More Than a Factory: The Heart and Soul of SUNOVA Beats in Khao Lak

When people think of a factory, they imagine machinery, efficiency, repetition. But when you step into The Board Factory (TBF) in Khao Lak, Thailand, the place where SUNOVA boards come to life, you feel something entirely different: warmth, laughter, music, passion, and the unmistakable smell of fresh resin. It’s not just a place where boards are built. It’s where a lifestyle is lived, and a community creates.

Christian Taucher – 29-time Austrian SUP champion and founder of sup.training, supports SUNOVA in the development of their race and downwind boards and contributes his experience to athlete support. Living right next to the Board Factory, he’s closely connected to the daily life around it, not just as a professional, but as part of the vibrant community.

Picture: Siraprabha Presha

Hi Chris, great to have you back! So you’re not only a decorated athlete in all SUP disciplines, but you also live right next to The Board Factory in Khao Lak. What makes this place so unique, not just as a production site, but as a part of your everyday life?

It’s pretty wild, really. Living literally next door to The Board Factory isn’t just convenient; it’s a constant connection to what I do and what I love. It’s not just a factory; it’s like an extension of my home and my playground. I see the process from start to finish, the passion that goes into every board, and it makes my everyday connection to the sport so much deeper. It’s not abstract; it’s tangible, right there. I hear the sounds, I smell the resins, and I see the faces of the people making the boards I ride and compete on. It makes it all very personal.

Picture: Kael Nicou

From what we’ve heard, The Board Factory is more than just a workplace, it’s a community. Can you describe the atmosphere inside the factory and how it reflects the spirit of SUNOVA?

“Community” is absolutely the right word. It’s not your typical factory. There’s a buzz of creativity and collaboration, but it’s also incredibly relaxed. People are smiling, there’s music playing, and you can feel a genuine pride in the work. It truly reflects the spirit of SUNOVA because SUNOVA isn’t just about selling boards; it’s about a lifestyle, about getting on the water and having fun. That passion starts right here in the factory. The energy is infectious, and you can see that everyone, from the shapers to the finishers, is genuinely invested in creating something special. It’s a family vibe.

Picture: Kael Nicou

There’s this amazing story that when the swell hits, the team gets time off to go surf,  is that really how it works? And how does this philosophy shape the work culture at The Board Factory?

Haha, it’s not a story, it’s absolutely true! If there’s a good swell, the call goes out, and if the production schedule allows, we’re off to the beach. It’s one of the coolest things about working here. This philosophy isn’t just a perk; it’s fundamental to the work culture. It acknowledges that we’re all here because we love being on the water. It keeps everyone stoked, it builds camaraderie, and honestly, it makes us better at what we do. How can you build amazing surfboards and SUPs if you’re not out there using them and understanding what makes a good board? It’s real-world R&D, and it ensures that the passion for the sport is alive and well in every step of the manufacturing process.

Picture: Kael Nicou

What does it mean to you to ride a board that’s been handcrafted just a few meters from your home, by people you actually know personally, sometimes even sharing waves with them before or after work?

It’s incredibly meaningful. It’s one thing to get a board, but it’s another entirely to know the hands that shaped it, the people who glassed it, and to have shared laughs and waves with them. There’s a personal connection to every single board I ride. When I’m out on the water, I’m not just riding a piece of equipment – I’m riding something crafted with care by friends. It gives the board a soul, a story. It adds another layer of appreciation and trust in the product, knowing the passion and skill that went into it, just meters from my door.

Picture: Kael Nicou

You’ve competed all over the world, how would you describe The Board Factory to someone who’s never seen it? Is it fair to say it’s one of a kind?

I’ve seen a lot of factories and production sites, and I can tell you, The Board Factory is absolutely one of a kind. I’d describe it as a vibrant hub of craftsmanship and innovation, nestled in a tropical paradise. It’s not sterile or industrial, it has a warmth and an energy that reflects the beautiful surroundings and the people who work there. It’s clean, efficient, but also has this underlying passion for water sports. You walk in, and you instantly feel the dedication to quality and performance, combined with a laid-back, surf-inspired vibe. It’s truly unique in how it blends high-level production with a strong sense of community and lifestyle.

Picture: Kael Nicou

Looking ahead, how do you see The Board Factory continuing to influence the future of SUP, not just through innovation, but through its lifestyle-driven, human-centered approach to building boards?

I believe The Board Factory is setting a new standard for how boards are made and how a brand can connect with its product. The future of SUP, in my opinion, isn’t just about the next big technological leap; it’s also about authenticity and connection. The Board Factory’s lifestyle-driven, human-centered approach ensures that innovation is always grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of what riders need and want. It’s about building boards with a soul. This approach will continue to influence SUP by inspiring other brands to consider not just the product, but the entire process and the people involved. It shows that you can have world-class production without losing that personal touch and passion. It’s about building a better product through a better process, driven by genuine love for the sport.

Picture: Kael Nicou

Christian, you’re not only part of the SUNOVA athlete team, but also deeply involved with the brand beyond racing. Can you tell us more about your role at SUNOVA and how your experience as a pro paddler flows into your daily work and the development of the boards?

My role at SUNOVA goes beyond just being an athlete; I’m deeply integrated into the development side, especially with the SUP race and SUP surfboards. My years of competing at the highest level mean I know what works, what doesn’t, and what tiny adjustments can make a massive difference in performance.

When I’m out on the water, whether it’s for training or just a fun paddle, I’m always thinking about the boards. How does it feel in choppy conditions? Does it catch bumps easily for downwinding? How does it accelerate in a sprint? This immediate, real-world testing allows us to iterate quickly. My experience as a pro paddler isn’t just about riding the boards; it’s about translating the feeling on the water into tangible design improvements that flow directly into the development process, ensuring that every board we produce is not just innovative, but truly optimized for performance and enjoyment. It’s a constant loop of riding, analyzing, and communicating with the team to refine and perfect.

But my involvement extends even further. I act as a key connector between our athletes, the shops that sell our boards, and The Board Factory itself. I’m actively collecting feedback from both customers and athletes, bringing their insights directly back to the design and production teams. If there are any issues or questions, I’m often on the front lines, helping to solve problems and ensure everyone is happy with their Sunova experience. And when it comes to the big competitions, I also play a crucial role in organizing our professional SUP team at major events, ensuring everything runs smoothly so our riders can focus on what they do best: competing. This holistic involvement means I’m not just testing the boards; I’m helping to build the entire SUNOVA community and ensure our products meet the real-world demands of riders everywhere.

Picture: Siraprabha Presha

For more information about SUNOVA products, visit their website or Instagram page.

You can also follow Christian Taucher on his Instagram page.