Hughes Surfboards

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Hughes Surfboards

Hand made in Raglan, New Zealand, Hughes Surfboards are a family company specializing in surfboards made for the customer

10/04/2026

Freshies on their way to the board room!

06/03/2026

The dusty details of

19/12/2025

Having fun on new SB24⁣
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Fluro water base on foam, acrylic on hot coat.⁣
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5’10” x 19 1/2” x 2 9/16” @ 30 liters⁣
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05/09/2025

Lily and her Unknown.

Lily had come into store at the start of summer to talk about her previous equipment which had finally died. Having finished her university studies a reward was due and a new board to get her back in the water after years of prioritizing her future career over her love of surfing.

She was unsure of what she wanted, or needed, so demoed a number of boards to find out, realizing the sheer fun of surfing, catching waves and being back in the water was top of the list.

The Unknown’s versatility, speed and ease of paddling allowed her to maximize the wave count, traverse sections with speed and flow while ensuring she was coming in happy and fulfilled.

5’10” x 20” X 2 1/2” @ 30 liters

18/07/2025

Our very first custom!

Billie saw me surfing Manu on my prototype Det-Twin* in Verdure’s FlexFrame construction over the summer and was instantly asking questions. After 3 surfs of her own on it, she asked for the order form!

Although the construction has been the main talking point (see our previous posts for more details), trained eyes have also been quite intrigued by the overall design: specifically the continual rocker, which is not typical of your average twin design, and the pronounced triple concave which almost doubles as a channel.

With the fins being set further back than the norm, 7 1/2” to be precise, and a slightly more parallel splay to these plugs, maneuverability, speed and drive are all achieved, while water efficiency underneath the board is also enhanced.

Billie will be looking forward to summer on her new board, as will we, when we release some demo boards for you to try for yourself here in Raglan.

5’4” x 19” x 2 1/4” @ 26 liters
Billie is 5’2” and 50 kg

*Det-Twin is the name I have settled on for the design, and ultimately model. Also available in PU and EPS constructions.

04/07/2025

Experimenting with flex and fins with and

Riding my 5’4” Det-Twin in construction paired with the Christenson Twins; a fin set that offers smooth and fast down the line speed with an upright template to promote a tighter in the pocket turning radius, manufactured in full fiberglass for added drive and feel.

Photos :

01/07/2025

James and his SB21.

Two years ago James came to me wanting to ride local equipment designed for the waves he intended to surf, which he does more than the average.

Still fit and keen to push himself while he can, he wanted a performance board to allow him to do his best surfing before life takes over.

The increased concave and tails exit rocker of the SB21 file were used to allow maximum engagement in good quality conditions, our EPS construction was opted for added flex, response and liveliness.

Jame’s first board went so good, he returned two years later for a replica.

5’11” x 19 5/8 x 2 9/16” @ 30 liters
James is 5’9” and 78kg

15/06/2025

Mellon and his custom Gherkin2.

Luke’s love affinity with the Gherkin2 file continues, this time with some personal tweaks and changes.

He has ridden this file consistently for the last 3 years, each time making changes to cater for his own development in both surfing and understanding of surfboard design, concept and function.

Over the years we have played with added forward thickness for the obvious benefits to forward momentum and paddle power, but also how it aids in the boards ability to track through a turn and hold its line.

This iteration of Gherkin2 included a square tail which straightened the tails rail line to increase drive even more, but with added exit vee to help promote the boards ability to transition from rail to rail when in a prone position.

Luke’s last request was for the boards artwork to be inspired by his very first board, a classic Nev H***n previously owned by the iconic Munga Barry.

5’7” x 19” x 2 5/16” @ 26 liters
Luke is 5’8” and 65 kg

04/06/2025

It’s a privilege to make boards for my customers.

Especially when they are some of your best friends and it’s for the trip of a lifetime.

Mentawai quiver 2025 left to right:

6’0” x 20” x 2 5/8” LinkTwin
5’10” x 21” x 2 1/2” Fushter
6’1” x 19” x 2 3/8” GST
5’7” x 18 7/8 x 2 1/4” Gherkin2
5’9” x 18 7/8 x 2 3/8” SB19
6’6” x 19 3/4” x 2 3/4” GST
6’2” x 19 3/4” x 2 11/16” SB24
5’8” x 19” x 2 1/4” LinkTwin
5’4” 19 1/2 x 2 1/4” Verdure
6’2” x 19 1/2” x 2 5/8” SB19
6’1” x 18 7/8” x 2 3/8”SB19
5’10” 18 3/4” x 2 5/16” GST
6’5” x 20” x 2 7/8” GST
5’9” x 18 7/8 x 2 3/8 SB19

Photos thanks to the legend

01/06/2025

Jake and his custom GST.

A last minute catch up at the pub 2 weeks before our departure had a couple of the boys thinking “Have I got a big enough board? The answer, a nervous “Maybe not”. Phone calls were made, and we rushed two custom’s through the factory.

Originally a semi step up shortboard design, the new GST file features the center of mass pushed forward, more under the chest when paddling while the forward width profile is also widened, resulting in a narrower and slightly more curved tail outline.

In concept, this coupled with other design elements resulted in a board that surfed feeling bigger and longer than the physical length showed, ideal for taking off under the lip and then driving down the line at waves like Greenbush (pictured).

A last minute decision that payed off, helping to get one of the more memorable waves of his trip, all while cheered on by some of his best mates from the channel.

6’5” x 20” x 2 7/8” @ 37 liters
Jake is 5’10” and 96 kg

30/05/2025

Cool story…

In 2018 I lost this board overboard while on a boat trip in the Mentawai’s. A month later, I received a message from to let us know he had found it washed up on the beach at Thunders.

7 years later Ricky still has the board and surf’s it frequently at his local Macaronies, where he and I were able to connect and share stories.

A full circle and special moment. Thanks again Ricky and I look forward to reconnecting again soon✌️

Address

7 Wainui Road
Raglan

Telephone

+64274260505

Website

https://www.instagram.com/hughessurfboards/

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