THE STORY OF WAKA
At WAKA, our story began with a simple frustration. Our founder, Nigel Thompson – a Kiwi tech entrepreneur and avid wing foiler – faced a common challenge: transporting boards during his adventure travels.
As boards grew longer to accommodate evolving disciplines and lighter wind conditions, this challenge only intensified.
While established brands seemed content with conventional designs, offering only short boards or inflatables as travel solutions, we saw an opportunity for innovation.
What if the board could simply fold in half?
THE BREAKTHROUGH
In June 2023, our team embarked on an ambitious R&D journey, exploring various prototype designs for a rigid sectional performance board. Our goals were clear: exceptional performance, easy assembly, lightweight construction, and durability – all at an accessible price point.
The eureka moment struck in October 2023 when Nigel, frustrated with complex prototype mechanisms, wondered: "What if the board could simply fold in half?" This sparked an exploration that led us beyond traditional hinges to aerospace-inspired technology. The result? A patent-pending integrated structural living hinge, crafted from kevlar and carbon composites, seamlessly built into the board's architecture.
After rigorous testing in Hood River, New Zealand, and La Ventana Mexico, we perfected our design. By October 2024, we partnered with our production team to create the Waka Glide – a sleek, all-carbon mid-length board that combines cutting-edge hull design with effortless light-wind performance.
To complete the package every WAKA board comes with our insulated, padded Day-bag. For the adventurous traveler, we offer the optional Rolling WAKA – a rugged, airport-friendly travel system designed to accommodate your board, foil, and wings.
LAUNCH
Starting early summer 2025, we're launching a limited production run in North America, offering six sizes from 55L to 111L. While our manufacturing costs exceed traditional one-piece boards (we refuse to compromise on material quality), we've chosen a direct-to-rider model to keep prices competitive with other high-end boards.
THE FUTURE OF WAKA
We're just getting started. Beyond expanding our board line, we're open to licensing our folding technology to other brands, spreading the joy of hassle-free board transport to more riders. As a design and technology company, we're excited to bring more innovations to water sports – creating beautiful, meaningful products that our community will love.
Join our community to stay updated on our latest innovations and be part of the WAKA journey.
Ride on,
The WAKA Team
TRAVEL IN STYLE
THE WAKA GLIDE
Performance Meets Freedom
THE ROLLING WAKA
Adventure on Wheels
