A MODULAR BOARD, A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT, A RENEWED AMBITION

 

Winner of theEuroSIMA 2025 Call for Innovation Projects, NEWAVE SURFBOARDS is making its mark this year with a refined version of its concept, enriched by a year of listening to feedback in the field, intensive testing, and concrete iterations.

Founded by Ewen Mahévas and Hadrien Nauroy, two engineers who are passionate surfers, the young start-up is establishing itself as a promising player in the industry, thanks to an innovation that is technical, sustainable, and geared toward real-world uses. Their concept? A patented, modular, collapsible surfboard designed to make surfing more accessible, more mobile, and more sustainable.

As a finalist in 2024, Newave capitalized on the jury's feedback to refine its product, structure its development, and convince on all key criteria: technical innovation, industrial feasibility, environmental impact, practical use, and commercial potential.

One year later, the challenge has been met and applauded. At the EuroSIMA Surf Summit 2025, Ewen Mahévas received an eco-designed trophy by the Bordeaux-based studio Félix & Associés.

 

Discover the project in video
In this exclusive interview, Ewen talks about broken boards, useful mistakes, technical breakthroughs... and everything the team learned to get to where they are today.

 

 

AN INNOVATION THAT CHANGES THE WAY YOU TRAVEL WITH A BOARD

 

The initial observation is simple: traveling with a surfboard remains a hassle for many surfers. Space, logistics, extra costs, storage: surfboards often hinder mobility.
Newave has come up with a unique solution: a board that can be dismantled into seven compatible pieces, carried in a backpack, and assembled in up to nine different configurations. Shortboard, longboard, or mini-malibu: surfers can adapt their board to their skill level, their mood, or the conditions of the day.

Thanks to a patented locking system, the board remains rigid, waterproof, and durable, even in intense surfing conditions. Assembly takes less than a minute, without tools, and in the event of breakage, only the affected part needs to be replaced.
A product designed to be modular, upgradeable, and repairable.

 

 

"The idea was to create a board that adapts to modern life. One that you can take with you on the train, in the car, in a van, or store in a studio apartment without losing the feel of a real board." Ewen Mahévas, CEO of Newave.

 

 

 

UN DÉVELOPPEMENT TECHNIQUE MAÎTRISÉ

The heart of the system is based on patented geometry and recycled nylon parts made from fishing nets, ensuring rigidity and watertightness.

 

"We really worked hard on the locking mechanism. The parts are locked together with pins, then laminated with fiber for a perfect bond. The result: zero water infiltration and real strength." Ewen Mahévas, CEO of Newave.

 

 

 

The first prototypes required years of testing and adjustments:

 

"At first, it didn't really work very well. I remember a test in Seignosse with the guys from Rip Curl: first wave, board broke in two. But that's how it goes. Thanks to their feedback, we've made huge progress. Today, we surfed for two weeks in Indonesia in 1.5-meter waves every day, and nothing broke." Ewen Mahévas, CEO of Newave.

 

A PHASE OF INDUSTRIALIZATION COMPLETED

After two years of prototyping and hundreds of boards sold, Newave is now entering the industrialization phase with Cobra International, one of the world leaders in the sector.

The team also includes a retail manager, three B2C-specialized interns, and simultaneous deployment in B2C and B2B, notably via Boardriders and a network of European points of sale.
A solid dynamic, a guarantee of credibility for investors and distributors.

 

 

UN IMPACT ENVIRONNEMENTAL CONCRET

94% of a surfboard's carbon footprint comes from surfers' travel. Newave offers a surfboard that can be carried in a backpack, making it possible to travel by train, carpool, public transport, or bicycle, drastically reducing the carbon footprint associated with surfing.

 

 

UNE AMBITION INTERNATIONALE

Far from stopping at this initial victory, Newave is now aiming for international expansion and the development of new ranges: foam boards for schools and beginners, children's models, and compact versions for experienced surfers.

 

"My dream is for our boards to become as common as inflatable paddleboards. I want every family and every surfer who goes on vacation to have a Newave in their trunk." Ewen Mahévas, CEO of Newave.

 

A FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY

After an initial fundraising round in 2024, Newave is now preparing a new round of fundraising to support this rapid growth.

The objectives:

• Develop a V2 version of the locking system that is even lighter and more efficient.
• Launch new modular ranges for different profiles,
• Structure international distribution,
• Strengthen the technical and marketing teams.

 

Industry players, investors, or partners: if you would like to invest in the company or talk to the team, please contact Ewen Mahévas.

 

 

RECOGNITION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY

 

"It's great to have EuroSIMA. Because, without really realizing it, it also shows that today we're doing more than just working in our own corner, and we're seeing that people are starting to take us seriously.
So it's a great success. And that's really very satisfying for us." Ewen Mahévas, CEO of Newave.

 

This award recognizes not only technological innovation, but also Newave's ability to structure a sustainable business plan, integrate sustainability values, and shake up an industry undergoing rapid change.

Newave perfectly embodies the spirit of the EuroSIMA Innovation Call for Projects: useful innovation, a committed team, and a clear ambition to move the snow sports industry towards greater sustainability, performance, and mobility.