I ‘met’ Rainer in our Surfpreneurs Club group and saw that he was both a part of Surfrider Foundation and founder of Rebel Fin Co. producing sustainable and environmental friendly surf fins. With so many hands on surf businesses I became curious. So here’s about Rainer’s ambitions, what makes Rebel Fins so eco friendly, how to manage to get your dose of surf when you live in Germany and the question if to start your idea as a side business or to go all in.
Rainer, I bet being actively engaged in projects for Surfrider Foundation Germany and having your own business Rebel Fin Co. means you like surfing, right? 😉 So what was the moment that you were fascinated by it for the first time?
I was a complete beginner and a friend helped me get into the line up into conditions that were ten times too ambitious for my level. Had no idea how to come back to the beach. He just pushed me into the great blue deep and I was reborn.
Woah, I guess I would have give up the whole idea of surfing if this would have been my first experience😀 As you live in Germany: How do you get your needed dose of surf during the year?
Denmark is 4-5 hours away from Hamburg, so not too far. But when the kids started to play soccer in a club, also the weekends were limited for surfing. Now summer and autumn school holidays are left for surfing as winter and spring is my family’s wintersport time.
Let’s talk business: You founded Rebel Fin Co. Who’s the team?
I started with Julian, the musician behind Jules Ahoi. But right now he’s more into his music career. So at the moment it’s me, a motivated team of production workers and my fellow Frank, who’s supporting me with marketing & sales.
REBEL Thruster Fins made from old fishing nets
How did you come up with the idea – why fins?
I am working in a company that is processing plastics. So I wanted to combine the knowledge from that one with my passion and develop something on my own.
As 99% of fins are imported from the U.S. or China, packed in plastics several times and producing tons of CO2 for transport, I realized it must be possible to do it locally and under better conditions.
What are these better conditions?
You can watch a product from different perspectives. You have the climate change issue and the plastic littering problem. Quality is also an aspect, for sure.
We save CO2 with short logistics as we have the moulds and production in house, use green energy and materials from either renewable (wood) sources or recycled ones (for instance fishing nets) which also saves CO2 in comparison to virgin material.
Sure, in the end it’s still plastic. But we try to influence the product’s life cycle by giving the fin a special material and environmental attitude. Surfers pay more than an €100 for a Thruster. Maybe this is more high tech than ours. But for 80-90% of the surfers our performance is adequate. And our pricing is between €40 and €50.
How did you set up the production?
First step was coming up with the material. Not every plastic is suitable for a fin. It depends on specific characteristics. But there is much more possible than the industry (especially surf and other sports) is doing right now.
Then there has to be the idea of a new fin shape followed by a drawing (manual or CAD), realizing the mould by our metal workers and going into production, the injection moulding. Sounds easy, but a lot of work to reach the final product.
REBEL 9" Longboard Carbon Fin
By now, it is more of a side project, isn’t it?
Referring to the financial aspect, it’s still a side project. I have no idea if I will ever earn money with this. But I use the experiences with all the new materials, ways and ideas for my other customers and products. In my company, the work with “normal” customers and conventional products is not always passion. With the surf stuff it’s more identification and fun.
So, would you advise other Surfpreneurs to rather start their business as a side project than going all in at the beginning?
Not necessarily. It depends on the budget and amount of time you have.
So if you have the money to realize your idea (through loans from banks or friends/family, savings, crowdfunding…), it makes sense to go all-in. It’s just important to keep in mind that the budget is not only needed to finance the project itself but also your (and maybe your family’s) cost of living.
If you have a crappy job which you don’t like at all, it might also be the better decision to 100% focus on your own idea. Whereas the side business is the safer option. I have a regular income and therefore a calm head when it comes to paying ongoing costs. Plus, a permanent job might make it easier to get a loan from the bank to finance your project.
So there’s no clear yes or no to this question. Just consider what budget and time you have available, if your business idea needs a fast market entry (due to innovation or similar) or if the point of time you launch it, isn’t that important.
Grab your friends, go to the sea for a weekend, evaluate and discuss all the options you have and hopefully you know better after this weekend.
A weekend at the sea – good advice😬
Classic question in our interviews: What was your biggest challenge with Rebel Fin Co. so far and how did you face it?
The production of the moulds was quite challenging. But also diving into the tools for building the Website and the Webshop.
So for important and indispensable things (such as the webshop or website, terms and conditions) that you don't feel like implementing yourself, you should definitely ask for support. In this case I owe a lot to my friends and my network!
REBEL Thruster Fins made from renewable materials
Let’s make a short switch to your commitment for Surfrider Foundation: How come you got engaged in the project?
In 2011, I got in touch with the NGO. At this time there was no active Surfrider Chapter in Germany. And so I thought it could be a good idea to start something – with my girl and two other friends. Also being a father makes you more aware of the importance of nature and the oceans as well as the impact your actions have on them.
For all the readers who never heard of Surfrider Foundation: What’s your mission – in Europe and Germany?
It’s an NGO protecting oceans, waves and beaches. In Germany we coordinate voluntary work, organize budgets, memberships, collaborations and take part at beach cleanups.
And for all the ocean lovers: How can they support the Surfrider Foundation’s mission?
On the one hand, people can become a Surfrider volunteer and take action. If you don’t know how, get in contact with us or come to our volunteer meetings. On the other hand, we’re financed through donations and memberships. If you’re more the passive girl or guy, this could be also a good idea of support.
So dear readers from whatever part of the world, check out what you can do.
Aaaand switch back to Rebel Fin Co.: What are your future plans?
We will develop more different shapes of fins and I’d like to connect the brand with the field of photography and art as well as producing some Rebel products that have nothing to do with surfing.
What's your advice for other Surfpreneurs (especially for those who are also thinking about launching a product) who are just starting out?
Follow your passion. Don’t think about how or if you can make money with it. Mostly good ideas will pay back later automatically.
Last but not least: Which is your favorite surf spot?
No flight, good friends and a cold drink afterwards. This year it was Britany, France. Next year maybe another one.
Interviewed by Sophie Krause
Writer and marketeer being addicted to chickpeas, loving everything outdoors (but especially the ocean) and wishing her zodiac sign was turtle. Sophie is collaborating with Surfpreneurs Club as writer to inspire others (and also herself) with the unique & exciting stories of all the great people you will (kind of) meet here.
Interviews with surf entrepreneurs
