Bentley Motors commissioned a bespoke surfboard in collaboration with Marnie Rays and Otter Surfboards.
The premium automotive marque unveiled the one-of-a-kind Koa veneer board, created to explore the notion of craftsmanship and adventure.
The surfboard was handcrafted using Bentley Koa veneer, sourced from the same wood shop in Crewe that is usually reserved for crafting the interiors of the world’s most desirable high performance grand tourers. The veneer was chosen during a visit to Bentley’s Crewe HQ by Lindsey Holland (founder of Marnie Rays which organises surf retreats) and James Otter (founder of Otter Surfboards).
Sustainably-sourced wood has been one of Bentley’s core interior components since the very first car over 100 years ago – and it continues to be an essential element of the unique craftsmanship seen in the cars today. The wood veneers are ethically sourced by experts who go to great lengths to find the finest veneers in the world.
After careful preparation by Bentley’s craftspeople, the Koa Veneer was passed on to James at his workshop in Cornwall, where he began the meticulous process of shaping the board by hand using his signature method. The one-of-a-kind surfboard is finished with etched logos of all three collaborators.
The process was captured through the lens of a short film that began at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, continuing to James’ workshop where the board was shaped, and finishes in the waves of the Cornish coast. Featuring the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, the film is narrated by Lindsey through a unique poem, lending to the influence of the spirit of adventure underpinning the project.
Following its debut, the surfboard was to be gifted to Surfability UK — a Community Interest Company dedicated to providing adaptive surfing lessons and experiences for individuals with disabilities, injuries or learning differences — who will auction the board to raise funds for its charity supporting the mission of making the ocean accessible to all.
www.bentleymotors.com
www.marnierays.com ottersurfboards.co.uk