“I broke my board in Carcavelos and ordered a new one. I was so excited with my new board, a yellow retro fish, that I started to explain Afonso an idea that I had some time ago: the wax would get the board all dirty and would hide the whole design, and how cool it would be to have an alternative to that…
Afonso said that he had a material that was able to turn into a grip and that it was transparent. At that point, we started to try the material on my board, just as a personal solution to solve my problem. With the enthusiasm of friends with my board and our solution led us to think that this could be a product. So we started to look at the product from a different side, collecting more professional feedback and making adjustments.
One year later Van der Waal was born.”
First production day
Surfboards with Van der Waal around the globe
Nothing makes us prouder than a board with Van der Waal. In this simple map you can find places where we know that have at least one surf board with our surf grip.
Our journey
From success to errors and issues, we have been learning since day one. Challenging the surf industry standards, we have developed three different versions of our surf grip so far, with a significant failure in between.
This is our journey
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2015
We started with some experiments with shapes and materials for my new surfboard
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2016 / First sale
Our first version was launched performance series 1.0
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2017 / In the press
In 2017, we were surprised with articles on The Inertia, Surfing Sections, and Surfbunker.
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2018 / New version
New version Performance Series 2.0 launch
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2020 / ISPO
Ispo Brandnew 2020 recognition
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2021 / New product
Martim developed a new product: SmartSticker
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2022 / Growing
More than 1/4 million hexagons sold
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2023 / New logo
Same product, but a completely makeover to our brand
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2024 / The best year
Read moreThis year stands out as our best in sales since the pandemic, marking a significant milestone for our company.
We are the unsettled.
We believe in a surf culture that is defined by innovation, sustainability, and the constant pursuit of quality experiences.
Martim
Testing grip levels
Van der Waal at WSL Ericeira
Applying Van der Waal
Van der Waal
Testing die cuts
Van der Waal at WSL Peniche
From our blog
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We are not a company. You are not a customer.
From the depths of our hearts, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. When you choose to shop with us, you're not just making a purchase...
We are not a company. You are not a customer.
From the depths of our hearts, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. When you choose to shop with us, you're not just making a purchase...
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The importance of Para Surfing in my life
Last weekend I had the opportunity and privilege of being a pusher for two surfers that I know well, in the Para Surfing championship in Portimão, Algarve. I will try...
The importance of Para Surfing in my life
Last weekend I had the opportunity and privilege of being a pusher for two surfers that I know well, in the Para Surfing championship in Portimão, Algarve. I will try...
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Why we offer a free refund after 60 days of trial?
If after 60 days you find that our product isn't the right fit for you, there's no need to worry. Simply resend it to us, and we will refund your...
Why we offer a free refund after 60 days of trial?
If after 60 days you find that our product isn't the right fit for you, there's no need to worry. Simply resend it to us, and we will refund your...
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