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Established in 2023 in the Courtoisville district of Saint-Malo, l'Atelier de la Glisse first became known for its surfboard manufacturing and repair services. But a few months ago, founders Mathieu and Lucas decided to add a participatory dimension to their offering, offering surfers the chance to help create their own boards: "Do It Yourself".
A concept in response to growing demand
Faced with a growing demand from surfers wishing to understand and participate in the manufacture of their own boards, Mathieu and Lucas decided to embark on the "Do It Yourself" adventure. Inspired by practices already common in the Landes and Pays Basque regions of France, the two craftsmen first tested their idea with a pilot training course. The success of this first experiment convinced them to extend this new offer to all enthusiasts, and there is no shortage of dedicated spaces in their workshop.
" We received many requests from people who wanted to learn how to make their own boards, or at least understand the process, "explains Lucas. In response to this growing curiosity, the workshop launched its first participatory shapers. " The technical yet playful nature of these workshops has played a key role in their popularity. What we really liked was to see how involved people were and how satisfied they were with the result, "he enthuses.
A unique bond with your board
Beyond the technical aspect, the idea is simple: to offer surfers the possibility of creating an object that is both functional and charged with a strong emotional bond; a connection between the user and his equipment that is particularly close to the hearts of the two founders.
This approach differs radically from buying a standardized, off-the-shelf board. " When you've put time and energy into making your board, you know it really well, "says Lucas. For the two friends, the customization process is also part of a sustainable approach, encouraging surfers to place more value on a board they themselves have helped to shape.
A controlled manufacturing process
The creation of a surfboard in the workshop takes place in several carefully supervised stages to guarantee a quality result. Over two half-days, participants are introduced to the world of shaping and resin. Lucas is quick to point out: " Tools include an electric plane, sanding paper, sanding blocks, rasps and various measuring instruments. Saws are used for cutting. When the resin is applied, squeegees and brushes are used, and pigments are added for color if required. It's a fairly technical process, and there are lots of tools to handle. "
The first part is dedicated to foam sculpting. Under Mathieu's watchful eye, the apprentice shapers discover the subtleties of sanding, a delicate phase where every error can have an impact on the board's final performance. On the second half-day, the focus shifts to resin application, a crucial moment in the manufacturing process. Here, speed and precision are of the essence, as the resin dries quickly. In the end, the trainees will have done all the work themselves, while benefiting from the constant guidance of Mathieu and Lucas.
Enthusiastic feedback and future prospects
The first workshop participants expressed palpable satisfaction, both in terms of the learning experience and the end result. This immersive approach is seductive in its originality and the quality of the finished products. The feedback is unanimous: taking part in making your own board is an experience that is as rewarding as it is enriching. There is no strict age limit for participants, but caution is advised. Although the workshops are open to all, Lucas recommends that participants be at least 16 years of age, due to the potentially dangerous tools involved. Younger participants need to be serious and focused to ensure a safe and successful experience.
In the coming months, Mathieu and Lucas plan to further expand their offering. " We're thinking about offering repair workshops, to teach the basics of prolonging a board's life, "confides Lucas. For the time being, the workshop remains focused on its current training courses: " Every effort is made to ensure that each participant leaves with a board that lives up to his or her expectations, "he adds. To calculate the cost of a training session, add the price of the board model chosen, plus 50% of the cost of the board itself.
L'Atelier de la Glisse in Saint-Malo now enables surfing enthusiasts to get directly involved in the manufacture of their boards. By making each creation personal, Mathieu and Lucas transform the surfing experience into an engaging and meaningful project. An immersion that helps surfers develop a deeper bond with their equipment and their sport, while strengthening the spirit of the local surfing community.
