The Munich startup Tripstix develops inflatable SUPs and surfboards that offer similar performance to hardboards.
Surfers will ask how this works. This is achieved through precise shaping and high flexural rigidity. And the fearful ones will ask if it isn't dangerous to lose air on the water. But the boards are very safe because they retain a buoyancy effect even if damaged.
The inventor of the technology, Stefan Klare from Tripstix, answered our 7 questions.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
Our team currently consists of three people. I, Stefan Klare, am an engineer and founder, managing director, and the inventor of the technology. Benedikt Becht is a sports scientist who joined us as an intern in 2015. He primarily focuses on development. Anne Runau is a sports economist and has been strengthening our marketing team since March of this year.
Inflate your board
The foundation of our inflatable surfboards is the patent-pending two-chamber system. The first chamber is inflated and the resulting excess pressure gives the board the desired shape. The second chamber, the vacuum chamber, contains granules. Once a vacuum is created in this chamber, it hardens, providing extra rigidity. The granules also provide additional buoyancy if the board is punctured.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
That's true, inflatable stand-up paddleboards, or iSUPs, have been around for at least ten years. However, they use a completely different technology, called drop stitch technology, and have a number of disadvantages.
Good performance!
The shaping of drop stitch boards is very limited, as they can only be produced with a uniform thickness. A balanced rocker line, i.e., the upward curve of the surfboard, is not possible. However, the shape of a surfboard or SUP is one of the most important characteristics for good performance in the water. Furthermore, satisfactory flexural rigidity with drop stitch material is only possible with very thick constructions. The current standard is 6 inches, or approximately 15 cm thick.
Tripstix: Much more than just an air mattress
All of this means that we're not dealing with a surfboard here, but rather with a better-quality air mattress. Furthermore, since conventional iSUPs only have one air chamber, they offer no buoyancy if damaged—which can lead to life-threatening situations in an emergency.
Tripstix has overcome all these disadvantages in its design. With the tubular air chamber system, we can replicate virtually any board shape. The vacuum chamber provides the necessary rigidity despite the thin design, and the granules contained within the vacuum chamber provide sufficient buoyancy should the board become damaged.
“Get up again and again” – equally essential for startups and surfers
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
In addition to the idea itself, perseverance is a crucial factor. In a startup, you experience many ups and downs. If you bury your head in the sand at the first setback, you're not suited to the job. You have to always keep your goals in mind and always get back up after setbacks.
Another success factor is our team. The most important resource of a company or startup is the people who work there. We can rely on each other and pull together.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Unfortunately, we are not (yet) launching our boards on the market. A lot has happened since the idea in 2011, and our persistence is slowly paying off: Last year, we won the ISPO brandnew Award, and this year we won the Edison Award We won the silver medal. This has brought us some important contacts, and we're now in a good financial position.
Buy boards exclusively via crowdfunding
The boards are now ready for series production. Since the beginning of this week, we are offering as part of a Kickstarter campaign We're launching our boards on the European market for the first time. Initially, we'll be producing small batches, but we're aiming to launch in 2018.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Everyone on the team is a surfer, and both Benedikt and I love catching waves on the Eisbach. Therefore, Munich is the perfect location for our project. The local startup network is also one of the best in Germany.
Grateful for Munich's ecosystem — and the Eisbach wave
We financed Tripstix in the first two years through start-up grants (Exist and Flügge) and the UnternehmerTUM supported us wherever she could. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Professor Senner from the Department of Ergonomics. He made his labs and office space available to us. Without these resources, things would have been much more difficult for us.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
We certainly hope we can make a difference! And the feedback so far has been consistently positive. In my view, the trick is to keep your success in mind while still staying grounded.
When surfing is part of the business model
Personally, I'm already very satisfied. I come surfing regularly and look forward to work on Mondays on Sunday evenings.
7. Isar or English Garden?
We usually prefer the English Garden. The Eisbach is there, and I live very close by. But during high water, when the occasional Isar wave appears, we also really enjoy the Isar.
