It is for Jules, his 4-year-old nephew, that Thibault Tranchard imagined the first ToyBoard. ” I was redoing the fittings of my boat, and I had the idea, with falling foam, to design a small surfboard to allow it to have fun ».
–« With the rest of the family, we thought it was going to be fun to see him struggling, and it was! But as time went by, Jules made a lot of progress ».
It is the sense of balance that is called upon with these ToyBoards, the use of which health professionals have quickly adopted. ” I sold the first boards in markets, and more and more physiotherapists and physical trainers came to buy my products. ».
Today, the medical sector represents the majority of its clientele, but the initial target is falling. ” Initially, the goal was to teach my nephew to stand on a board. Then, the medical sector took an interest in it. Little by little, surfing has regained its rights, especially with amateurs who train out of the water. ».
Strong values …
ToyBoard produces an average of 2,500 boards per year, without any advertising, without any prospecting. ” I let the board impose itself. If the product should work, it will work. I don’t want to make a lot of money with this project, but to help people. I like to think that I sold a board to someone who needed it, and that maybe it saved them from an operation or painful sessions with a doctor. ».
Another strong value of Thibault Tranchard, a local production and as ethical as possible. ” We have two types of boards, for professionals and for individuals. The first ones are covered with a PVC coating, easier to clean. The latter is produced in France, and the boards are then screen printed in Biarritz. ».
« For individuals, the boards are made of polyester, which should soon be made from 100% recycled material. The boards are then sublimated in Biarritz », Explains the creator.
All the boards are then sewn in Puyoo, before being sent to Peyrehorade where they are stored before being delivered. ” The company we work with employs around 80% of people in professional integration or reintegration. It gives a little more value to what we do ».
Beyond France, ToyBoards are sold in particular in England, the United States and even Brazil. ” With the health crisis, and other uncertainties, we had put aside deliveries a little, but we will gradually resume them. There is a demand in these sectors and if we can help them as we help in France, it is with great pleasure ».
Thibault Tranchard has great ideas for continuing to develop his project, which involves three people, including one who is an employee. ” Some of these projects remain secret, but we want to continue to evolve towards even more ethical work, and promote local actors. For example with the foam contained in our boards, which will soon be made in Hagetmau », He concludes.
More information on the ToyBoard website
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