Ben Kelly Surfboards is well loved by our surfers throughout the world. We currently have our boards well represented here at home in Santa Cruz, California and across the globe in Bali, South Africa, Mexico, Central America, Peru, and in Hawaii. Below are a few experiences our surfers have shared with us.
Mikey B. on a 9'0 "California Cruzer" at the Newport jetties.
"The first time I got a board from Ben, it was a replica of the board I learned to surf on. It was amazing to me because he does all his boards by hand and it rode exactly the same as the original. About 6 months later I decided to get another board and I knew I could come to Ben with my idea. Ben and I collaborated on the dimension of the board and the art work I was going to apply. The board I got has been the smoothest and most controlled ride I have ridden. I have owned a few Ben Kelly surfboards for a few years now, and could never see my self riding a board from any other maker or shaper. The quality he produces by hand is unmatchable. Ben Kelly is the man!" - Mikey Balding
Ridge tucking in on "The Beta" and finding the green room.
"Back in Fall of 2014 I contacted Ben to have a board designed for me. We met up and talked through different shapes, sizes, fin box layouts and such. Ben was very knowledgable and helped me figure out the perfect shape for my board. Ben Kelly Surfboards operates under this saying of “Created for Something Greater…” meaning that the company donates a certain percentage of profits overseas to Africa. So not only was I getting sick board but I was also helping contribute to the donations overseas. All in all, pretty sick deal. I am still riding my board today and have had many other surfers comment on it out in the water. Still super stoked with my board and will definitely come back to ben for my next board!" - Matt Almas
Matt looking for the barrel on his "Signature Series" model
"Simple name + Simple process = Simply Stoked. Ben's simple and raw love for surfing and shaping shows itself through his high quality work. He is willing to go above and beyond to design the exact board of your dreams. He is available and knowledgeable and more than willing to help you figure out what size and shape would best fit your needs" - Paul Keating
Paul finding some fun in Oceanside, Ca.
Sean's 5'10 "Classic Fish" twin glass-on keel
"I have had the pleasure of working with Ben Kelly to create two surfboards. The first was a custom 5’10” twin fin-fish with glass on wood keel fins. I was actually able to shape the board myself while Ben educated me on surfboard design and guided me through the board making process. I learned more about the details of a surfboard that day than I have in my 18+ years of surfing. That board has become a staple in my quiver and my go to choice at Malibu. I had Ben shape my second board himself - 5’7” / fat / wide / airbrushed / 5-fin setup. I was able to describe exactly what I was looking for and he was able to create it. The board rides super consistent in a variety of conditions. I love working with Ben because I know the product will be well made and more importantly I respect his commitment to supporting organizations working to alleviate poverty." - Sean Leahy
Jon with his new 5'10 "Chub Nub" shape
There are two ways I have always been able to express myself, and that's been through surfing and artistic creativity. Ben Kelly Surfboards has given me the ability to do both by letting me completely customize my dream boards to my exact specs, enabling me to catch the best and smoothest rides on earth-no matter what the surf is like. From my short board to my California Cruzer, Ben Kelly has given me the ultimate ability to express myself through total creative control and, more importantly, support a good cause. Thanks, BK! - Jimmy McGrath
World Traveler / Vegabond, Matt Stockamp with his "classic fish" in Peru. Custom atlas sponge paint.
"My experience from start to finish with Ben Kelly Surfboards was phenomenal. When I told Ben I was looking for a 6'0" fish with a map of the world on the back of the board, he took the concept and shortly after delivered a board that went beyond my expectations. The art was beautifully done and I couldn't have gotten anything better in regards to the shape and overall aesthetic. I've taken my fish to Santa Cruz, LA, and even spent to the coast in Peru. The board has great performance and it travels very well. I continue to be impressed by its durability. Aside from the board design, Ben has a lot of passion for supporting organizations he has worked with in Kenya. With some of the money from your purchase going towards helping people escape poverty, I couldn't imagine why you'd look for any other board. Add a BKS to your quiver. You'll be glad you did." - Matt Stockamp
Luke going for broke on his signature "The Beta"
"I've been watching Ben shape boards for years and he continues to get better and better. Because he started shaping at such a young age he's really honed his skills when it comes to creating quality Surfboards. His boards are top notch and after riding them for several years I'm continually impressed by their performance." - Luke Bender
Tyler in the right place at the right time on the right board; the Signature Series.
"Ben Kelly makes great boards for any wave conditions and surfer ability. Great boards, great price, and for a great cause." - Tyler Kozub