Global Expansion: Waka Brings Revolutionary Folding Foil Boards to Europe and Asia
Apr 12, 2025
Breaking News: International Pre-Orders Now Open
Due to overwhelming global interest and demand, we're thrilled to announce that Waka is expanding pre-orders for the revolutionary Waka Glide folding foil board beyond North America! Starting today, foiling enthusiasts in Europe and Asia can secure their very own Waka Glide – the world's first folding foil board that combines premium performance with unprecedented portability.
Complimentary Express Shipping + All-Inclusive Pricing: $350 Value
To celebrate this exciting global expansion, we're offering FREE express shipping (2-4 day delivery) to 18 European countries, the UK, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong. This represents approximately $350 in savings that will be automatically applied at checkout for eligible countries. No code needed!
Even better, we'll automatically calculate and collect any taxes and duties at checkout, so there are no surprises or delays at customs. What you see at checkout is exactly what you'll pay – no hidden fees or unexpected charges when your board arrives.
Currency & Payment Options for International Customers
We've tailored our payment experience to make purchasing as seamless as possible for our global customers:
European Customers
- For customers in Eurozone countries, pricing will be displayed in Euros (EUR)
- For European countries with their own currencies (UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, etc.), prices will automatically convert to your local currency (GBP, CHF, NOK, ISK, etc.)
Asian Customers
- For customers in Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong, our system will automatically convert prices to your local currency (JPY, SGD, KRW, or HKD)
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and various local payment methods specific to your region, ensuring a convenient and familiar transaction process. Our intelligent checkout system detects your location and presents the most relevant payment options for your country.
All displayed prices include the board, premium insulated day bag, and complimentary express shipping. Remember that taxes and duties are calculated and collected at checkout, so the final price you see is exactly what you'll pay - no surprise fees upon delivery.
Why Global Expansion Now?
Since announcing the Waka Glide – our revolutionary mid-length folding foil board – we've been inundated with inquiries from foiling enthusiasts worldwide. The response has been nothing short of extraordinary, with riders from across Europe and Asia eager to experience the game-changing combination of performance and portability that only Waka can deliver.
After carefully assessing our production capabilities with our manufacturing partner COBRA International, we're confident in our ability to meet this increased demand while maintaining the exceptional quality standards you expect from Waka.
The Tariff Situation: Good News for International Customers
We're excited to share some important news regarding the tariff situation that has allowed us to expand globally. As a US-based company manufacturing boards with our partner COBRA International in Thailand, we faced significant challenges with reciprocal tariffs of 36% on our products. We're pleased to announce that these have now been reduced to a flat 10%.
In light of this positive development and the stabilization of global trade, we've made two important decisions:
- Despite the increased costs to import boards into the US, we will not increase the price for North American customers
- We guarantee that we will honor the current price for all pre-order customers
If the tariff situation changes again in the future, we may need to reevaluate our pricing strategy, but all current pre-orders will be protected from any potential increases.
This commitment reflects our dedication to providing exceptional value while bringing the revolutionary Waka Glide to water sports enthusiasts worldwide. We've partnered with a global logistics provider to handle all international customer requirements, ensuring a seamless buying experience and the fastest possible delivery of your board.
The Perfect Travel Solution for Global Adventurers
The Waka Glide's folding design makes it particularly valuable for international travelers. Our patent-pending carbon-kevlar living hinge system allows the board to fold in half, dramatically reducing its footprint for travel. This innovation is especially meaningful for riders in Europe and Asia, where smaller vehicles, urban living, and international travel are commonplace.
Imagine exploring the famous downwind runs of Tarifa one weekend, then easily packing the same board for a session in Leucate the next – all without the logistical nightmare of traditional board transportation. That's the freedom the Waka Glide delivers.
Available Sizes and Specifications
The initial production run includes five sizes to accommodate all rider preferences:
- 66L
- 77L
- 88L
- 99L
- 111L
Each Waka Glide includes:
- Premium insulated day bag
- Option to add the Rolling Waka travel system – a heavy-duty roller bag designed specifically for board, foils, and wings
Act Quickly: Extremely Limited Quantities Available
Our first container of boards is the only shipment planned for early summer. With more than half already committed to buyers and retailers in North America, we anticipate the remaining inventory will move quickly.
Pre-ordering is strongly recommended to secure your preferred size. All boards will be shipped in early summer 2025, but once our initial allocation is sold out, new orders will have to wait for the next production run, which likely won't arrive until the end of summer or early fall in the Northern Hemisphere.
Please note: The Early Adopter discount has ended. However, the free express shipping offer represents significant value for our international customers.
Shipping Timeline & Fulfillment
Boards will begin shipping to all markets in early summer 2025. International orders will receive the same priority as North American orders, with fulfillment based on pre-order date.
Working with our global logistics partner allows us to provide a truly seamless experience for international customers. From accurate tax and duty calculation at checkout to expedited customs clearance, we've optimized every step of the process to get your Waka Glide to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Eligible Countries for Free Express Shipping
Europe (19 countries):
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Asia:
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Hong Kong
Join the Global Waka Community
This expansion represents more than just a new market opportunity – it's the beginning of a truly global community of Waka riders. We've already begun planning international meet-ups, demo days, and community events for summer and fall 2025.
By securing your Waka Glide today, you're not just getting a revolutionary board; you're becoming part of a worldwide movement that's redefining what's possible in foil boarding.
Pre-order your Waka Glide today at waka.surf and experience the freedom of the world's first folding foil board.
The Waka Glide represents a breakthrough in water sports technology, offering exceptional performance along with unprecedented portability. Waka is a US-based startup with Kiwi roots, dedicated to reimagining water sports equipment through innovative design and technology.