Jaffa Surfboard Maker Embraces Craft Over Profit Amid Economic Struggles

Hani Ovadia, a 50-year-old surfboard maker from Jaffa, shares his life story and business journey amid Israel's current challenges. Living in a four-room apartment near the sea for ten years, Hani cherishes his daily routine of early morning surfing before his children wake up. Born in southern Tel Aviv, Hani’s passion for surfboards began at age 13 when he started working in one of Israel’s only two surfboard factories. After military service, he traveled to California and Sri Lanka to learn the craft, eventually launching his own brand, "Hani Surf," despite lacking a business background or financial security.

Hani describes surfboard making as a deeply personal, handcrafted art, shaping polyurethane foam by hand and tailoring each board to the customer’s personality. He admits the business is tough and not lucrative, saying, "It's not a field for an exit; it’s mainly something for the soul." He works alone, taking about six weeks to make a single board, supplementing income with repairs and imports. Despite financial difficulties, Hani finds fulfillment in his work and lifestyle by the sea.

His children, Nir (15) and Amir (11), know how to surf but are less passionate about it. Nir is focused on computer programming and aspires to work at Jane Street, a leading tech and finance company. Hani supports their individual paths, emphasizing the importance of following their own dreams rather than his.

Hani’s story reflects a balance between artistic dedication and economic reality, highlighting the challenges of small-scale craftsmanship in modern Israel and the personal meaning found beyond financial success.