COBRA International and WAKA Unveil Revolutionary Folding Foil Board at JEC World 2025

Paris, France – March 4, 2025 – COBRA International, a global leader in composite manufacturing, and WAKA, an innovative US-based water sports startup, today announced their groundbreaking collaboration on the world's first production folding foil board at JEC World 2025. The WAKA Glide represents a significant advancement in composite application and design, solving one of the most challenging aspects of foil boarding: transportation and storage.

The revolutionary board features a patent-pending integrated carbon-kevlar living hinge system that allows the board to fold while maintaining structural integrity and performance characteristics. This aerospace-inspired technology enables unprecedented portability without sacrificing the premium ride quality that enthusiasts demand.

 "The Waka Glide presented a fascinating engineering challenge that pushed the boundaries of composite material applications," said Paolo Cecchetti, Chief Innovation Officer at COBRA International.

"Our team had to develop specialized layup techniques and precise fiber orientation strategies to create a folding mechanism that maintains structural integrity while preserving the board's performance characteristics. This project exemplifies how advanced composite engineering can solve real-world challenges and open new possibilities in sporting equipment design."

The sophisticated hinge system functions as an integral structural component of the board, distributing forces across the entire structure to eliminate flex while securing with titanium fasteners. Through COBRA's advanced vacuum molding production processes, the companies achieved a lightweight design that delivers exceptional on-water performance across multiple water sport disciplines.

"After two years of intensive development and testing across multiple continents, we knew we needed a manufacturing partner with unparalleled expertise in composite technology to bring our vision to life at scale," said Nigel Thompson, CEO of WAKA. "COBRA's engineering team transformed our concept into a production-ready product that exceeds our expectations in both performance and durability. The resulting board allows enthusiasts to travel effortlessly with their equipment—whether by car, plane, or boat—while still experiencing the premium ride quality of a high-performance foil board. This innovation solves significant storage and transportation challenges that have long constrained the sport."

The boards feature a lightweight EPS core encased in full carbon fiber construction with a carbon/PVC sandwich architecture. This construction, combined with the innovative folding technology, creates a mid-length board that offers exceptional early takeoff characteristics, superior wave performance, and remarkable versatility across various conditions.

COBRA International and WAKA are showcasing the revolutionary WAKA Glide throughout JEC World 2025 at COBRA's booth Hall 6, booth F29. The boards will be shipping to North American markets in early summer 2025, with international distribution to follow.

About COBRA International

 COBRA International is a leading manufacturer of composite products for water sports, automotive, marine, and industrial applications. With over 40 years of experience in advanced composite manufacturing, COBRA delivers innovative solutions through cutting-edge technology and sustainable production practices. Learn more at www.cobrainter.com.

About WAKA

Waka is a US-based startup with Kiwi roots, dedicated to reimagining water sports equipment through innovative design and technology. Founded by tech entrepreneur and avid wing foiler Nigel Thompson, Waka focuses on creating beautiful, functional products that solve real challenges for water sports enthusiasts. Learn more at https://waka.surf.

Contact Information:

COBRA International Media Relations  

Email: info@cobrainter.com  

WAKA Media Relations  

Email: press@waka.surf