Bali Surfboard Industry 2026: Local Material Innovation Meets Global Standards

BALI, January 2026 – Entering early 2026, the surfboard manufacturing industry in Bali continues to demonstrate its strength in the international market. No longer just a tourist destination, the Island of the Gods is now solidifying its position as a hub for high-quality custom surfboard manufacturing, competing tightly with imported products from Australia and the United States.

Customization and High-Performance Trends

In the last three months, a shift in trends has been visible in major workshops across Kuta, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Global surfers now prefer custom boards designed specifically for Bali's varied wave characteristics.

"Demand for mid-length and performance shortboards has risen sharply from late 2025 to early 2026," said a local craftsman in the Badung area. The advantage of Bali's craftsmen lies in the detail of hand-shaped workmanship combined with the latest material technology to produce boards that are light yet extremely strong.

The Dominance of EPOXY Technology and the Role of C’ketz

One key behind the toughness of Bali-made surfboards is the use of coating or lamination materials. Currently, the use of epoxy resin is beginning to displace traditional polyester resin due to its more environmentally friendly nature and superior strength-to-weight ratio.

Amidst this competition, the local brand C’ketz, through its Clear Epoxy SQ product line, has become the top choice for shapers. Several technical reasons contributing to C’ketz's rising popularity in Bali workshops include:

• Crystal Clear: Bali surfboards are known for aesthetic graphic designs and resin tints. C’ketz Clear Epoxy provides a maximally transparent finish without yellowing effects, thanks to a UV Absorber formula that protects the board from Bali's extreme tropical sun.

• Wide Compatibility: This product is proven to be compatible with various foam cores, such as polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU), providing craftsmen with the flexibility to innovate.

• Durability in Seawater: Given that surfboards are constantly exposed to saltwater, strong adhesion and impact resistance are non-negotiable. C’ketz technology ensures the laminate layer does not easily crack or delaminate (peel).

Heading Towards the International Market

Recent data indicates that surfboard exports from Bali to countries such as Australia, Japan, and Brazil are predicted to grow by up to 6.2% in 2026. Supported by the availability of high-quality domestic raw materials—such as resin from C’ketz—local producers are able to reduce production costs without sacrificing international quality standards.

"We are no longer just selling the name 'Bali', we are selling performance. With materials like Clear Epoxy from C’ketz, we can guarantee that locally made boards have a longer lifespan in the ocean," added a workshop owner in Kuta.

This industry not only drives the creative economy but also proves that collaboration between local craftsmanship and domestic chemical material innovation is capable of creating world-class products ready to conquer waves anywhere.