At Sting Glide, every handboard is crafted from sustainably grown Australian Paulownia timber. We chose this premium timber because it delivers the perfect balance of performance, durability, and sustainability.

Why Paulownia?

• Lightweight – Easy to swim with and comfortable when strapped to your hand.
• Neutrally Buoyant – Cuts through the water effortlessly instead of fighting against it.
• Water Resistant – Won't soak up water, so it stays light session after session.
• Odourless – No unpleasant smells.
• Non-Toxic – No harmful chemicals or resins.
• Naturally Rot, Decay & Insect Resistant – Built to last in harsh coastal conditions.
• Sustainably Grown in Australia – A renewable, environmentally responsible timber.
• Finished with Anti-Mould Linseed Oil – A natural protective finish that enhances durability.

Better for the Ocean

Unlike plastic or fibreglass boards, a Paulownia handboard can naturally return to the environment at the end of its life (simply remove the strap and screws first).

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Why Timber Performs Better

A bodysurfing handboard isn't designed to keep you afloat like a surfboard. Instead, it's a planing device that creates extra lift, speed and control while riding a wave.

Surfboards are made from foam and fibreglass because they need to be highly buoyant to support your weight.

Handboards are different.

Some of the best-performing handboards are neutrally buoyant. They still float, but they also move through the water with far less resistance.

Why Not Foam or Plastic?

Foam and plastic handboards are more positively buoyant, which means they sit higher in the water. This creates more resistance when swimming and can cause the board to skip across the wave's surface, reducing control and performance.

The Sting Glide Advantage

Because our Paulownia boards are neutrally buoyant:

• They glide through the water with less effort, helping you conserve energy while swimming.
• You can stay in the surf longer without tiring as quickly.
• They provide greater lift, speed and control when catching waves.
• Combined with our concave design, they hold a clean line while trimming across the face of a wave.
• They make it easier to lock into fast, smooth rides and score those unforgettable barrels.

With a Sting Glide Paulownia handboard, you get a smoother glide, better control, less fatigue, and more time doing what matters most—enjoying the glide.

A handboard transforms the way you bodysurf by giving you more lift, speed and control. Think of it as a performance upgrade that lets you glide across the wave with less effort and more fun.

1. More Lift

The curved shape and concave bottom of a Sting Glide handboard work with the flow of the water to create lift.

As the wave pushes against the board, it lifts your upper body higher out of the water. This reduces drag and helps you plane across the surface instead of pushing through it.

The result:

• Catch waves more easily
• Increase your speed
• Ride further with less effort

2. More Speed

Unlike a surfboard, a handboard isn't designed to float your body—it's designed to plane.

When you extend your arm and angle the board correctly, the wave's energy lifts the board onto the water's surface, allowing it to skim across the face of the wave.

Our Paulownia timber is lightweight, strong and neutrally buoyant, making it the perfect material for a high-performance handboard.

The result:

• Faster acceleration
• Longer rides
• Less energy wasted while swimming

3. More Control

A great handboard doesn't just make you faster—it gives you confidence on the wave.

The carefully shaped rails (edges) and precision CNC-machined concave allow the board to grip the water as you lean into your turns.

This extra control helps you:

• Hold your line across the wave
• Trim with confidence
• Stay in the pocket longer
• Make smooth, controlled turns

Why Timber Makes the Difference

At Sting Glide, we build our handboards from sustainably grown Australian Paulownia because it's naturally lightweight, water resistant and neutrally buoyant.

Unlike foam or plastic handboards that tend to sit high on the water and skip across the surface, Paulownia glides through the water naturally. This means less resistance while swimming, better control on the wave and a smoother, more connected ride.

Combined with our precision-machined concave design, every Sting Glide handboard is built to maximise performance while remaining simple, durable and environmentally responsible.

Experience the Glide

A Sting Glide handboard uses the power of the wave to lift you higher, reduce drag, increase speed and give you the control to ride longer, smoother and with more confidence.

Less effort. More speed. More control. More fun.

Enjoy the Glide.

Bodysurfing is one of the purest ways to experience the ocean. With a Sting Glide handboard, you'll catch waves more easily, glide faster and enjoy greater control—all while staying connected to the water.

Whether you're catching your very first wave or looking to improve your technique, these simple steps will have you enjoying the glide in no time.

1. Get Ready

You don't need much to start bodysurfing.

You'll need:

• A Sting Glide handboard
• Swim fins (optional but highly recommended)
• Sunscreen
• A safe beach with small, clean waves

Swim fins provide extra power when swimming into waves, making it easier to catch them and stay in position.

Tip: Stay relaxed. The smoother you move through the water, the better your ride will be.

2. Position Yourself

Walk into the water until it's around waist to chest deep and take a few moments to watch the waves.

• Strap the handboard to your dominant hand.
• Attach the boardsaver wrist leash securely around your wrist. This keeps your handboard with you if it comes off during a wipeout.
• Extend your arm comfortably in front of you.
• Hold the board flat on the water's surface.
• If a wave breaks in front of you, dive underneath it with your board leading the way to conserve energy.

If you're wearing fins, use a steady flutter kick to move through the water efficiently.

3. Catch the Wave

This is where the fun begins.

• Watch for a wave that is starting to stand up.
• Turn towards the shore.
• Begin kicking early to match the wave's speed.
• Extend your handboard in front of you and keep your head low.
• As the wave lifts you, stop kicking and let the board do the work.

You'll feel the board lift your body onto the surface as you begin to glide.

4. Ride the Wave

The handboard creates lift, allowing your body to plane across the water with less drag.

To get the most out of every wave:

• Keep your body long and relaxed.
• Lift your hips slightly to reduce drag.
• Keep the board as flat as possible for maximum speed.
• Look where you want to go—not straight down.

To turn, simply angle the board slightly in the direction you want to travel while using your free arm and legs for balance.

The goal is to stay on the clean face of the wave for as long as possible, enjoying a smooth, controlled glide.

5. Finish the Ride

As the wave loses power:

• Gently turn to one side or allow the whitewater to carry you to shore.
• Be aware of other surfers and swimmers around you.
• Swim back out, recover your energy and do it all again.

Every wave teaches you something new, and every ride builds your confidence.

Tips for Beginners

• Start on small, gentle waves.
• Wear swim fins if possible—they make catching waves much easier.
• Stay relaxed and let the handboard work with the wave.
• Look where you want to go.
• Practise often—the more time you spend in the water, the better you'll become.

Safety First

Always bodysurf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards or Surf Life Saving clubs.

Before entering the water:

• Check the surf conditions.
• Know your limits.
• Never bodysurf alone.
• Be aware of rips, rocks and other ocean hazards.
• Respect other surfers and swimmers.

The ocean is an incredible place to play when it's treated with respect.

Bodysurfing is about more than just catching waves. It's about feeling connected to the ocean, building confidence in the water and sharing unforgettable moments with friends and family.

Once you catch your first clean glide, you'll understand why so many people fall in love with bodysurfing.

See you in the surf... and enjoy the glide.

Introduce children to bodysurfing with our kid-friendly approach featuring Salty the stingray! Our guides and products are designed to make learning fun and safe for young surfers. Start in shallow water and gradually progress as confidence builds.

Bodysurfing is one of the most enjoyable ways to stay active. Every session gets your body moving, clears your mind and leaves you feeling refreshed—all while doing something you love.

Whether you're chasing your first wave or your hundredth, the benefits go well beyond the beach.

Physical Health Benefits

A Full-Body Workout

Bodysurfing naturally works your whole body. Swimming, kicking and riding waves all help build strength, fitness and endurance without feeling like a workout.

Builds Core Strength

Your core is constantly working to keep you balanced while you glide across the wave. Over time, this helps strengthen your stomach, back and shoulders.

Improves Cardio Fitness

Swimming through the surf and kicking into waves is excellent cardiovascular exercise. It's a fun way to improve your fitness while enjoying the ocean.

Low Impact on Your Joints

The water supports your body, making bodysurfing much gentler on your knees, hips and back than many land-based sports. It's an activity you can enjoy for many years.

Fresh Air & Sunshine

Spending time outdoors means soaking up fresh sea air and sunshine while staying active. Just remember to slip, slop, slap before heading into the water.

Mental Health Benefits

Reduce Stress

It's hard to worry about emails or deadlines when you're focused on the next wave.

The ocean has a unique way of helping you slow down, switch off and enjoy the present moment.

Boost Your Mood

There's nothing quite like the feeling of catching a great wave.

Exercise naturally releases feel-good chemicals in your body, and combined with the excitement of bodysurfing, it's a great way to lift your mood.

Build Confidence

Every session teaches you something new.

Whether it's improving your swimming, reading the waves or catching a longer ride, each success builds confidence both in and out of the water.

Connect with Nature

Being in the ocean reminds us to appreciate the incredible environment around us. Many people find spending time near the water leaves them feeling calmer, happier and more refreshed.

More Than Just Exercise

Bodysurfing isn't about competition—it's about having fun, challenging yourself and enjoying the ocean.

It's an activity you can share with family and friends, one that keeps you active while creating memories that last a lifetime.

At Sting Glide, we believe the best days are spent in the water.

So get out there, catch a wave... and enjoy the glide.

We know the feeling... once you've ordered your Sting Glide, you'll be counting down the days until your first session.

That's why we pack every order with care and get it on its way as quickly as possible from our Byron Bay HQ.

At the moment, we're shipping within Australia only. 🇦🇺

Free Standard Shipping -Spend $150 or more and Standard Shipping is on us.

Your order will usually arrive within 3–6 business days, ready for your next beach adventure.

Standard Shipping – $15

Orders under $150 are shipped for a flat rate of $15.

Estimated delivery is 3–6 business days.

Express Shipping – $24.95

Can't wait to get in the water?

Choose Express Shipping for $24.95, with delivery usually taking 1–3 business days.

Packing Your Order

Every Sting Glide handboard is carefully packed and shipped Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Before placing your order, please double-check your shipping details so your handboard arrives without taking an unexpected detour.

A Quick Heads Up

If you're in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, or a regional or remote area, your order may take a little longer to arrive. It'll get there—it just might take a few extra tides.

Thanks for supporting Sting Glide.

We can't wait for you to grab your new handboard, head to the beach, catch your first wave...

...and enjoy the glide.

We want you to shop with confidence, knowing that we'll always do our best to look after you.

Every Sting Glide handboard is built to bring years of fun in the ocean, and we stand behind the quality of every board we make.

Warranty

If your handboard arrives with a manufacturing fault or has been damaged during shipping, we'll happily replace it or provide a full refund.

To make a warranty claim, simply email us at stingglide1@gmail.com and include:

• A clear photo of the fault or damage.
• Your order number.
• A copy of your proof of purchase.

We'll review your claim and get back to you within 48 hours.

Please note that our warranty doesn't cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse, or damage caused by improper care. All warranty claims are assessed by Sting Glide on a case-by-case basis.

If you purchased your handboard directly from our website, all warranty claims must be made through Sting Glide. If you purchased from one of our retail partners, please contact the store where you made your purchase.

Returns & Refunds

If you've changed your mind, you can return your handboard within 30 days of receiving your order for a full refund, provided it meets the conditions below.

Return Conditions

To be eligible for a refund, your handboard must:

• Be returned within 30 days of delivery.
• Be unused and in its original condition.
• Be clean and free from sand, salt and dirt.
• Be returned in its original packaging with all included components.

Before sending your return, please email us at stingglide1@gmail.com so we can help you through the process.

Please include your:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Order number

Return postage costs are the responsibility of the customer. Original shipping charges are non-refundable.

Incorrect or Damaged Orders

If we've sent you the wrong item, or your order arrives damaged, please get in touch as soon as possible.

We'll make it right by:

• Sending you the correct item at no extra cost.
• Replacing your damaged handboard.
• Providing a full refund if your item is no longer available.

If the mistake is ours, Sting Glide will cover all shipping costs associated with the replacement or return.

Our Promise

We're a small Australian family business, and every Sting Glide handboard is something we're proud to send out into the world.

We believe in making quality products, looking after our customers, and treating people the way we'd like to be treated.

If something isn't right, we'll always do our best to sort it quickly, fairly and without the runaround, so you can get back to doing what matters most...

Getting back in the water and enjoying the glide.

About Us

Welcome to Sting Glide.

We're a small Australian family business built on a love for the ocean, adventure and the simple joy of bodysurfing.

Our story began over ten years ago when a group of mates started making timber bodysurfing handboards simply because they loved riding waves. They weren't trying to build a business—they were creating something they enjoyed using themselves.

When we first saw the handboards in the water, we knew they were something special.

They were simple, beautifully made and, most importantly, incredibly fun. We could see the smiles they created, the confidence they gave people in the ocean and the unforgettable memories that started with just one wave.

We believed more people deserved to experience that feeling.

That's when Sting Glide was born.

The name was inspired by one of the ocean's most incredible creatures—the stingray. Stingrays glide effortlessly through the water with speed, grace and control. They're smooth, powerful and always leave you in awe. Just like catching the perfect wave, they also carry a little excitement—the adrenaline rush that makes your heart race and keeps you coming back for more.

It was everything we wanted our handboards to represent.

Like many family businesses, life took us in different directions for a while, and Sting Glide took a break from the water.

But the passion for bodysurfing never disappeared.

Today, we're proud to be bringing Sting Glide back with the same vision that started it all—helping more people discover the incredible sport of bodysurfing through premium timber handboards that are built to last.

We're excited to be writing the next chapter of the Sting Glide story, and we're grateful to have you along for the ride.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple.

We want to introduce more people to the incredible sport of bodysurfing.

Whether you're five or seventy-five, catching your very first wave or chasing your next barrel, we believe everyone should experience the feeling of gliding across the ocean with nothing more than their body and a handboard.

We build premium timber handboards that are made to last, perform beautifully in the water and inspire people to spend more time outdoors, connect with nature and create lifelong memories with family and friends.

Because life's better when it's lived in the ocean.

More Than Just a Handboard

For us, bodysurfing has always been about more than catching waves.

It's about getting the family off the couch and into the ocean.

It's about teaching kids to love and respect the sea.

It's about laughing after a wipeout, celebrating your first barrel and creating memories you'll be talking about for years.

It's about slowing down, putting the phone away and enjoying the moment.

Whether you're an experienced bodysurfer, a Surf Life Saving member or someone catching their very first wave, we're excited to be part of your journey.

Our Promise

As a small Australian family business, every order means something to us.

When you choose Sting Glide, you're supporting a family that genuinely cares about the products we make, the customers we serve and the future of bodysurfing.

We're proud of every handboard that leaves our workshop, and we hope it inspires you to spend more time outdoors, connect with nature and share the stoke with the people around you.

Thank you for supporting our family business and being part of the next chapter of Sting Glide.

We'll see you in the surf.

Life's better when it's lived in the ocean.

Enjoy the Glide.