UK based snowboard pioneers DOUK are offering the ultimate in snowboard gluttony; building your own snowboard. Starting for January 2016, the team will be offering either one, or two day courses on how to sculpt your own personal mountain slayer. Here’s the word from DOUK themselves:
The UK’s only hand crafted snowboard factory will give the opportunity for the general public to visit the factory and build their very own board from scratch – a UK first and opportunity for everyone to see the skill and craftsmanship that goes into producing some of the finest snowboard products on the market.
After years of hard work and graft, the DOUK story continues to grow against the expectations of the industry with the recent move to a larger production facility allowing for a much higher production run and output, while still maintaining the core belief of hand crafted and high quality products.
With the move to the new facility comes the opportunity for the DOUK team to share their knowledge with the wider Snowboard scene and give everyone the chance to get their very own handmade board. It has been the childhood dream of many a rider to one day handcraft their own board – with the new DOUK offer, we are able to share that with everyone;
“We started out with the aim of making a product that would be of the highest quality and something that we could be proud of – now we are in a position where we can share that with everyone, meaning anyone can create their custom ride and enjoy the satisfaction of slashing that board around the hill, knowing every last component that went into making it.” David Ombler – Founder – DOUK Snowboards
The announcement comes at a time when the company continues to grow, moving to new premises creating the largest manufacturing facility that the UK ski and snowboard market has ever seen. With investments of an estimated £50,000 over the past 6 months bringing in new machinery and facilities, the company is setting its stand as a genuine alternative to European production facilities with its growing client list of global brands.
“The past year has seen a massive spring in the progress of DOUK and our production facility – it was always my dream as a kid to make my own board and now we have the situation where anyone can come and make their own, I think there will be a lot of letters to Santa being sent for this”. Paul Wilson – Brand Manager – DOUK Snowboards
The courses come in two options, with a lighter one day version as well as the full blown 2 day course that gives everyone the option to choose the level of immersion into the production process.
Option One – One day course, Full Custom £590
The one day course takes the form of the final processes in the production with the initial core and preparation work already prepared. On this course the rider will learn; – Preparation of fibres, carbon, VDS rubber and basic materials – Mixing and preparation of Epoxy and other resins – Laying up of board with knowledge of effects of different materials – Board pressing and curing, learning about camber production – Cutting, tapering and drilling of board shape – Base grinding, sanding and board polishing – Waxing and basic board maintenance – Packaging and finished Board to take away.
Option Two – Two day course, £950
The two day course takes the form of the entire board manufacturing process where you will gain a knowledge on how materials are prepared and selected, processed and completed to the highest level.
Day 1
– Top sheet Printing and Sublimation process – Base shaping and metal edge attachment – Drilling of inserts and tapering of core – Sanding, flame treating and inserts completion – Preparation of fibres, carbon, VDS and basic materials – Cassette and camber preparation for press
Day 2
– Mixing and preparation of Epoxy and other resins – Laying up of board with knowledge of effects of different materials – Board pressing and curing, learning about camber production – Cutting, tapering and drilling of board shape – Base grinding, sanding and board polishing – Waxing and basic board maintenance – Packaging and finished Board to take away.
The first courses will begin to take place in January 2016 with dates throughout the year for both courses. Customised boards artwork will be required in advance, however we can provide a design service if needed. For any further information, questions or requests see douksnow.com/make-your-own-snowboard.html or contact Paul Wilson on 01386 832060 / [email protected]
