999 to 1199 euros - that sounds like a bargain. At F2, these have been regular sales prices for current shapes since this season. In an interview, F2 shaper and product developer Paul Simmerl reveals how this is possible and what windsurfers can expect.
Paul, you are probably only known to a few people - how did you come to shape boards for F2?
I was an F2 team rider, but as a freestyler I was no longer so happy with the old Rodeo and at some point I presented a shape of mine to brand boss Bernd Flügel.
You don't just store a board in the cellar at home, do you?
I've been working with shapes for a long time, and I got help from Flikka shaper Luka Jures at the beginning. Our first concept worked really well, Bernd Flügel then asked if I could make more shapes. I then dug in bit by bit. But my approach was that I didn't want to shape 2,000-euro boards that nobody could afford. Now, thanks to our own production, we are in a position where we can offer affordable boards with top features.
Setting up your own production is not particularly easy! Some have failed in the past due to quality problems or have been bought up by Cobra.
F2 has had a production facility for SUP boards in China for a long time, they have a CNC milling machine there and the technical requirements. Of course, the workers there first had to learn what it takes to build windsurf boards, because the whole thing is pretty complex. We didn't sell the first series boards, but first put them through their paces for a year to see if everything would hold up. Now everything is ready and of course we can push the prices down further - the Freestyler Rodeo is already available for 999 or 1199 euros, depending on the construction.
With very cheap boards, the question of construction inevitably arises.
The boards have a top construction. The Rodeo Ltd comes with carbon fibre in the deck and underwater hull. We laminate the Freerider Sunset and the Bump & Jump board Rebel with fibreglass and bonded bamboo. This gives the board a little flex in the deck, which makes it very comfortable.
Sunset, Rodeo, Rebel - you seem to be hanging on to the old names. Why?
These are classics and we are planning to revive more of them, e.g. the Comet. The bottom line is that we have a complete range from wave and freeride to slalom and foil, which may evoke memories with their model names, but are made entirely from newly developed shapes. Each board comes with a fin, straps and a matching bag, which means we can completely dispense with plastic when shipping and the customer has real added value.
Where can I get or test the boards?
There will be numerous test events in 2020, provided the general situation allows it again. People first have to understand that cheap doesn't mean "cheap", but that we offer good quality at an unbeatable price. Anyone who sees me on the water can always talk to me and get a board to try out. And of course we also want to enter products in your surf tests.
Info under www.f2.com
