Introducing Paulownia Wood Inlay Surfboards by Degree 33

At Degree 33, every surfboard begins with the same question: How can we make surfing more enjoyable?

Whether you've been riding one of our boards for years or recently joined the Degree 33 family, you've probably noticed that our focus has always been on creating surfboards that paddle easily, catch waves effortlessly, and inspire confidence in a wide range of conditions. We believe the best board isn't necessarily the most aggressive or high-performance—it's the one that gets you in the water more often.

That philosophy has guided every model we've designed, and it's what led us to introduce our Paulownia Wood Inlay Series.

Available in two of our best-selling models—the Ultimate Longboard and the Poacher Midlength—this collection combines our most durable epoxy construction with the timeless beauty of natural Paulownia wood. If you've been wondering what makes these boards different, or whether they're the right fit for your next surfboard, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why We Introduced the Paulownia Wood Inlay Series

For years, customers have loved Degree 33 boards for their versatility, durability, and wave-catching ability. As our community has grown, we've also heard another request from surfers: they wanted a board that looked just as special as it felt to ride.

Surfboards spend almost as much time out of the water as they do in it. They lean against garage walls, ride on roof racks, rest on surf stands, and travel to beaches up and down the coast. A surfboard becomes part of your lifestyle, and many surfers appreciate a board with a timeless, distinctive look.

The Paulownia Wood Inlay Series was created to offer exactly that—without changing what makes a Degree 33 board perform so well.

Instead of designing entirely new shapes, we chose two customer favorites and gave them a premium construction that complements their proven performance.

What Is a Paulownia Wood Inlay Surfboard?

Unlike a painted finish, our Paulownia Wood Inlay boards feature a real Paulownia wood veneer laminated beneath the fiberglass during construction.

This allows the natural wood grain to remain visible while still benefiting from the strength and reliability of modern epoxy construction.

The result is a surfboard with a clean, natural appearance that stands apart from traditional painted boards.

Because wood is a natural material, no two boards are exactly alike. Every Paulownia Wood Inlay surfboard has its own subtle grain pattern, giving each one a unique character while maintaining the same proven shape and construction.

It's a look that feels classic without being old-fashioned.

Why Paulownia?

Paulownia has long been appreciated for its combination of light weight and attractive natural grain.

Its warm color and distinctive appearance make it an excellent choice for surfboards, offering a timeless aesthetic that pairs perfectly with modern epoxy construction.

The wood veneer doesn't change the board's proven shape or performance characteristics. Instead, it adds a premium finish that gives the board a refined look while allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.

It's a simple addition that makes a lasting impression every time you carry your board to the water.

Built with Our Most Durable Epoxy Construction

Of course, a beautiful surfboard still has to perform.

That's why every Paulownia Wood Inlay model is built using our strongest epoxy construction.

Surfboards inevitably encounter bumps, pressure dents, roof racks, board bags, airline travel, and the occasional accidental collision in the lineup. We wanted these boards to be ready for all of it.

Our epoxy construction offers several advantages that surfers appreciate:

• Excellent durability for everyday use

• Increased resistance to pressure dents

• Lightweight feel for easier paddling

• Responsive performance on the wave

• Long-lasting reliability season after season

For many surfers, durability means peace of mind. Instead of worrying about every small knock or ding, you can focus on what matters most—getting in the water.

Whether you surf once a month or several times each week, this construction is designed to stand up to years of adventures.

The Ultimate Longboard: A Degree 33 Favorite

When people think of easy wave catching and classic glide, they often think of the Ultimate Longboard.

It's one of our most popular models because it delivers exactly what so many surfers are looking for: confidence, stability, and effortless fun.

The generous volume helps you paddle into waves earlier, while the balanced outline makes trimming and smooth turns feel natural. Beginners appreciate how forgiving it is, while experienced surfers enjoy its flowing style and versatility across a variety of conditions.

Adding the Paulownia Wood Inlay construction felt like a natural fit for this board.

The warm wood finish complements the timeless character of a longboard, creating a board that looks every bit as classic as it feels to surf.

Whether it's resting beside your beach chair after a session or gliding down the line on a clean point break, the Ultimate Longboard is designed to stand out for all the right reasons.

The Poacher: Versatility in Every Session

If you're looking for one board that can handle a little bit of everything, the Poacher Midlength has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile shapes in the Degree 33 lineup.

The Poacher blends generous paddle power with responsive turning, making it an excellent choice for surfers who want to maximize wave count without giving up maneuverability.

It catches waves easily, accelerates smoothly, and feels comfortable across a wide range of conditions—from playful beach breaks to clean point waves.

By pairing the Poacher with our Paulownia Wood Inlay construction, we created a board that not only performs exceptionally well but also looks unlike anything else in the lineup.

The sleek outline and natural wood grain complement one another beautifully, making the Poacher just as enjoyable to admire as it is to ride.

A Construction Designed for Years of Surfing

Every surfer eventually finds that one board they reach for more than any other.

It's the board that's always ready for an early morning session, a spontaneous weekend trip, or an afternoon when the waves are better than expected.

Our goal with the Paulownia Wood Inlay Series was to build exactly that kind of surfboard.

The combination of durable epoxy construction, proven Degree 33 shapes, and the timeless appearance of natural wood creates a board that's built to become part of your surfing life for years to come.

These aren't boards designed simply to look good in photos. They're built to be surfed—again and again.

Which Paulownia Surfboard Is Right for You?

Choosing between the Ultimate Longboard and the Poacher comes down to the kind of surfing you enjoy most.

If your ideal session involves catching plenty of waves, trimming effortlessly, and enjoying smooth, classic rides, the Ultimate Longboard is an outstanding choice.

If you want a versatile board that paddles with ease but still feels lively and responsive through turns, the Poacher Midlength is likely the better fit.

The good news is that whichever model you choose, you'll be getting the same premium Paulownia Wood Inlay construction and the same durable epoxy build that make this series unique.

Give us a call, order online, or stop by our shop to get this board today!