The Handcrafted Jarvis Boards

Tony Smith, the founder of Austin-based Jarvis, had always loved building and crafting things as a child, taking them apart to understand how they work and assembling them back again, starting with Legos, then model rockets, or restoring a ’66 Corvette with his father. The passion for creating things ‘the old-fashioned way’ and for adventure led him to start Jarvis in 2012. “Jarvis Boards was born with the simple ideas of building the best boards possible, living consciously, traveling adventurously, and inspiring others to do the same.”

Jarvis Boards was born with the simple ideas of building the best boards possible, living consciously, traveling adventurously, and inspiring others to do the same.

The boards are designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible and the materials include recycled foam core, wood from sustainable sources, reclaimed lumber, and natural resins made from recycled bio-waste by Entropy Resins. Handcrafted in smaller batches in the company’s Austin studio, the boards are shaped, carefully sanded, and then brought to life with a thin layer of resin which enhances the natural beauty of the solid wood and intensifies the grain textures. Each board is unique, eco-friendly, and very durable. More lightweight than many classic boards, the Jarvis Boards weigh between 21 and 28 pounds, as the strong wood material reduces the need for using extra resin or fiberglass. The latest model is a collaboration with No. 4 St. James, a limited edition Rio Grande – Lone Star paddle board. It’s made from natural American cherry, fir, and cedar wood; a star adorns the top deck while on the bottom, there’s a unique map of Texas, shaped by its waterways. The Lone Star board is made to order and it takes up to five weeks to craft it by hand. Created for adventurers who love nature and appreciate traditional artisan skill, the Jarvis Boards are a testament of the durability and undeniable charm of old-time craftsmanship.