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

looking up into cedar forest tree canopy magical vibes of eco-friendly paddle boards

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.

Hollow Wood Paddle Board skin with wood inlay of Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Little Traverse Bay, Northern Michigan area.

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.

Custom eco-friendly hollow wood paddle board on the shores of a beach being admired by master paddle board builder Jason Thelen of Petoskey Michigan.

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.

Jason Thelen's two daughters playing on a wood paddle board the beach in the Little Traverse Bay

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.

Jason Thelen, founder of Little Bay Boards in Petoskey holding a lightweight hollow wood paddle board over his head with overcast skies and beach in the background and a smile on his face
The Details | FAQ

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...

Our New Story | Scaling SUP

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

Custom Paddle Board Gallery

[dnxte_masonary gallery_ids="2147,1745,1740,1738,1737,1744,1731,1739,1742,1747,2167,1743,2159" _builder_version="4.14.8"...

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.

Merritt

September 2020

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.

Kimberly

June 2017

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!

Susan

March 2019

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.

Joe Guinan

May 2017

Bears and Bolts

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

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!!

Jenn

May 2018

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!

Nancy Kowalski

October 2015

Grand Haven – Spring Lake | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

LITTLE BAY BOARDS HAS YOUR SUP BOARD Imagine paddling along Grand Haven State Park at Sunset...Stand Up Paddle Boards Grand Haven, Spring LakeA PERFECT MORNING PADDLING ALONG THE GRAND HAVEN SHORELINE. Just imagine nothing but you and your Little Bay Board enjoying...

South Haven | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

SOUTH HAVEN LOVES LITTLE BAY BOARDS Custom Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards in South HavenStand Up Paddle Boards in South HavenPADDLE BOARDING ALONG THE SOUTH HAVEN, MICHIGAN SHORELINE. You start your cruise on your Little Bay Board wooden paddle board in the Black...

Saugatuck | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

LITTLE BAY BOARDS ARE CUSTOM MADE FOR YOU Are you looking for a one of a kind stand up paddle board in Saugatuck?Stand Up Paddle Boards in SaugatuckSOAKING IN THE SUMMER RAYS WHILE PADDLE BOARDING ALONG THE SAUGATUCK SHORELINE. Nothing but blue sky, calm waters and...

Muskegon | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

MUSKEGON HEARTS LITTLE BAY BOARDS Handcrafted One of a Kind Wooden Paddle BoardsStand Up Paddle Boards in MuskegonSTAND UP PADDLE BOARDING IN MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN. Little Bay Boards handcrafts one of a kind paddle boards that will have people admiring yours when you...

Ludington | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

LITTLE BAY BOARDS WILL FILL THAT DREAM Are you searching for a Stand Up Paddle Board in Ludington?Stand Up Paddle Boards in LudingtonA PEACEFUL MORNING PADDLING ALONG THE LUDINGTON SHORELINE. Just imagine nothing but you and your Little Bay Board enjoying the early...

Holland, MI | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

LITTLE BAY BOARDS IS HERE Are you looking for a SUP board in Holland?  Look no further...Stand Up Paddle Boards in Holland, MichiganENJOY A SUNSET CRUISE PADDLE BOARDING ALONG THE SHORES OF HOLLAND, MICHIGAN. Just imagine nothing but you and your Little Bay Board...

Traverse City | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

TRAVERSE CITY LOVES LITTLE BAY BOARDS Stand Up Paddle Boards in Traverse CityStand Up Paddle Board Traverse CityWhere to Paddle Board Near Traverse City, Michigan Looking for the perfect spot to paddle board near Traverse City, Michigan? You're in luck! This post will...

Petoskey | Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

PETOSKEY LOVES LITTLE BAY BOARDS The Ultimate Custom Wood Paddle BoardA PERFECT EVENING PADDLING ALONG THE LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY AND BEAR RIVER. Just imagine nothing but you and your Little Bay Board enjoying a nice cruise along the Bear River or paddling around in the...

Charlevoix Michigan – Wooden Stand Up Paddle Boards | Little Bay Boards

CHARLEVOIX LOVES LITTLE BAY BOARDS The Ultimate Custom Wood Paddle BoardStand Up Paddle Boards CharlevoixA PERFECT EVENING PADDLING ALONG THE CHARLEVOIX SHORELINE AND PINE RIVER CHANNEL. Just imagine nothing but you and your Little Bay Board enjoying a nice cruise...

I am so in love with my new board. I got everything I had asked for custom plus more.  Thank you so much!

Britney Vandermolen

April 2015

🎨✨ 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
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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. ...

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Nature broadcasts a message that contrasts 📺 #45thparallel #45thlife #upnorth

Nature broadcasts a message that contrasts 📺 #45thparallel #45thlife #upnorth ...

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“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
...

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Such unique woods and design to make this. Very happy with it.

Such unique woods and design to make this. Very happy with it. ...

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It would be awesome to have another northern lights filled summer like last year.

It would be awesome to have another northern lights filled summer like last year. ...

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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.
...

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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.
...

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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
...

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Yall ready for something legendary.? #woodlovers #sup #hollowcore #woodworking

Yall ready for something legendary.? #woodlovers #sup #hollowcore #woodworking ...

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Some of the coolest wall arts pieces we make. Here’s a little look at the process.

Some of the coolest wall arts pieces we make. Here’s a little look at the process. ...

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How to Care for your Paddleboard

How to Care for your Paddleboard

How to Care for your Little Bay Board - Wooden PaddleboardOVERVIEWWhile our boards are pretty darn durable, let's face the facts, you...

Tips for Carrying your Paddleboard

Tips for Carrying your Paddleboard

How to Carry a Little Bay Board Paddle Board Hawaiian Style Over the Head Here are a couple of cool options for assisting in the paddle...