F-ONE: pioneers of the water sports industry
F-ONE is one of the most well-known and respected names in the world of kitesurfing, foiling and wing foiling. Over the years, the French brand has built an outstanding reputation not only for its innovative products but also for its passion for water sports. From its early beginnings to its latest developments, F-ONE has become a global pioneer in all types of water sports involving a board and a wing.
The creation of F-ONE: a dream come true
F-ONE was founded in 1994 by Raphaël and Sophie Salles. The couple had always had a passion for water sports and wanted to revolutionize the kitesurfing and windsurfing industry with F-ONE. With a clear focus on innovation, quality and performance, they founded the brand that would soon make a name for itself for its high-quality kites and boards.
Raphaël, an experienced water sportsman and engineer, brought his technical skills and vision for advanced water sports products to the brand. Sophie, with her background in design and marketing, helped to establish the F-ONE brand internationally and ensure that the company always remained at the cutting edge of technology and aesthetics.
F-ONE initially started out producing windsurf boards. In 1997, F-ONE launched its first kiteboard and has been an essential part of its development ever since.
The product range: kites, boards and foils
F-ONE quickly distinguished itself by developing advanced kites, boards and foils that gave kitesurfers and water sports enthusiasts even more control and fun. The brand's first products included kites that set new standards in the kitesurfing scene.
Over the years, F-ONE expanded its product range and established itself as a leading supplier of all types of water sports equipment. Today, the F-ONE range includes not only kitesurfing kites and boards, but also foils, wing surfing products and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Here is an overview of F-ONE's main product lines:
- Kitesurfing kites: F-ONE was one of the first manufacturers to bring kites to market that were characterized by high performance, stable flight characteristics and good handling. The most well-known models, such as the F-ONE Bandit and the F-ONE Breeze, have made a name for themselves worldwide thanks to their versatility and user-friendliness.
- Boards: The first F-ONE kitesurfing boards were developed with the intention of making the sport accessible to all levels of ability. Today, the range includes all-round boards, wave boards and specially developed freestyle boards.
- Foils: In recent years, F-ONE has taken a leading role in foil windsurfing and foil kitesurfing. F-ONE's foils offer outstanding performance and allow water sports enthusiasts to foil in very light winds and challenging conditions. With products such as the F-ONE Foil and the F-ONE Bamboo Carbon Foil, the brand has set new standards.
- Wing-Surfing: Another area in which F-ONE has positioned itself strongly is wing-surfing. With innovative wing kites that impress with their stability and versatility, F-ONE has also set standards in this relatively young sports segment.
- SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards): F-ONE is also active in the SUP sports sector and offers a wide range of boards that are characterized by their high stability, robust construction and good performance.
Technological achievements
F-ONE has established itself as a pioneer in the field of technical innovation in water sports from the very beginning. The brand not only focuses on product performance, but also on durability and user-friendliness. Some notable technological developments that F-ONE has brought to the market are:
- Famous Delta Shape: F-ONE has made the delta shape kite great. In 2008, F-ONE launched the Bandit, which marked a turning point in the world of kitesurfing. This kite shape offers exceptional stability and control, even in difficult conditions. It is characterized by its increased wind range, stable flight and good handling, which makes it particularly versatile and user-friendly.
- Progressive Profile Technology: This technology has been introduced to improve the stability and responsiveness of the kite.
- Wing Design: Wing surfing has grown in popularity in recent years. F-ONE has developed innovative wings that are suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers, and that allow the rider to achieve maximum performance with the least amount of wind.
F-ONE's vision for the future
F-ONE is committed to continuing its leadership in the watersports industry. The brand relies on innovation, sustainable production and the development of new sports to provide watersports enthusiasts from all over the world with the best equipment.
What also sets F-ONE apart from many other brands in the industry is the fact that the company is not held by shareholders. This means that F-ONE continues to focus on long-term visions without having to bow to pressure from external investors. This gives the company the freedom to remain innovative, continuously invest in new technologies and develop products that meet the highest quality standards.
A key to continuous improvement is the close collaboration with professional athletes and kitesurfers, who provide feedback on the products and help to continuously improve performance. F-ONE is known for developing products that meet the high demands of world-class athletes, while remaining user-friendly for all other kitesurfers and water sports enthusiasts.
F-ONE – A pioneer that is still at the forefront
F-ONE is a brand that not only impresses with innovative products, but also with a clear focus on performance, quality and customer satisfaction. From the first kites to the latest foil boards and wing surfing products, F-ONE has revolutionized water sports and will continue to be a loyal companion for those seeking freedom on the water in the future.
