The SK Shapes Story:
Precision Born from Passion
For Stan Keusch, born in 1991, watersports have been at the core of his life from the very beginning. Growing up, Stan's father owned a watersport shop and windsurf school, quickly exposing him to the latest developments in wind sport products. This early immersion cultivated his own discerning ideas about what made a great product and how it should be crafted.
Journey
Stan’s interest deepened as a teenager during his apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic. Soon after, he majored in Renewable Energy with a minor in Mechanical Engineering and Composite Materials at university. This academic foundation laid the bedrock for one of SK Shapes’ founding principles: producing long-lasting, sustainable products. After graduating, the SK brand came into existence, and by 2015, Stan became entirely self-employed, dedicating everything to his brand vision.
Based in Switzerland
"Nestled between two alpine lakes and surrounded by mountains."
Another cornerstone of SK Shapes stems from Stan’s proudly Swiss roots. The Swiss ethos of beauty and care in production, alongside the entrenched symbiosis of nature with design, is reflected in every single SK Shapes product. Nestled between two alpine lakes and surrounded by mountains, it’s no surprise that the elegance and beauty of the landscape manifest in the brand’s product aesthetics and remain a critical influence in the design process.
This prime Swiss location also allows for year-round product testing. Despite the bite of wintry chills, Stan is invariably found rigging up his latest prototype on one of his many Swiss lake home spots. He meticulously understands each product from its initial sketch through to the finished, working result, ready for the world’s best kite foil racers.
Partnerships & Friendships
Over the years, Stan’s working partnerships and friendships with leading kitesurfing manufacturers, top-level athletes, extreme snowsport and paragliding pioneers have allowed SK Shapes to thrive as a ‘one-man band.’ This network provides invaluable expertise and feedback from every corner of the industry. From managing product shipping, exports, and idea development to finance management and cultivating an international group of team riders, Stan somehow does it all.
Research & Development
How does SK Shapes stay at the forefront of design while maintaining integrity and keeping customer satisfaction at its heart? Stan’s insistence on providing a customized service from the first conversation to the final product certainly helps. This dedication is mirrored in the manufacturing process, maintaining close contact across the entire supply chain. This is balanced with robust R&D: lab tests are all done in-house, while field testing is managed by Stan and his team riders. Plus, a wealth of ideas and inspiration stems from the diverse sporting disciplines practiced by Stan and his team. From the heart of Switzerland, SK Shapes brings unparalleled Swiss finesse and elegance to the global kite sport industry.