By Jason Thelen of Little Bay Boards I’ve been building hollow wood boards for 12 years. Somewhere around 500 finely crafted wood paddle boards and surfboards have left my tables to go to clients. To be clear, those first few weren’t as “finely” crafted as the last...
Thank you to Jennifer Telek for including us in her latest adventure, “Water Toys for the Lake” where she reviews our paddle board on her popular blog, Wetsulife.com.
This spring we were asked if we’d like to make a paddle board donation to annual Golf Fore Manna fundraiser….
Inflatable and hard paddle boards are two of the most popular types of paddle boards on the market today. Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider which type of board is right for you before making a purchase.
To address the talent challenges faced by many local businesses, the 2023 NLEA/DTE Energy Foundation Interns are launching a talent attraction campaign and brand to show what makes living and working in Northern Lower Michigan special. The team’s goal is to target...
Unlock the endless possibilities of a laser cutter. From creating intricate designs on wood, acrylic, and metal to crafting personalized gifts and home decor, the Trotec Laser empowers you to unleash your creativity. Transform ordinary objects into extraordinary masterpieces with ease and precision. Discover the joy of bringing your imagination to life and join the laser cutting revolution. Little Bay Boards – where innovation meets craftsmanship.
On May 19th, 2023 Little Bay Boards finally hosted the much anticipated Grand Opening of their new Showroom at 355 N. Division Rd in Petoskey Michigan. The floor was swept and paddle boards were hung on the wall like fine art. The ribbon was cut, a raffle ticket was...
Paddle Board builder Jason Thelen gets interviewed on Paddling The Blue Podcast Episode #84 – Canoecopia 2023 – Madison, WI
Little Bay Boards adventures to Lansing to showcase at the Quiet Adventures Symposium
East Jordan, MICHIGAN
Boyne City, MICHIGAN
Midwest Paddle League provides fun races for paddlers throughout the midwest.
Milford, MICHIGAN
Weight: 23 lbs
Dimensions: 111″ x 28″ x 5″
Paddle Length: 5′ 10″
Floats riders up to 140 lbs
Weight: 31 lbs
Dimensions: 123.5x 31x 5
Paddle Length: 6′ 4.5″
Harbor Humane Society hosts their annual Ales for Tails fundraiser. Little Bay Boards built a custom board with 22 different dog profiles inlayed with colored epoxy to donate as a raffle item.
“I was told it was impossible to have a surfboard company in northern Michigan,” Thelen said. “And that’s all the motivation I needed to do it.”
BOYNE CITY, MICHIGAN
PETOSKEY, MICHIGAN
Jason Thelen, founder of Little Bay Boards, can’t imagine making his eco-friendly, hollow-wood standup paddle boards anywhere else, first and foremost because Petoskey is his home.
We are super stoked that Little Bay Boards wooden stand up paddleboards are now available at Boyne Country Sports locations in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and Bloomfield Hills Michigan!
Vladimir Konstantinov from the Detroit Red Wing Alumni Association drops the ceremonial puck for Hockey Night 2022, helping raise funds to make the world a better place.
Thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for putting this awesome video and article together for us! Three Takeaways: Little Bay Boards Courtney Overbey | Friday, December 3, 2021 Petoskey craftsman Jason Thelen of Little Bay Boards shares his “bottom...
Answering the FAQ, learn all about how our paddleboards are built.
Pro SUP Athlete Girard Middleton from Sobe Surf & Paddle gives his review on the look and feel of the ride of a Little Bay Board.
Take a peek into our world-class wooden SUP manufacturing facility in Petoskey, Michigan.
Spark your imagination then let it run wild! Collaborating with our customers is what we love to do! Check out some of the custom paddle boards we’ve built in the past.
Little Bay Boards in Petoskey Michigan donates another stand up paddle board to help raise funds for Voices Without Borders.
The raffle for the paddleboard donated by Little Bay Boards, built by the Petoskey Northmen Hockey team was held last week and the winner was drawn. This beautiful board will be headed to Mt Pleasant MI!
Some Grateful Dead Standup Paddleboard art... Bear and Bolts Constructed in late summer 2020, these Grateful Dead inspired Stand Up Paddle Boards were designed and cut in pieces before we got our big laser. And a little Steal Your Face...
How to Care for your Little Bay Board - Wooden PaddleboardOVERVIEWWhile our boards are pretty darn durable, let's face the facts, you purchased the "BMW" of paddleboards. Would you take your BMW two-tracking and mudding? Maybe? We are not to judge. But generally,...
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 board carrying process... Slings & Straps Suction Cup Handles Hip Hook Bags Wheels SLINGS & STRAPS Nozou Straps A little...
Thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for putting this awesome video and article together for us! Little Bay Boards Petoskey-Based Entrepreneur Showcases Michigan’s Unequaled Economy and Quality of Living Jason Thelen knows the value of his home,...
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 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...
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 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...
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...
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 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 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 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...
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
We are honored that Misty Marcum, fellow Michigander and Entrepreneur, invited Jason to join her for an interview on the podcast "Wave On." Beyond podcasting, Misty is owner of Luna Moon SUP Yoga in Sylvan Lake, MI and loves teaching balance board yoga, slow burn and...
Little Bay Boards, a custom stand up paddleboard shop in Petoskey, is known for their beautiful, locally-grown wooden boards. Jason Thelen, the company’s founder and owner, shared what it took to grow the business from a solo project in his parents’ garage to the...
Petoskey’s own Little Bay Boards recently upgraded its workspace following a move into the old Kilwins candy factory, allowing the paddle board manufacturer to produce even more boards.
Little Bay Boards donation supports Women’s Resource Center of Northern MichiganLittle Bay Boards creates timeless, handcrafted paddle boards using the finest, hand-picked materials. Owner, Jason Thelen’s artistry has gained notoriety and customers worldwide, yet his...
"These boards are unique because they are completely custom and hollow," Davis said. "We do not use any foam on the insides of the board."Next up – Country music star Kenny Chesney and Trading Places star Ty Pennington. The two international celebrities are...
Thanks to Candie Conat for featuring us in Michigan Home & Lifestyle!WRITER | CANDIE CONATPHOTOS | LITTLE BAY BOARDS Jason Thelen, the owner of Little Bay Boards, had no idea that by building his daughter one wooden paddleboard, he would end up launching a...
On November 6th we had the incredible opportunity to participate in a glorious act of gift giving. Check it out...
A couple years ago we “threw a rock” now we get to watch all the ripples! Sterling Heights woodworking class making waves with celebrities, breaking stereotypes “What does billionaire Sir Richard Branson, actor Amy Smart, and Spanx founder Sara Blakely have in common?...
Classic footage from our old shop! Check out this video of the Dirty Rides build...Built by Matthew Powell & Jason Thelen at Little Bay Boards with inspiration from the crew at Dirty Rides Music: One Hand Clap by Distant StarsThe Story In 1970 Emerson DeLaney...
Little Bay Boards “Building your dream” …one board at a time.There is no better start of a story then one of a father fulfilling a request from his nine year old daughter who requested a paddleboard...but the request was she did not want one from a store, but...
Henry Ford II High School woodworking teacher Christopher Davis and his students present the paddleboard they are making for billionaire Richard Branson.By: Eric Czarnik | Sterling Heights Sentry | Published November 15, 2019 Student Sydney Szymanski works on the...
Thanks to Ross Boissoneau for this great write up on Little Bay Boards…What dad hasn’t wanted to do something special for his child? Jason Thelen loved being on his standup paddleboard, so when his nine-year-old daughter asked for one too, he was happy to oblige. One...
Summer breaks have been kind to the Henry Ford II woodworking program. Last summer, Henry Ford II woodworking teacher Christopher Davis spent time at a Northern Michigan paddle board company and brought their unique process back to his students. This summer, the...
PETOSKEY, MICHIGAN
This design came to us from an old friend. Her mother was, and is, her idol in life and had always told her as a child and now as a grown woman, that, Life hands you difficult situations all the time. The key is to “Always move forward.” The arrows were copied from...
These two boards are great examples of Little Bay Boards’ ability to customize a wooden paddle board’s size and shape to its owner’s preferred body of water and riding style.
This First Board, the one that started it all, was built for Jason’s daughter (who was 9 years old at the time) who requested an eco-friendly paddleboard.
Petoskey’s own Little Bay Boards recently upgraded its workspace following a move into the old Kilwins candy factory, allowing the paddle board manufacturer to produce even more boards.
Weight: 6 lbs
A 48” classic shape Wake board. Truly an allrounder shape for performance.
Its name comes from its looks, reminding Jason of the Native American Warrior chest plates made from bones.
This board was designed and built using 100% salvaged woods from under our tables, where we store scrap wood at the shop.
This “river” paddleboard has gotten world notoriety since its invention at the end of 2018. Based off the ideas of river tables that have become a popular furniture piece these last couple of years, Jason wanted to be the first real wood company to make a river board. After 6 months of designing the custom framing necessary to accommodate a river running through it, Jason made it happen.
These two wives and mothers wanted to show their appreciation for their wonderful husbands. They decided it would be fun to surprise the man in their life with a surprise paddleboard gift. Jason loves doing these surprise gift givings!Turns out these gifts provided...
The goal of the program is to get young local entrepreneurs into classrooms to share their experiences and career paths with students. Jason Thelen of Little Bay Boards, Katie Potts of Petoskey Cheese, Cheryl Tallman of Fresh Baby, Emerson Meyer of The Waffle Cabin and Herb Carlson of SCORE were the first entrepreneurs to address the students and answer their questions.
Lake Affect is a shop in downtown Petoskey. It carries clothes and home decor, but its focus is on creations by local artists. It might seem like an unlikely retailer for stand-up paddleboards. Until you've seen the boards made by Jason Thelen, the Native American...
Jason Thelen, founder of Little Bay Boards, can’t imagine making his eco-friendly, hollow-wood standup paddle boards anywhere else, first and foremost because Petoskey is his home.
By Harbor Light News Staff | on July 18, 2018 Jason Thelen of Boards for Reasons/Little Bay Boards will be the featured artist for 29th annual Save the Trees Fundraiser July 26. (Courtesy photo)When agreeing to build a custom hollow wood paddleboard for the Little...
Written by Sean Miller/ Full article at originally published by News-ReviewWhat started as a project to make an affordable paddle board has turned into a budding business for Jason Thelen of Little Bay Boards. “It really all started because I couldn’t afford to buy a...
Thanks to 9&10 News for this great Video!"It was a crystal, flat day on Lake Michigan that sparked Jason Thelen’s hands and heart. Now captive by his experience, The Petoskey resident works to create functional, wooden pieces of art so others can feel the same...
This is great. We are so lucky to have Taylor “Jetson” on our team. Thanks for the shout out John Russell at The Detroit New!See all the awesome photos they featured on DetroitNews.com to help tell our story!
Emily Bingham put together this wonderful spread for us on MLive.com … Thanks Emily!Jason Thelen's paddleboards are like floating works of art: long, wide planks of hand-milled wood the color of honey, caramel and brown sugar, kept simple with clean lines or adorned...
This month we had the honor of being featured on the front cover of Great Lakes Energy Co-op’s Michigan Country Lines publication…If it takes a village to raise a child, then it most certainly takes one to raise a brainchild. Little Bay Boards, the brainchild of Jason...
Evelyn O’Doherty from Standup Journal put this article together about Jason at Little Bay Boards… “It hasn’t always been rainbows and butterflies. But then, nothing worth chasing ever is.” These are words spoken by Little Bay Boards owner/artist & board builder,...
Originally built to be Jason’s personal ride. Built in: 2016 Weight: 26 lbs Jason found this wood in 2014. He saved it for two years before finally finding enough time to build this perfect ride. However, life happens and when he was nearing completion he found out...
Kate Bassett wrote this great article about us for Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine and MyNorth.comTo Jason Thelen, owner of Little Bay Boards, a paddleboard is not just a paddleboard, it’s a connection to things big and small and channels the life force of the...
Summer 2017 PromoteMichigan.com put together a nice story for us.JUST LIKE HIS CUSTOMERS, Jason Thelen’s hand-built paddleboards are one-of-a-kind. And Thelen, a direct descendant (great, great, great grandson) of Chief Petoskey — the 19th-century French-Ottawa...
Petoskey’s own Little Bay Boards recently upgraded its workspace following a move into the old Kilwins candy factory, allowing the paddle board manufacturer to produce even more boards.
View Original article at JamesPFriel.com By James August 14, 2016 The Bulletproof Businessman Series We would all love as business owners a level of predictability, to understand where our next customer is going to come from. The best way to do this is to understand...
At Little Bay Boards they pose an honest question: Life comes in waves, why not ride them? The Petoskey-based business specializes in all-natural wooden stand-up paddle boards. Each vessel is hand crafted with the user in mind, including their size, what the board’s...
Growing up in Petoskey, Jason Thelen dreamed of being a surfer and riding the big saltwater waves. But fate kept him near fresh water, so he adapted accordingly and began building custom standup paddleboards that "take the big lake’s little waves," he said. "My paddle...