In the early days of surfing in ancient Hawaii, surfing was not only a recreational activity. From the art of riding waves to rituals around the fact of building a surfboard, surfing was a spiritual affair. At the time, there were two kinds of surfboards: An “Olo” and a “Alaia”. The first one was ridden by the noblemen and the second one was for commoners.

“Lala” is the Hawaiian word describing the action of riding a Alaia surfboard. As a thin, wooden surfboard invented by the ancient Hawaiians, the board ranged from 10-12 feet for commoners and 14-16 feet for the chiefs. In 2005, Tom Wegener, named Surfboard Shaper of the Year, started the alaia revolution re-introducing the antique surfboard in surfer’s quivers around the world.

While on a trip in the Maldives filming for «The SUP Movie», surfer Noa Ginella got some extra practice surfing his finless alaia.  He explains: “Although these boards may be considered outdated and forgotten by most modern day surfers, those who’ve had the opportunity to ride them, can attest that there is no better feeling than the minimal-control, minimal-resistance ride of the Alaia.” Coming from Oahu’s North Shore, Noa Ginella is considered one of the best young watermen in the world. SUP surfing, racing, river-running, prone paddling, Ginella embodies the true spirit of Hawaii.