This exhibit opened on April 19, 2014, and explored the history and evolution of paipo riding, or bellyboarding, and it’s relevance to surfing culture.

Paipo riding is experiencing a resurgence of interest after falling into obscurity due to the worldwide popularity of Tom Morey’s Boogie Board. Surfers exploring the roots of surfing have discovered that paipos are a valid part of the wave riding experience and they deserve a place in modern surfing.

The exhibit included a display of of paipos, with a collection spanning nearly 100 years, from early wooden bellyboards to modern high-performance paipos. Words and photos described the history of paipo riders and innovators and their connection to the present.

Josh Klein, of Xylem Surfboards, gave a presentation on modern paipos, including examples of his line of wooden paipos.

This exhibit was curated by Rod Rodgers, one of the foremost authorities on paipos. For more information please visit his site, http://mypaipoboards.org.

 

 

Late 19th century surfer in Hawaii holding an Alaia board wearing a Malo, or traditional loincloth.
Famous photo of a late 19th century surfer in Hawaii holding an Alaia board wearing a Malo, or traditional loincloth. Photo taken from the internet.
Thin dark wooden paipo standing vertically against the museum wall.
Wooden Edie paipo with offset side handholds, common shape in the 1940’s, owner’s name was Edie. ca. 1940’s, 53″x11 1/2″x3/4″, Finless. On loan by John Hughes, Merritt Island, FL.
A thin dark-stained wood paipo with a round nose.
This style of board was commonly used in Muizenberg, South Africa and Cornwall, England since the early 20th century and the mid 20th century in Spain and France. Donated to the Florida Surf Museum by an actor visting from the United Kingdom. Part of Museum archives.
Three paipo boards mounted on the museum wall. The top one is blue with fins. The middle is red and yellow checkerboard pattern. The bottom one is wood with central stripes running the length of the board and a turtle illustration on it.
Local paipo boards, two belonging to Logjammer (Chris Harazda).
Three glassed paipos mounted on the museum wall. The top one is red with fins. The middle one is white with a stripe running down the middle. The bottom one is white with a blue border and middle stripe.
Three modern style glassed paipos on display at the Museum exhibit.
A paipo mounted on the wall. It is white with wave-like pinstripe patterns.
A more modern version of the Paipo by Rick Newcombe for the Newport Wedge. Single Fin, 44″x20 1/2″x2 1/4″. On loan from Chet Halleck, Washington, DC.
A paipo with a stained-wood finish.
Xylem Surfboards, Malama Kai, by Josh Klein, Wilmington NC, 2014. Finless, 48″x 18″x 1 1/4″. Solid paulownia wood with dark tung oil coating. Design based on ancient Hawaiian paipos in the Bishop Museum. On loan by Josh Klein, Wilmington, NC.
white paipo with a red, yellow and green "House of Paipo" logo on it
“House of Paipo” Modern glassed board, ca. 1970, Huntington Beach, CA. Single Fin, 48″x20 1/2″x1 1/2″. On loan from Rod Rodgers, .[mypaipoboards.org]
A variety of paipos on display in the museum.
View of the Paipo Museum Display from inside the Museum looking to the right.