Laurent Golay
Chasing the perfect board
- Laurent custom-makes surfboards, skateboards and more
- He uses tools mostly developed by the company
- He made his first snowboard at the age of 12
In the middle of the wild countryside of the Vallée de Joux, right next to some of the world's finest watchmakers, is a very special workshop crafting custom-made wooden boards, from skateboards to longboards, powsurfs to SUP-boards. Owner Laurent Golay trained as a carpenter before opening the workshop in 2000. He harnesses traditional woodworking techniques and modern materials to create one-of-a-kind boards inspired by his surroundings. “Like this beautiful forest and these watchmakers’ stunning masterpieces, I want my products to last – if possible for a lifetime,” he says, adding: “I am happy thinking that every rider knows he's riding a unique board with a real identity and soul.”
Interview
- How would you define what you do?
- In all riding sports, the rider always looks for the perfect wave, the perfect mountain, the perfect skate-spot in order to land his best tricks. I want to create the perfect tool to help each rider succeed in his search.
- What is special about your handmade boards?
- My products must withstand shocks, extreme weather conditions and be completely waterproof. I use traditional woodworking techniques, such as marquetry and shaping, and complete them with modern composite materials including carbon and fibreglass.
- What goes into a well made object?
- Countless moments of frustration, questioning and doubts, which are overwhelmed by epic moments of pure happiness and personal satisfaction... and vice versa. To acquire a 'well made' product is acquiring a part of that craftsman's soul and life.
- What do you love most about making boards?
- To have an idea, imagine the product, conceive the production process, find solutions that will enable me to overcome any possible obstacle, build it and – finally – ride it! Just as I did with the first snowboard I made on my own.
Laurent Golay is a master artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2015
Works
Where
Laurent Golay
