Z-Board, kitesurf craftsman in La Couarde-sur-Mer

Z-Board is a craft shaping workshop opened in 2009 in La Couarde-sur-Mer on the Île de Ré by Zacharie Palito, who created the brand of the same name. Every board is hand-shaped to order for surfers of all levels.

The workshop builds shortboards, fish and funboards, longboards, stand up paddle boards and surf-kite boards. The materials it highlights are natural: cork, bamboo, linen and plant-based resin, and the site also mentions epoxy.

Beyond manufacturing, Z-Board offers board repair and customisation, a rental section and surf lessons ("Apprendre à surfer"). The site also lists second-hand boards.

The workshop is at 2 rue du Peu des Hommes in La Couarde-sur-Mer and can be reached on +33 6 72 93 14 63 or by email.