Kāohi Leashes - Roy & mama Karen (foil_fan)

What we talk about

• Recorded on the last day of the road trip in Encinitas, after a small surf foil session
• Why foiling feels so welcoming compared with a crowded surf line-up
• How the grip leash started as a handle on a SUP rail saver
• Spotting that normal leashes wrapped round foils and were the wrong length and thickness
• Surf Expo in Orlando in 2019, then growing through the COVID supply gaps
• Designing with riders, from the double coil to the hybrid Invis leash and a wing leash
• Finding an overseas factory after local attempts fell short, and why they keep innovating
• Roy and Karen on learning to wing, downwind paddling versus parawing, and what beginners should buy

About this episode

An excellent episode with one of our favourite pairs in the foiling game. Passionate, positive, and inspiring individuals who have turned a niche product segment and brand into a household name within the foiling industries. They've managed to get Freddie excited about leashes!

We had the pleasure of hanging out with Karen and Roy on the beach in San Diego (fuelled by her home baked goodies) and followed the session with a recording where we dive into the origin of the grip leash concept and how an idea turned into a product which quickly secured market share.

Peace!