Mao Surfboards, kitesurf craftsman in Messanges

Mao Surfboards is the workshop of Laurent Grenier, known as Mao, a shaper from the Landes. He opened the LaCabana surf school in Messanges in 2008 before starting to build boards, which he develops in his workshop in Soustons. The Landes tourist office lists a showroom in Messanges as open all year.

The range includes shortboards, mid-length boards, fish, 8 and 9-foot longboards, singles, guns and special models, plus accessories such as board bags. New boards are available from the workshop stock, and test or rental boards are resold second-hand.

Boards can be ordered custom after a discussion with the shaper, who also offers an analysis of the customer's surfing to guide the choice of model. In 2022 three gold boards were made with two partners, and a filmed board-building masterclass was produced in 2024.

The workshop is linked to the LaCabana surf school in Messanges, which offers lessons and board rental.