Guided tour at Lieuwe Boards in Rijswijk

Today I was able to pick up my handmade kite surfboard the “Lieuwe Shotgun” from the Lieuwe Family and got a tour of the workshop. Super chill of course ..

Ready for a new kiteboard

In my search for an all-round freestyle kiteboard, I quickly came across the Lieuwe Shotgun. Of course I know the brand. Last year I had already been on a demo day at IJmuiderslag, part of Kitespot IJmuiden. I hadn’t forgotten that and actually. Kind of made up my mind, but still had to be convinced.

That happened when I was in bed with the flu. Was it the fever? Or because of boredom? I don’t know, but something was the trigger to go to the Lieuweboards website and order The Shotgun. In the meantime I had contact with Florian via the app how I could best place the order. He told me that after ordering I would be kept informed about the progress of the handmade board.

Ordering Lieuwe Shotgun has never been easier

You can order your desired board via the website. Each board is handmade and therefore you can specify your wishes in terms of unique printing/design your own.. Personally I don’t think that is necessary. For me it is purely about the sailing characteristics and not so much about the looks. After ordering, you pay with Ideal and you’re done. In anticipation of the first app on how my new kite surfboard is doing, I was now able to calm down.

Kiteboard in the making

Faster than expected, I received a text from Florian that they had started on my board, as proof of a photo of a Lieuwe Shotgun in the making. The following days the apps and photos followed quickly and before I knew it my board was ready and I could pick it up. So on to Rijswijk!

Guided tour at Lieuwe Boards in Rijswijk

Super cool of course that we were allowed to see the workshop of Lieuwe and the machines needed to make a board. I myself had no idea how such a board is created. Now I have an impression of how the process works and I only have more respect for my board and the builders of course!

Florian (founder at Lieuwe)

Around 2006, Florian Lieuwe started shaping his own board. In a shed as a workshop, we worked hard to create the most ideal kiteboard. In 2014 the time had finally come and it was time to bring Lieuweboards to the market. A line of 7 boards has now been developed with its own factory in Rijswijk.

The Awesome (all round, beginner)
The Rogue (intermediate, freestyle)
The Shotgun (allround, freestyle)
The Say No More (wakestyle, freestyle)
The Oceana (high performance, freestyle)
The Carbonara (big air, allround, high performance
The Flying Dutchman (light wind Performance)

All boards have a wooden core and are completely handmade. That makes every board unique in shape and design. The boards come with a standard look, but if you want your own design that is of course possible. You can choose from different colors, or your own logo on the board. You can also call them if you have special wishes and to find an artwork.

After the tour my board was ready, complete with fins, straps and pads. All very well cared for and completely satisfied I went home again. Now waiting for wind to pop with my own Lieuwe Shotgun.