DEveryone is clear that the Netherlands is a top country for kite surfing. But that we have Dutch kitesurfing brands that often serve a global market is even less known. That is precisely why we have this recently Dutch kitesurf brands a little vetted. On the one hand to put them in the spotlight because a little Dutch pride is part of it. On the other hand because of the passion for sport and the craftsmanship behind the brands. The capstone is New Boards. Kitesurfpro.nl took the opportunity to interview none other than founder and boardshaper Lieuwe Florian van Rije. We visited him in his Lieuwe Boards basement. Of course with a warm welcome, cup of coffee and many, many kiteboards.
We see quite a few major kitesurfing brands. Then suddenly our eye falls on Lieuwe Boards. What distinguishes Lieuwe Boards?
“What Lieuwe Boards distinguishes can be summarized in three points. Starting with a very good product. In addition, Lieuwe kiteboards have a very cool appearance. Lieuwe Boards also offers the possibility to order a kiteboard completely according to the wishes of the kite surfer and therefore unique. ”
That sounds convincing, Florian, would you like to tell us a bit more about that?
“Certainly, first of all we go for a super good product that distinguishes itself in the market. Take our Shotgun kiteboard, for example, that we have been producing for about 7 years now. This kiteboard has been continuously changed to the top kiteboard it is today. For example, in the beginning there was no concave at the bottom, now it is. The Shotgun has also had many modifications due to customer feedback. Feedback from customers continuously provides us with concrete ideas to make the board even better. ”
“In addition, the appearance of Lieuwe Boards is unique. The wood you see is of course real wood and gives our kiteboards an appearance as close to nature as possible. This, in combination with the different colors and patterns from which a kite surfer can choose, makes our kiteboards quite unique. ”
“Finally, our kiteboards can be made according to the wishes of every kite surfer. This way you can supply your own print and design. We then ensure that the kiteboard is made the way you want. ”
Speaking of nature. What is your vision of sustainability?
“Nice that you ask this, because we are currently quite active with that. We want to burden nature as little as possible with what we do. We have made a good start with the Oceana kiteboard. Oceana carries the 'ECOBOARD Project Gold Label'. This is a recognized label by the non-profit organization Sustainable Surf. To meet the strict requirements, we have, for example, started using a different resin with natural ingredients. In addition, we have set up a completely new production process for this kiteboard. A substantial investment but with results. ”
“We are not there yet, however. Our ambition is to make a completely 'green' kiteboard. However, it cannot tell too much about that. To be continued, say… ”
This question is from my daughter. She wondered how you came up with the idea of starting a kiteboard brand?
“Good question and everything is coming together for a while. You said that you used to have kitehigh.nl. Well that's what it actually started, so I have to thank you. There is also a forum for building yourself on kitehigh. From that inspiration I started as a student. At the workshop at school I made the first parts for parts of the wood router. At a certain point I decided that I would start my own kiteboard brand. My fellow students followed this process closely and were my first customers. ”
My impression is that Lieuwe Boards is successful and is now a worldwide kiteboard brand. How did Lieuwe Boards become so successful?
“It seems like a clincher, but mainly by going naively hard at times. We have been at it for over 10 years now. The first years were not always easy. But with perseverance and maybe even a bit of luck, Lieuwe Boards is what it is today. It has been a matter of continuing to improve in the process until this was completely under control. Only then can you make kiteboards consecutively at the highest quality. Customizing kiteboard is also only possible if your process is 100% under control. ”
"Kiteboards have always been the excuse for me to make beautiful machines."
More than 10 years Lieuwe Boards… We are looking forward to a low point and a high point…
All time low…
“Florian thinks about it and takes a deep breath. A low point was that we once made a series of 10 kiteboards and discovered that the quality was not good. We could not find out what was going on and had to hurry to make 10 new ones and deliver them to France. Literally everything went wrong because I also had a car trouble. In the end it all worked out and the customer was happy. ”
Highlight…
“My highlights are the custom designs that I sometimes see. This works well and when I walk past the kiteboards I am sometimes really surprised how beautiful some designs are. I am proud of that. ”
"Then I think: What a beautiful or classy kiteboard that is!"
https://www.facebook.com/151353485646835/videos/340845270686545
Finally, do you have any tips for kite surfers looking for a new kite surf board?
“The questions we always start with are where do you sail, how do you sail and how heavy are you? This is important. For example, if you are sailing on inland water without waves, a stiffer kiteboard is not an issue. If you are kitesurfing at sea, a slightly more flexible kiteboard is fine. Sometimes kite surfers want a carbon board. This is hard and stiff, but not necessarily chill. Certainly not at sea. ”
“My advice to kite surfers looking for a new kiteboard is to be informed and to test kiteboards. You can always test a Lieuwe Boards kiteboard through the kite shops that sell Lieuwe Boards or through ourselves. ”
Florian, super cool that you gave us the opportunity to interview you at the place where the Lieuwe Boards are made right under our noses. The tour was also very inspiring. Good luck in the coming period!
