Did surfboards used to be made from balsa wood?

Yes, surfboards were historically made from balsa wood, particularly in the mid-20th century. Balsa is lightweight and buoyant, making it an ideal material for crafting surfboards. However, as surfboard technology evolved, materials like fiberglass and polyurethane foam became more popular due to their durability and performance advantages. Today, while balsa wood is still used by some manufacturers for specific types of boards, it is not as common as modern materials.