Combining performance and lightness
- Wilhelm handcrafts wooden surfboards
- He founded his brand WUUX in 2014
- They are tested in the clear waters of the Austrian alps
Wilhelm (Willi) Margreiter took over his father’s and grandfather’s carpentry workshop after studying architecture in Innsbruck. An innovative spirit has always been part of the family’s company, which creates all kinds of products from skis to horse-drawn carriages. When a stationary wave was built just a hundred metres away from the workshop in the clear water of the Almkanal, Willi quickly raised the idea of inventing the most optimised surfboard, characterised by clear design, a unique construction method and the veneer of the wood. The brand WUUX – Urban Surf Shades was founded in 2014. Since then, Willi has been selling his boards all around the world. The international surfer community is puzzled by how it is possible to manufacture extremely lightweight boards out of the heaviest woods.
INTERVIEW
It’s the lightness despite the fact that the surface is made out of different kinds of wood. The boards might look heavy, but are surprisingly light and offer the best performance and durability. It was a big challenge to create the excellent functionality which was only possible combining traditional handicraft and academic knowledge.
Of course, that is always a big surprise. When I started developing the technique of my boards and produced the first ones, I never thought that I would sell my products from inland Austria to all over the world. But on the other hand, here in Grödig I have the perfect working conditions.
Yes, the variety of stationary and natural waves is huge, so we are able to test every new board within minutes in motion. Apparently, my boards truly convince my customers, because one of the world’s most famous shapers from California bought one of my boards, and that made me really happy.
All my surfboards are unique, but there are some more related to each other because they’re made out of the same log of wood. I call them sisters. These boards connect surfers worldwide, united by their sisterboards, new friendships are built.
