Grain (surfboard company)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sporting goods |
| Founded | 2005 in York, Maine, United States |
| Founder | Mike LaVecchia |
| Headquarters | York , United States |
| Products | Hollow wooden surfboards, DIY kits, workshops |
Grain Surfboards is a United States-based manufacturer located in York, Maine specializing in the production of hollow wooden surfboards. Their boards are mainly constructed from northern white cedar, with accents crafted from western red cedar to add color variation. Grain offers custom-built surfboards, DIY kits, and instructional workshops where surfers can assemble their own boards.
History
Established in 2005 in York, Maine, Grain draws inspiration from traditional boat building and fine cabinetry techniques. The company's initial surfboards were handmade in co-founder Mike LaVecchia’s basement. Early press coverage helped elevate the brand’s profile, coinciding with the 2005 shutdown of Clark Foam, a key supplier of foam blanks for surfboards. This event increased demand for eco-conscious alternatives such as Grain’s wooden designs. Brad Anderson later became co-owner, and the business relocated to a dedicated workspace at Side Hill Farm in York.
Starting in 2009, Grain began producing a wooden adaptation of Channel Islands Surfboards' 'Biscuit,' a renowned model celebrated for maintaining speed over rough water despite its heavier weight compared to fiberglass counterparts.
In 2013, Grain successfully raised over $40,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to finance a mobile workshop bus fueled by alternative energy. This initiative supported their environmentally friendly mission while broadening access to board-building classes.
After losing their workshop lease of more than ten years in 2017, Grain attempted crowdfunding to secure new premises but was unable to acquire property. That same year, they became founding members of Maine Outdoor Brands, a nonprofit trade association that bolstered their standing within the outdoor industry.
In 2018, Grain collaborated with the Glenmorangie distillery to produce limited-edition surfboards incorporating whisky barrel wood alongside reclaimed western red cedar and sustainably harvested northern white cedar from Maine. Each board included twelve barrel staves—equivalent to half a whisky barrel—demonstrating their creative reuse of salvaged materials.
Production
Designs are developed using advanced 3D CAD technology. The construction process involves assembling an internal wooden frame resembling an airplane wing structure, which serves as the core of the hollow board. Wooden planks are then adhered and shaped around this frame through sanding. Building each board requires up to 60 hours and involves numerous small wooden components. To safeguard against water exposure, the finished product is coated with fiberglass fabric and epoxy resin.
The company sources locally grown white cedar from Maine's sustainably managed forests. Wood remnants are put to good use: shavings are converted into animal bedding, while leftover pieces are fashioned into sea-sleds or skateboards.
Customer engagement
By 2018, Grain had amassed more than 50,000 followers on Instagram, 12,000 fans on Facebook, and upwards of 7,000 newsletter subscribers. Their website and social media platforms exemplify transparent communication strategies designed to enhance brand recognition and foster customer loyalty. Participants in Grain’s workshops frequently document and share their board-building journeys online, generating organic interest that expands the company’s market reach.