bDub Handplane Design

bDub Handplane are designed with a pronounced concavity. The curvature is based on an 8 ½” radius circle. The result is an aggressive concavity that allows for tremendous bite into the wave. This creates a hard edge/rail that delivers a more responsive ride, allowing the rider to carve & drive the barrel rather than simply ride the wave.  The concave design also reduces hand fatigue by following the natural curve of the hand while in a neutral position. Translation: More time in the water & less time with a tired cramped hand.    

The layers of wood are cut at an angle like the ribs on a wooden barrel. This way the curve of the grain lines up to the curve of the handplanes.  Due to the pronounced curvature of the handplane, great care is required to ensure that the different layers of wood are evenly bonded to each other. This requires a unique clamping process that applies pressure in multiple planes. Be confident that your bDub Handplane is strong & can go the distance.

The forces a handplane experiences are different than that of a surfboard.  Since surfboards must support the weight of the rider, they have a foam or hollow core to reduce weight & provide tremendous buoyancy.  Just as the name suggests, a handplane planes or glides on the water. It is for this reason the buoyancy of a handplane is not critical as it is for a surfboard. Nevertheless, we don’t want a handplane that sinks either. Weight & thickness of bDub Handplanes have been minimized while maintaining the structural integrity of the shape.

A benefit of the bDub Handplane’s thin profile is its ability to act as a paddle on your arm while swimming out. The larger, thicker, foam core boards make this task a challenge. Think of the handplane as an extension of your arm just like fins are to your feet. The thin profile aids in the arm stroke.    

The Strap 

All bDub Handplanes come with an adjustable hand strap & adjustable leash to keep you and your handplane together. The double layer hook & loop hand strap can be adjusted to give you a rock-solid grip on the handplane.  For a comfortable fit, the strap is made of 2” polypropylene webbing wrapped in neoprene to cover the back of your hand. The two layers of Velcro assure that once adjusted, you can forget it & focus on the waves.     

The Leash

We recommend using the leash as it assures you won’t lose your handplane.  If you like to switch hands a lot, the leash may not be  ideal for you. But at least you have the option.  The leash length has been minimized to provide a low profile.  If you get tossed and lose your grip, the short leash design reduces the chance of taking a hit to the melon.  There are handplanes out there that attach the leash to your upper bicep – I’d hate to have that rubber band back & smack me in the face.   

We can certainly make a custom bDub Handplane to your specifications. 

Send us an email with your ideas & wood pairings. 

There is a $30 build charge for custom boards. 

Please allow additional build time, approximately 2 weeks.  Email your pattern ideas & questions.  Check out the Contact page.