishes to extend the lifespan of our boards while reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, we've refined our processes to improve efficiency and reduce material waste.
SURF! at National Maritime Museum Cornwall looks at 100 years of Waveriding in Cornwall and of course includes a fair amount of wooden bellyboarding stories. What’s great about wooden bellyboards?!
Wooden bellyboards aren’t just a nostalgic throwback. They’re a durable, sustainable, and high-performance alternative to modern foam boards. Unlike disposable foam bodyboards, which often break and end up in landfill after just a few uses, our wooden boards are built to last for generations. They offer a faster, more responsive ride, staying true to the original way of wave riding. Plus, they’re better for the environment, made from sustainably sourced Birch Plywood with no plastic waste. It’s about reconnecting with the simplicity and joy of riding waves the way it was meant to be. What’s great about bellyboarding is how simple it is. It’s just a bent bit of plywood but it is so fun to use, and anyone can do it. Whether it’s a little kid or your grandmother.
How does being based in Cornwall influence your business?
Being based in Newquay, we’re surrounded by Cornwall’s rich surf culture, which deeply influences our daily operations and product development. The local beaches provide constant inspiration, and we’re fortunate to test our innovations just a short walk away. Cornwall is such an inspiring place to be. Bellyboarding is the original form of wave riding here, so it’s amazing to continue the tradition of crafting and riding boards on our stunning beaches. We also benefit greatly from the vibrant community of local creators and makers. We collaborate with nearby suppliers and craftsmen, exchanging ideas and supporting each other’s work. This sense of community plays a huge role in shaping our products and keeping our craftsmanship rooted in the traditions of Cornwall.
What's your vision for Dick Pearce Bellyboards and the future of wooden bellyboarding in general?
Looking ahead, our vision for Dick Pearce Bellyboards is to continue growing while staying true to the traditions that have defined us. We want to bring the joy of wooden bellyboarding to more people, ensuring the craft remains relevant and accessible for future generations. As for the future of wooden bellyboarding, we hope to see it gain more recognition as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to modern foam boards. By promoting its eco-friendly aspects and the unique connection it offers with the waves, we aim to inspire a new wave of enthusiasts who appreciate both the tradition and the thrill of riding a wooden board. We’re also excited to expand our SURF WOOD FOR GOOD scheme across the UK and beyond, furthering our commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities in the process.
Buy your Cornish Dick Pearce Bellyboard here.
Dick Pearce Bellyboards available in the Museum Shop, open every day 10am – 5pm.