Curly Koa refers to the unique patterning of "curly" koa wood—a response to environmental stress that creates a rare, twisted grain highly prized in fine furniture, musical instruments, and art.
Curly Koa exists to share this truth: Healing is not linear. Strength is not perfection. To heal is to flow. It is relational. Just as curly koa’s grain twists in response to its environment, we heal by learning how to move with the world, not against it.
To create surfboards as vessels of healing—where art, surfing, culture, and community come together to share stories of renewal, resilience, and care in beautiful Hawaiʻi Nei.
The ocean doesn't rush healing.
She holds space for it.
Curly Koa is inspired by the uniqueness of the curly koa grain itself—an "irregularity" that could be seen as a flaw, but is instead valued for its differentness and resilience. Its distinct beauty comes not from perfection, but from an imperfection born of a stress response to its environement.
In the same way, this project honors healing as a living, responsive process—formed through relationship with the ocean, the land, and each other.
Sunset gradient with sacred geometry - Mokulēʻia Beach
Where Art Meets Ocean.
Each surfboard tells a story—hand-shaped by local shapers, painted by island artists, and offered to riders who understand that surfing is a meditation.
Local artists are invited to paint directly onto the boards. Each piece is then sealed in resin—preserving the art, the story, and the moment of healing.
Each board is a unique story of healing.
Rooted in Place
This project is grounded in Hawaiʻi. Surfing here is not an escape. It is a relationship.
ʻOhana
Healing through community
Kuleana
Responsibility, care, and intention
ʻĀina
Land as medicine
Mauka → Makai → Lani
Mountain, ocean, sky