Appletree

We are first and foremost paragliding enthusiasts, but in the workshop, we've always had a soft spot for quality gear, no matter the discipline. And when we started seriously looking into wingfoiling, the name Appletree came up again and again among demanding riders. So we took a closer look, and decided to stock the brand. On this page, I'll give you an overview of Appletree's history and philosophy — without getting into specs or prices, as those are kept up-to-date on the product pages.

Who is Appletree?

The story is a beautiful and true one: two Dutch brothers, Wieger and Jorrit Buurma, started shaping boards in a workshop located on an apple farm. Hence the name, Appletree — "the apple tree". That was in 2006. What started as a small artisanal business in the Netherlands has become a benchmark in watersports boards, to the point that in 2021, manufacturing moved to Portugal, closer to the Atlantic and with the space needed for serious production.

What I like about their journey is how it resembles ours: a story of enthusiasts who do things for the love of the gear, who grow without compromising their values, and who remain grounded. At CEM, we started in 1977 on a mountain corner; they started in a barn between two apple trees. We understand each other.

The Specialty: Carbon Boards

Appletree makes boards — not wings, not foils. And their signature is carbon construction. Where many brands outsource mass production, Appletree controls its manufacturing from start to finish, in its own factory. The result is a reputation for boards that are both light and rigid, which changes everything in wingfoiling: a board that doesn't deform transmits every foot pressure directly into the foil, without loss. This is exactly what riders seeking performance are looking for.

The range covers the main categories of modern foiling: wingfoil boards, prone boards (lying start, paddling), downwind and SUP foil boards, and kitefoil-oriented boards. Enough to equip both beginners who need volume and stability and experienced riders who want the sharpest possible board.

A Brand That Thinks Sustainably

A point worth highlighting, because it aligns with our values: Appletree has been among the watersports brands to push for responsible manufacturing. In-house controlled production, an assumed eco-friendly approach — this is the kind of talk we like to hear, provided it's followed by action, and with them, it is. When we sell equipment that lasts and can be repaired, we're in the same spirit as our workshop: we prefer a good product that you keep for a long time over disposable items.

For Which Rider?

An Appletree carbon board is an investment for a rider who knows what they want, or who wants a board that will last and support their progression. If you're just starting wingfoiling, we might first guide you towards a generous and forgiving volume. But as soon as you're looking for performance, lightness, and precision, Appletree carbon becomes a real solution. As always, we don't push you towards the most expensive option: we guide you to the right volume based on your weight and skill level.

Sizes, Volumes, and Lead Times

A wingfoil board is chosen by volume (in litres), according to your weight and skill level: more volume for beginners and stability, less as you progress towards compact and responsive. Each model is available in several volumes and lengths, and availability changes. The best thing is to call us: we'll help you determine the right board, and tell you what's available immediately and what's coming soon.

Need help choosing your Appletree wingfoil board? Contact us, we'll take the time to understand your weight, skill level, and practice before guiding you. And if you're passing through the Vosges, come visit us in Oderen.

Fly safe,
Cyrille MARCK and the Rid'Air/CEM team