Surftech recently announced a new partnership with their leading manufacturer, Cobra International in Thailand. Cobra International makes kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing and standup paddleboards and equipment for a variety of companies, including Global Surf Industries, Naish and Starboard SUP.
I emailed Surftech CEO Huntley Dornan to find out more about the partnership and what it means Surftech’s for business.
When did the decision to have Cobra become a minority shareholder of Surftech happen and what was the impetus for the partnership?
I think it’s something that has been talked about for years, since before my time, but this spring the time was right. With standup growing so fast it was the right time to take on a strategic partner to support our rapid growth and there’s no better partner for us and for that purpose than the best and largest manufacturer in the industry. It clearly doesn’t hurt that we have a long and positive history with them.
Can you give us some insight into Surftech’s history with Cobra? Is it Surftech’ sole manufacturer, and how long has Surftech and Cobra worked together?
Suftech and Cobra have worked together since Surftech was founded in 1989. We have several other key manufacturing partners, but Cobra is both the biggest and longest-term partner we have.
What does this new partnership mean for Surftech?
It means we’ll be able to support our current growth, but also gives us a greater connection and partnership to continue pushing new technology and construction ideas forward. It’s a real win. We get what we need now on the business side and also a better ability to innovate for the future.
What will Cobra bring to the table? I know you said financial and technical support, but can you be more specific?
It’s still new so we are really working out the details. Obviously having a new investor re-capitalizes the company. The other component is increasing capability of production and new development. There are likely several other benefits as well, but it’s too early to say what they will be.
How is Surftech doing these days? How are board sales? How is business?
SUP sales are still very strong. We have work to do on the surf side and have some exciting things coming there. We will keep you posted.
How is your standup business doing. Is it still exploding or is growth finally evening out?
Still growing. The market is maturing in some ways, but not slowing down.
Where is the SUP growth coming from – what region, what type of boards, what type of users?
All types, all regions. The sport continues to grow in participation everywhere we can see.
What’s new and what product(s) are you most excited about?
Surf! We’ve got some very exciting things cooking.
