The transition from UWL to Shapers Club represents a major turning point in the French surfing landscape. Much more than a simple name change, this transition embodies the fusion of a family heritage and a modern vision that places innovation and passion at the heart of a growing community. Spearheaded by the Cardinal brothers and their teams, this evolution is based on an unprecedented model of collaboration between shapers, craftsmen and enthusiasts, in a setting designed for performance, creativity and conviviality. By moving their workshop to Marennes, they are opening up a new ecosystem, combining manufacturing, culture, coworking and sharing. A project that breathes new life into the surfboard market with a strong commitment to eco-responsibility, notably through the GREENBOARD symbolizing sustainable excellence.

Beyond production, Shapers Club is asserting its role as a catalyst for a dynamic community, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow while honoring a family know-how firmly rooted in La Rochelle since the 90s. This ambition, tinged with a healthy dose of passion and daring, nurtures artisanal excellence and the emergence of a local industry capable of exporting internationally - a model of innovation and collaboration that echoes the world's greatest surfing benchmarks.

From UWL to Shapers Club: a new era for the surfing community

This change, far from being insignificant, is the result of a thoughtful repositioning of a world where craftsmanship meets modernity. The transformation of UWL into Shapers Club illustrates how a family business with solid roots is developing a strategy to better unite talent around a clear, inclusive identity. By adopting this global banner, the workshop unifies several prestigious shaper brands, including its own UWL, Cardinal or Addiction within a transparent, unifying framework. The new structure clarifies its position in the market while respecting the singularity of each shaper.

Through this movement, Shapers Club embodies the desire to welcome more than to produce: a genuine dynamic of collaboration is being established between craftsmen, surf schools (such as Ptiben Surfschool or Loulou - The new wave school) and enthusiasts eager to progress together. The change is also an opportunity to rethink places, tools and the relationship between shapers and surfers.

The inspiring story of UWL: family roots and surf innovation

The UWL project is rooted in the history of the brothers Renaud and Thomas Cardinal. Their passion for surfing was passed on to them by their father, one of the first to promote the discipline in La Rochelle. From their early days in a small family workshop in Angoulins, the duo have cultivated a craftsman's approach combined with a constant quest for innovation. Travels in California and Hawaii have enriched their know-how and nurtured an international professional network, contemporary with the 90s when European surfing was becoming more professional.

The rise of UWL Surfboards on the European market bears witness to this alchemy of heritage, technology and entrepreneurial spirit. The eco-responsible project GREENBOARD also embodies their sincere commitment to sustainability, focused on more environmentally-friendly materials. This commitment was not limited to a simple label, but truly guided every step of the way, from design to shaping.

• Strong family roots, Cardinal heritage

• Craft development in Angoulins

• Californian and Hawaiian influences

• Sustainable innovation with GREENBOARD

• Entry into the European market in the 90s

The unique GuestShaper concept: excellence in craftsmanship and club spirit

UWL has initiated a rare and precious concept in the world of surfing: the GuestShaper. The idea is simple but powerful: to bring renowned international shapers to work in the workshop, offering enthusiasts a unique board. These shapers bring their identity, technique and creativity, while the UWL team ensures perfect finishing and quality control.

This format offers double added value:

• A customized shape crafted by the world's finest artisans.

• A masterful finish and follow-up by the UWL workshop.

• A community spirit that values encounters, exchanges and sharing.

Custom boards by international shapers

GuestShaper's collaborations regularly featured talents such as Thomas Bexon or the UWL Surfboards. Each board tells a story, marked by its own technical and artistic signature, with a constant focus on performance and durability.

Guest shaper	Origin	Specific
Thomas Bexon	France	Innovative and technical shapes
Cardinal	France	Family heritage, tradition and precision
International guests	USA, Australia...	Varied styles, global expertise

This strategy has boosted UWL's visibility while cultivating a reputation for craftsmanship excellence, where each board becomes an exceptional, one-of-a-kind piece.

Why become a Shapers Club: towards a unified, collaborative vision

The name change responds to a clear need: to build a legible identity that brings the various brands together under a common banner. For several years, UWL has stood alongside brands such as Dior or AddictionBut this can be confusing for customers and partners alike.

The launch as a Shapers Club embodies :

• A clarification for the general public

• A ecosystem transparent and unifying for craftsmen and brands

• Visit valuation shapers at the heart of the project

• A flexible framework that encourages collaboration

• A better visibility on national and international markets

This evolution does not extinguish the historic brands, but rather highlights them in a more adapted, dynamic and promising format. Enthusiasts can discover this dynamic on the official website Shapers Club or follow the latest news on Surf Session.

A new home for surfing: innovative workshop, friendly space and family atmosphere

Moving to Marennes marks a real leap forward in quality. The workshop has tripled its production capacity to meet growing demand without sacrificing artisanal finesse. But Shapers Club is also :

• A 300m2 store where you'll find everything you need for surfing, from boards to accessories.

• A friendly bar to bring the community together after sessions

• A skatepark for training and fun, accessible to all

• Spaces for coworking promoting exchanges between professionals and young craftsmen

• A site designed to transmit know-how and creativity, embodying the family DNA

This hybrid venue creates a unique alchemy between board building and surf culture. It invites both performance and celebration, with regular events and a family atmosphere that brings together enthusiasts from all walks of life. Find out more about this innovative project in Le Journal des Entreprises.

Site elements	Description	Expected impact
Workshop	Triple capacity, equipped for complex shapes	Increased local production
Store	300m2 of surf equipment and accessories	Complete on-site offer
Bar	Integrated lounge area	Strengthens the community
Skatepark	Fun training area	Training and cohesion
Coworking	Shared workspaces	Collaboration and innovation

FAQ

• What's the main advantage of switching from UWL to Shapers Club?
  The aim is to bring together several prestigious brands under a clear, collaborative identity, increasing shapers' visibility and production capacity, while cultivating local craftsmanship.

• Is the GREENBOARD project still on?
  Yes, it remains at the heart of Shapers Club's eco-responsibility policy, with a reinforced approach to minimizing environmental impact.

• Can we visit the new workshop in Marennes?
  Yes, the workshop and store are open to the public, with regular events and discovery sessions.

• How can you meet the shapers and discover their boards?
  Thanks to the GuestShaper concept, international shapers are present in Marennes all year round, and their boards are available for sale in the store or online.

• Which surf schools partner with Shapers Club?
  Several schools are supporting this dynamic, including Surfin'Re, Manusurfor Surf Club Royan Atlantique.

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