Old surfboards transformed into stunning artworks by local woman

Old surfboards are being given a new lease of life through one local woman's creative designs.

Emma Jo Williams, from West Cross, has been revitalising tired surfboards with her colourful, underwater designs.

The primary school teacher, who now lives in Dunvant, started painting her husband's surfboards during lockdown.

"I've always enjoyed art and drawing, but I'm a mum of two and I don't always get the opportunity very often," she said.

"It was during maternity leave that I managed to get a bit more time to get my paints back out again.

"I got some Posca pens from Amazon and my husband said, 'Do whatever you like, as long as you don't damage the board.'"

The vibrant designs include an octopus, with Worm's Head visible in the background, and a jellyfish.

Ms Williams' first design was a surfboard featuring an octopus. She added that she liked the idea of having Worms Head silhouetted in the background as a fun design.

"It just went from there really," she said.

"I did Art at GCSE and A Level but it's never really gone further than that. I attend the Glynn Vivian art workshops – obviously, not at the moment – but I've not really done anything at home before."

Ms Williams has appealed to social media community groups for old and unwanted surfboards so that she can continue her designs.

"When I'd run out of surfboards that my husband was happy for me to paint on, I thought it would be a nice idea to get any surfboards that were destined for the bin, because I know it's a bit of an issue for what to do with surfboards after they're no longer usable.

"I thought it would be a nice idea to give them a new life if possible."

Ms Williams sketches the designs in a sketchbook before cleaning the boards with white spirit to remove any wax, drawing the design on the board, and using Posca markers to create a vibrant look.

She has also experimented with spraying acrylic paint onto the boards.

"I'm keen for more boards to see what else I can do.

"The designs I've completed so far are for useable boards, so my husband sprays them with a sealant and rides them. They're waterproof and the designs are staying on so far," she Williams added.

"I'd quite like to have a go at some that are not being used in the sea – the one's that aren't useable aren't as much of a risk."

Ms Williams says that the surfboards are currently a hobby but has been approached by people asking if she would sell them.

"I can only store so many, so while I'm enjoying painting them, I am going to have to do something with them at some point because they can't just live in my house," she said.

At the moment, Ms Williams' is painting the boards as a hobby, but says she might consider selling some in the future.

"I've had lots of lovely offers from people to donate their boards that are broken or not being used anymore, rather than just putting them straight in the bin," she said.

"I would really like to be able to donate some money to help with the plastic in the sea problem, so if I could sell some boards to make some money for that, that would be great.

"The longer the boards stay out of landfill the better."