The charm of surf boards on walls

Surf boards have become one of the most popular wall decorations in cafés, restaurants and even living rooms. They instantly create a relaxed atmosphere. They remind us of beaches, sunshine and the idea that life could be simpler if we all spent more time near the sea. A surf board on the wall is basically a silent promise that stress is optional.

They also offer a large and elegant surface for decoration. Much bigger than skateboards. You can paint them, print on them or leave them in their natural state. They look good in almost any colour. They just fit in.

Where the trend comes from

The trend has its roots in the surfing culture of Hawaii. Surf boards were not only tools for riding waves. They were also cultural objects. They were shaped by hand and decorated with care. When surfing spread to California the boards became symbols of freedom and youth culture. People started hanging old boards on walls simply because they looked cool and carried memories.

From California the trend travelled to Europe. The first European surfing hotspots appeared near Biarritz and along the Basque coast in the 1950s and 1960s. Surfers brought their boards, their lifestyle and their habit of decorating spaces with anything that reminded them of the ocean. Beach cafés and surf shops adopted the look. Soon it spread inland because people love the idea of the beach even when they are nowhere near one.

Why it works so well in restaurants

Restaurants love surf boards because they instantly create a theme. They tell customers that the place is relaxed and friendly. They also make people think of holidays which is always good for business. A customer who feels like they are on holiday is more likely to order dessert.

Surf boards also add height and shape to a wall. They break the monotony of flat surfaces. They are decorative without being pretentious. They say fun without shouting it.

The Maastricht twist

Seeing surf boards on the wall of a poke bowl restaurant in Maastricht is a perfect example of how far the trend has travelled. Maastricht is many things but it is not exactly a surfing capital. The closest wave is probably in a swimming pool. Yet the boards work beautifully. They bring colour and warmth to the space. They make you forget that you are in a landlocked city and not on a tropical beach.