Spruce and Balsa: Rachael Tilly’s Record-Breaking Third World Title

When Californian Rachael Tilly won her third World Longboard Title last month, she was riding a Martin Shapes board made entirely by hand by Josh Martin. Martin’s hands had crafted every detail, even the stringer, which he built from spruce and balsa.

Rachael won this World Title the most demanding way possible. She surfed up from the first heat of Finals Day under the blanket of El Salvadorian humidity, winning six heats in a row and taking the title. It was the first time any surfer has achieved this.