Time Required: 2 hours (possibly less if you get help from a friend!)
What You Will Need:
Let's Get to Work
1. First, select the wood you’d like to use for this project. If you’re going to use your mat outdoors or down at the beach, pick a wood naturally resistant to moisture and decay like redwood or cedar. Both of these options look and smell great, too! If looking to utilize scrap wood, you can use whatever you’ve got, but you’ll need smaller dimension lumber to keep the mat light and easy to roll up. The mat we made is approximately a 30” x 30” square, and uses 1”x2” redwood furring strips upcycled from a summer gardening project. Regardless of wood type, you can vary the overall width and length to suit your own preferences.
2. Once you’ve chosen your dimensions, mark the wood and start cutting. A small mat might use a couple dozen identical length strips, so a stationary chop saw is the best tool for the job, as it’s quick and easy, and keeps your hands away from the blade. A circular or skill saw could also be used in a pinch – they just require a touch more attention and skill to keep the cuts safe and straight.
3. Once all your cuts are finished, lay the pieces out side by side, leaving a ¼” between each piece. If you’re happy with the basic layout, then grab your sharpie and start marking where the holes for the rope will go. To keep the locations consistent, lay all the pieces on their side and line them up using a straight edge or a wall as a reference. For our project we used three pieces of rope to hold the slats together. One running straight down the center line, and one about three inches from each end, so that the wood doesn’t split when you drill the holes.
4. Ok, let’s get to drilling! Grab your drill (or two drills if you’re lucky!) and start by making small pilot holes on all your marks using a 1/8” drill bit. When drilling with small, thin drill bits, it’s very easy to break them off inside, so just go slow, let the drill do the work, and do your best to guide the bit straight through the wood. Give yourself some grace here and have fun with it, as drilling a “straight” hole is a tricky thing to master. Once you’re finished with the pilot holes, swap in the ¼” drill bit, and enlarge each hole, being sure to run the bit through the hole a few times to clear out all the debris.
5. Now that the sawing and drilling is finished, you’re ready to start sanding! Use an electric or cordless sander and knock down the edges on the end cuts, and smooth out the top and bottom surfaces to your liking (bare feet don’t like splinters!). If you don’t have a sander – no worries – a sheet of sandpaper will work just fine. Just wrap the paper around one or your off-cuts, abrasive side out, and poof! You’ve got one of carpentry’s oldest tools – a sanding block!
6. At this point, you should have everything cut, drilled, sanded, and laid out in front of you. Grab your rope and make sure you have enough for three identical lengths, with each length being roughly twice as long as the dimensions of the mat. For example, a 3’ wide mat would require each length to be 6’ long, so with three identical lengths, you’d need a total of 18’ of rope.
7. Make a double knot a few inches in from the end of each rope, and start passing the rope through the holes of the first board. If the rope is too big to fit through the hole, then enlarge the hole (if possible), or you’re using nylon rope, try melting the end slightly so that it will pass through the holes easier. Once you get all three ropes through the first board, make another series of single knots (the knots serve as the spacers between each piece of wood) and continue down the line, assembling the mat piece by piece. Check each row of knots before you add the next board, and before long, you’ll be done!
8. When you reach the end, there should be some extra length of rope left over, so if you want to get extra fancy, you can make a loop at the end of that rope, so that when you roll up the mat, you can pull the loose rope end back through the loop to keep it safe and secure.
That’s it! Hope you have as much fun as we did with this project. Be on the lookout for more DIY surf projects, coming soon!
MORE DIYS
]]>Not sure what to get your bestie or loved one for the Holidays? Our Holiday Gift Guide has you covered! Find the perfect surf suit for your friend who is always searching for the best waves, surf board covers to keep their board protected, and the perfect wide brimmed hat. There is something for all of your beach and water loving friends! Find the best sustainable surf wear of the season at Seea.
Their ideal day: Start the day with a dawn patrol session, stop only to refuel and head out again. End the day with sunset beers, a big dinner, and early to bed to do it all over again the next day.
Mares Bag Packable Bag- This roomy waterproof bag packs tightly into its own pouch, so it won't take up space in your luggage or board bag. Ideal for beach days, surf trips, or wherever the day takes you!
Waive Maiden Wax and Comb- The Surf Trip Enthusiast never leaves their house unprepared, and wax is an essential! Snag a bar of Waive Maiden x Seea collab wax and be ready to stop wherever the waves look good.
Board Cover- For on the go surf missions protect your board and stop wax from melting onto your car with one of our cute covers. Find them for longboards and mid length boards.
Their Ideal Day: Early yoga class then a trip to the farmers market to stock up for the week, followed by a nice afternoon hike. End the day with an evening surf and a beachside fire with friends.
Ellie Top and Emma Swim Short in Basilone- The Ellie Top and Emma Swim short are the perfect set for anything active. Wear them running errands as athleisure, in a yoga class, or surfing. Feel secure, supported, and cute in this set!
Brynne Dress- Not just for the beach! Feel comfortable and covered changing anywhere so you can switch from one activity to the next anywhere with ease. The Brynne dress is both cute and functional, you can even wear it out and about!
Penelope Surf Suit- Perfect for colder days when you want something to cover your legs, the Penelope Surf Suit can transition from land to water. Wear it to yoga and then for a post workout dip in the ocean.
Manda Paw Paw Salv- After a long day of activity, don't forget to take care of yourself. Use the Manda Paw Paw Salv to sooth skin on the go or once you get home.
Their ideal day: relaxing poolside at the Ace in Palm Springs or lounging on the beach somewhere in the Caribbean.
Calypso Hat- The perfect hat for style and sun protection. The Calypso hat packs down and can go anywhere you do.
Avasol Sun Screen- Stay protected from UV rays with Avasol mineral based and reef safe sun screen. Soak in the sun with out the sunburn!
Dip Sun Shield Conditioner- Don't forget to protect your hair! The Dip Sun Shield Conditioner keeps your hair healthy and protected from the sun so that you can enjoy your time outside worry free!
Dip Enzyme Spray- After a long day in the sun or at the beach, refresh your hair with the Dip Enzyme Spray. Use it post-surf for great results!
Phoebe Bottoms- Cute and cheeky, the Phoebe Bikini Bottom stays on but lets you get a tan! Check out all the color ways!
Bobby Top- The Bobby Top pairs perfectly with The Phoebe Bottom for a great pool side tan!
This Holiday season get your friends and loved ones something that they will love! Our Holiday guide has something for everyone. You can find everything from sustainable surf suits to cropped rash guards like the Palomar. Find more options and color ways on our website.]]>