About Tantrum

James Stickels spent most of his time at university playing with fibre glass and epoxy resin in his shed instead of getting lashed and thinking with his pants.

Tantrum Kiteboards are hand-shaped from a single piece of foam using the latest manufacturing methods from the composite industry. Different grades and weaves of fibre glass are used to control the flex throughout the board. The glass is laid into a mould and infused with resin under a vacuum. This process removes any excess resin, increasing the fibre to resin ratio, which reduces weight and increases strength. The boards are then finished in 2K paint in the desired colour.

Tantrum Kiteboards manufacture custom kiteboards to your personal specifications and riding style.

Started by James Stickels in 2006 from a small shed in Plymouth during his university years, the company has now expanded and relocated to new, larger premises in Whitstable Kent. Initially working on his own, James has increased his staff number to four as the company’s workload is constantly increasing as word gets around about the quality of their custom boards.

James started Kitesurfing eight years ago with a four metre Flexifoil Sky Tiger and a surfboard. After trying various different kit combinations, he found the Flexifoil Blade and wakeboard with bindings suited his aggressive and uncompromising riding style.

As a result of Kitesurfing moving toward foot strap style, James was unable to find boards that could meet his demands. This prompted him to undertake a degree in Surf Science and Technology and start shaping boards that could hold a 6.6 Blade in thirty-five knots.

All Tantrum Kiteboards are tested using various kites, ranging from two line foils, to four-line leading edge inflatables. Testing conditions have ranged from ten knots to thirty-five knots of wind speed, and in waves and flat water.