Eco-Friendly Elegance with Little Bay Boards
Custom Built and In Stock – Ready to Ride
Wood Stand Up Paddle Boards, Surfboards, Lake Inspired Art, Gifts and more!
Combining Eco-Friendly Elegance with Unmatched Craftsmanship
Visit our Workshop and Showroom at 355 N. Division Rd, Petoskey, Michigan
WHY RIDE A REAL WOOD STAND UP PADDLE BOARD?
Feel the resonance
Experience a deeper connection with the waters you ride
Eco-Friendly
Handcrafted
Natural Beauty
Made in the USA
Built with Sustainably Forested Lumber
IN THE BEGINNING
In 1873, the people living along Little Traverse Bay named their settlement “Petoskey,” in honor of Chief Petosegay. Chief Petosegay was born on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, moved north, and was raised near the shores of the Little Traverse Bay near what is now Harbor Springs, Michigan.
139 years later, Chief Petosegay’s great-great-great-great granddaughter, Shawni, wanted to explore the waterways of northern Michigan.
She asked her father for a Standup Paddle Board, but not just any paddle board made of toxic foam or plastic, she wanted the best paddle board.
With an instinct for earth care, Shawni wanted a stand up paddle board made out of natural materials.
As a master carpenter, Shawni’s father, Jason Thelen, knew he could build her one of the best paddle boards out of wood, to give her an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic and foam boards that currently dominate the stand up paddle board marketplace.
In the spring of 2012, Jason built the first Little Bay Board.
Shawni was now able to experience a deeper connection with nature as she explored the waterways of northern Michigan on her wooden Standup Paddleboard, custom-built by her father.
Soon after, Jason began having a deeper connection with the folks in the beach parking lots, asking him where they got “that beautiful paddle board?!”
By the summer of 2012, Little Bay Boards was born and Jason began building paddle boards for other people who wanted to experience the best standup paddle boards nature can offer.
The Details | FAQ
The Details - About Our Paddle Boards A better ride for a better planet, Eco-Friendly Wood Stand-Up Paddle BoardsEach and every Little Bay...
Product Review | Wood Paddle Board
Pro SUP Athlete Girard Middleton from Sobe Surf & Paddle gives his review on the look and feel of the ride on a Little Bay...
Our New Story | Scaling SUP
It's the same thing every morning. I walk in here and my mind is blown. I breathe in the air, the fresh smell of lumber. I look at...
Custom Paddle Board Gallery
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Wow. Just wow! I popped my new board in Burt Lake just hours after we picked it up. Even in the waves it was magic. I can honestly say that there is a real energy that is given off by that real wood. Like it is alive! I will treasure it forever.
I took my board for her maiden voyage yesterday in Little Traverse Bay. What a special ride it was. It’s true what Jason says, the wood is alive and standing on my Little Bay Boards was unlike any other paddle board. I can’t say enough about the craftmanship and artistry of Jason. Thank you very much.
Little Bay Boards Mentioned in Modern Luxury
In the airy living room, a refinished Chairish-sourced kayak by Little Bay Boards makes a splash above a custom sofa and coffee table designed by Gemma Parker.
MyNorth & Traverse Magazine 2025 Summer Vacation Guide
Many thanks to photo extrordinaire Kate Headley and summer fun model Quinn Breslin for showing off one of our classic wooden surfboards on the cover of the Summer 2025 Vacation Guide!
GMC Boundless – EV with wood paddle board!
Little Bay Boards is excited to share that we've been featured in GMC's November 2024 issue of Boundless Magazine, highlighting the...
This board is my husband’s and he absolutely loves it! It is incredibly light at 28 lbs and maneuvers so easily. It doesn’t pitch or rock in waves as much as our older “traditional” board. We are extremely happy that we had this beauty crafted by Jason!
I couldn’t be happier with by board from Little Bay Boards! Its the perfect balance of form and function. Jason is brilliant with his work and his art is not only beautiful but provides the best ride I’ve ever had.
Building your own paddle board; Pros and Cons
By Jason Thelen of Little Bay Boards I’ve been building hollow wood boards for 12 years. Somewhere around 500 finely crafted wood paddle...
Bears and Bolts
Some Grateful Dead Standup Paddleboard art... Bear and Bolts Constructed in late summer 2020, these Grateful Dead inspired Stand Up Paddle...
Surprise Paddleboard Gift Giving
On November 6th we had the incredible opportunity to participate in a glorious act of gift giving. Check it out...
We met Jason Thelen today, the artist and builder of my beautiful board. A wonderful experience from start to finish. Though the final product was a surprise, Jason created exactly what I wanted. I immediately put it in the river upon returning home to Leland and was so delighted with the ride. Found my sweet spot for standing and she glided beautifully. The board is very stable and I loved the reverberation of the water through the wood. Jason’s thoughtfulness in construction is even evident in the paddle which is only a pound and is curved to reduce stress on the arms and back. Wow!! So happy!! And the board is only 28 lbs! Thank you Jason! JOY!!
I have had my board for two years now and love it more every time I go out. I have taken it on vacation in many states. Paddled the ocean and all Great Lakes. It still looks like new. Everywhere I go I get compliments and questions. All of Jason designs are unique and I was thrilled to be able to have input into the design. He is an amazing craftsman, designer and all round great guy. I plan to have my board till I can’t stand on it any longer. It is my greatest stress reliever and adventure taker ever. Thanks Jason!
I am so in love with my new board. I got everything I had asked for custom plus more. Thank you so much!
🎨✨ Catch us tomorrow at Art in the Park in beautiful Petoskey from 10 AM to 5 PM!
We`re thrilled to be among 120 incredible artists showcasing their unique creations in Pennsylvania Park. 🌳
Join us for a day filled with art, creativity, and community spirit! Explore a diverse range of artistic expressions, from stunning paintings to handcrafted treasures. Don`t miss the chance to find that perfect piece for your home or a special gift for someone you love!
We can`t wait to see you there! Stop by our booth to check out our handcrafted paddle boards and say hello!
#ArtInThePark #LittleBayBoards #PetoskeyArt #SupportLocalArtists #Handcrafted
🎨✨ Catch us tomorrow at Art in the Park in beautiful Petoskey from 10 AM to 5 PM!
We`re thrilled to be among 120 incredible artists showcasing their unique creations in Pennsylvania Park. 🌳
Join us for a day filled with art, creativity, and community spirit! Explore a diverse range of artistic expressions, from stunning paintings to handcrafted treasures. Don`t miss the chance to find that perfect piece for your home or a special gift for someone you love!
We can`t wait to see you there! Stop by our booth to check out our handcrafted paddle boards and say hello!
#ArtInThePark #LittleBayBoards #PetoskeyArt #SupportLocalArtists #Handcrafted
This is a detail of one of Jason Thelen’s surfboards titled “Aztec Luminary, Turquoise Diamond“. Stop by the South Haven Center for the Arts to see how this piece shines in the sunlight. It is on display in our current exhibition SWELL: Big Water, Waves, and Their Riders from June 21 through August 2. 🏄🏄♀️
Image one description: Close up detailed image of Jason Thelen’s surfboard showcasing the turquoise strip down the center of the board lined with dark brown vertical lines.
Image two description: A view from further back showing the whole board. The turquoise strip is centered vertically on the tan board.
This is a detail of one of Jason Thelen’s surfboards titled “Aztec Luminary, Turquoise Diamond“. Stop by the South Haven Center for the Arts to see how this piece shines in the sunlight. It is on display in our current exhibition SWELL: Big Water, Waves, and Their Riders from June 21 through August 2. 🏄🏄♀️
Image one description: Close up detailed image of Jason Thelen’s surfboard showcasing the turquoise strip down the center of the board lined with dark brown vertical lines.
Image two description: A view from further back showing the whole board. The turquoise strip is centered vertically on the tan board.
Just trying to enjoy my life one day at a time. There is nothing like being on the water with something you’ve created.
Just trying to enjoy my life one day at a time. There is nothing like being on the water with something you’ve created.
Nature broadcasts a message that contrasts 📺 #45thparallel #45thlife #upnorth
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” — Dalai Lama
Evening paddle in the Bete Grise Preserve - Lac La Belle, Michigan
#sup #midnightpaddle #philosophy #laclabelle #mindfulness #keweenaw #keweenawpeninsula #puremichigan #upperpeninsulamichigan #upperpeninsula #yespuremichigan #standuppaddleboarding #suplife #standuppaddle #upperpeninsula #leavenotrace #upperpeninsulamichigan #lakesuperior #betegrise #mountbohemia #onthewater #standuppaddlemagazine
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” — Dalai Lama
Evening paddle in the Bete Grise Preserve - Lac La Belle, Michigan
#sup #midnightpaddle #philosophy #laclabelle #mindfulness #keweenaw #keweenawpeninsula #puremichigan #upperpeninsulamichigan #upperpeninsula #yespuremichigan #standuppaddleboarding #suplife #standuppaddle #upperpeninsula #leavenotrace #upperpeninsulamichigan #lakesuperior #betegrise #mountbohemia #onthewater #standuppaddlemagazine
Such unique woods and design to make this. Very happy with it.
It would be awesome to have another northern lights filled summer like last year.
As mentioned last week, Jason Thelen has created lovely surfboards that are now on display in SWELL: Big Water, Waves, and Their Riders from June 21 through August 2. The surfboards are in a unique set up triangle display so each are able to be viewed and admired equally. Come view Jason’s work alongside the three other artists featured in this group exhibition: Beth Price, Sue Majewski, and Ruth Tyszka.
Image description: All surfboards are on a display in a triangle. They are all the same size yet some sit higher than others. The viewer is looking at it from an angle with the mid height at the front. The smallest is on the far right and the largest is in the back. The smallest is brown and cream colored with star like patterns. The left board at the cnet has a symmetrical square pattern going down the length of the board. The one in the back is tan wood with a turquoise strip down the middle. The stripe is frosted opaque, allowing some light to travel through.
As mentioned last week, Jason Thelen has created lovely surfboards that are now on display in SWELL: Big Water, Waves, and Their Riders from June 21 through August 2. The surfboards are in a unique set up triangle display so each are able to be viewed and admired equally. Come view Jason’s work alongside the three other artists featured in this group exhibition: Beth Price, Sue Majewski, and Ruth Tyszka.
Image description: All surfboards are on a display in a triangle. They are all the same size yet some sit higher than others. The viewer is looking at it from an angle with the mid height at the front. The smallest is on the far right and the largest is in the back. The smallest is brown and cream colored with star like patterns. The left board at the cnet has a symmetrical square pattern going down the length of the board. The one in the back is tan wood with a turquoise strip down the middle. The stripe is frosted opaque, allowing some light to travel through.
Ready to hit the waves? This surfboard “Petosky Stone” by Jason Thelen is almost too beautiful to go in the water. It is currently displayed alongside Jason’s other two surfboards in our SWELL: Big Water, Waves, and Their Riders exhibition from June 21 though August 2.
Image description: A 5’9 surfboard created from fish wood and aspen. A light wood lays over top the dark wood and an abstract design is carved into it creating star like structures.
Ready to hit the waves? This surfboard “Petosky Stone” by Jason Thelen is almost too beautiful to go in the water. It is currently displayed alongside Jason’s other two surfboards in our SWELL: Big Water, Waves, and Their Riders exhibition from June 21 though August 2.
Image description: A 5’9 surfboard created from fish wood and aspen. A light wood lays over top the dark wood and an abstract design is carved into it creating star like structures.
Signing prints for “Swell,” a gallery exhibition opening this Friday at the South Haven Community Art Center. This show is a collaboration with mosaic artists Sue Majewski and Ruth Tykstra, and wooden surfboard shaper Jason Thelen. Together, we’ve created a visual tribute to the power, depth, and greatness of the Great Lakes—waters that shape us, move us, and hold stories far beyond our own.
More details at the link in my bio. Hope to see you there. 🌊
Friday, June 20:
Artist Panel Discussion from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Opening Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location:
South Haven Center for the Arts
600 Phoenix St
South Haven, MI 49090
#greatlakes #waterphotography #surfphotography #northernmichiganartists
Signing prints for “Swell,” a gallery exhibition opening this Friday at the South Haven Community Art Center. This show is a collaboration with mosaic artists Sue Majewski and Ruth Tykstra, and wooden surfboard shaper Jason Thelen. Together, we’ve created a visual tribute to the power, depth, and greatness of the Great Lakes—waters that shape us, move us, and hold stories far beyond our own.
More details at the link in my bio. Hope to see you there. 🌊
Friday, June 20:
Artist Panel Discussion from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Opening Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location:
South Haven Center for the Arts
600 Phoenix St
South Haven, MI 49090
#greatlakes #waterphotography #surfphotography #northernmichiganartists
Yall ready for something legendary.? #woodlovers #sup #hollowcore #woodworking
Some of the coolest wall arts pieces we make. Here’s a little look at the process.
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