Bentley Motors today unveils a one-of-a-kind Koa veneer surfboard, created in collaboration with Marnie Rays and Otter Surfboards — exploring the notion of craftsmanship and adventure. The project was aimed at embodying the spirit of adventure, which is why Bentley collaborated with Marnie Rays – a retreat that ensures luxury escapes without the fuss. Providing guests with an elevated experience that’s all about good times and good company.
The surfboard was handcrafted using Bentley Koa veneer, sourced from the same woodshop in Crewe that is usually reserved for crafting the interiors of the world’s most desirable high performance grand tourers. The veneer was chosen during a visit to Bentley’s Crewe HQ by Lindsey Holland (founder of Marnie Rays) and James Otter (founder of Otter Surfboards), with the expert guidance of Bentley’s craftspeople ensuring the highest quality material for this unique creation. Koa veneer, selected over Bentley’s other nine wooden veneer options, pays homage to the traditional method of surfboard crafting in Hawaii.
Sustainably-sourced wood has been one of Bentley’s core interior components since the very first car over 100 years ago – and it continues to be an essential element of the unique craftsmanship seen in the cars today. The wood veneers are ethically sourced by experts who go to great lengths to find the finest veneers in the world.
After careful preparation by Bentley’s craftspeople, employing techniques not seen since the end of Mulsanne production, the Koa Veneer was passed on to James at his workshop in Cornwall, where he began the meticulous process of shaping the board by hand using his signature method. The one-of-a-kind surfboard is finished with etched logos of all three collaborators.
The process was captured through the lens of a short film that began at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, continuing to James’ workshop where the board was shaped, and finishes in the waves of the Cornish coast. Featuring the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, the film is narrated by Lindsey through a unique poem, lending to the influence of the spirit of adventure underpinning the project.
The surfboard will be officially unveiled today at Marnie Rays, the VIP surf retreat where luxury adventure meets relaxation. Guests of the event will be among the first to see and surf this unique surfboard, with the ocean as their playground.
Following its debut, the surfboard will be gifted to Surfability UK — a Community Interest Company dedicated to providing adaptive surfing lessons and experiences for individuals with disabilities, injuries, or learning differences — who will auction the board to raise funds for their charity supporting their mission of making the ocean accessible to all.
Greg Drury, Digital Communications Manager at Bentley Motors, said, “At Bentley, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. Collaborating with Marnie Rays and Otter Surfboards to create this bespoke surfboard has been a real pleasure, with all involved dedicated to showcasing the beauty of craftsmanship whilst ensuring the project embodies the spirit of adventure.”
Lindsey Holland, Founder of Marnie Rays, said, “I’m truly honoured that Marnie Rays is partnering with Bentley on this incredible project. Together, we’re blending the art of adventure with the beauty and slowness of craftsmanship, culminating in the freedom of the ocean. I’m beyond excited for this film to be shared with the world, and to see how it inspires others to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.”
James Otter, Founder of Otter Surfboards, said, “Working with Marnie Rays and Bentley to create this surfboard has been a real meeting of minds and craft. We each brought something unique to the table — Marnie’s vibrant artistic vision, Bentley’s luxury, and our commitment to natural materials, shaping and design. The result isn’t just a surfboard, it’s a celebration of creativity, and sustainability.”
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