The GlissEvolution Story
Before becoming a benchmark for kitesurf and wingfoil, GlissEvolution is, at its heart, a human story. It's the story of Greg Nicholls, the shop and website founder, who has been passionate about watersports since he was a teenager.
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The GlissEvolution Story: An Adventure Born from Greg Nicholls' Passion
At just 14, Greg competed in multiple French youth windsurf championships. There, he discovered a passion for performance and the freedom of being on the water. In 1999, he fell in love with kitesurfing, then an emerging discipline. He started with a board shaped by his own hands and a Peter Lynn C-Quad kite. It was a time when everything was still being invented.
2004 was a pivotal year. Greg earned his computer engineering degree while also becoming the exclusive distributor for BestKiteboarding in France. Simultaneously, he founded the New Kite association, which grew into one of the largest kitesurfing communities in Loire-Atlantique. A few months later, driven by a desire to share his passion and make gear accessible to everyone, he launched the GlissEvolution website. It was one of the first French online stores dedicated to kitesurfing.
Store and School Opening (2006-2009)
In 2006, GlissEvolution transitioned from virtual to real with the opening of its first store in La Baule, just a stone's throw from the train station. BestKiteboarding, for which Greg was the French distributor, was the shop's flagship brand. Thanks to the quality of the equipment and a young, motivated team, the store was an immediate success.
Greg quickly built a team of passionate riders around him: Martin Sloth, Xavier Dupont, Christophe Commelin, Benoit Liot, Philippe Martin, Katell Pihuit, Pierre Guiho, and Adrien Guidice (Bryan). GlissEvolution soon became the go-to meeting spot for local riders. Our beach test days and shop happy hours are now legendary.
At the same time, the GlissEvolution kitesurfing school opened its doors, led by Rudy Laurent, also known as RoodBoy. His infectious energy, Creole accent, and memorable lessons left a lasting mark on an entire generation of kitesurfers. RoodBoy passed away in spring 2020, but his spirit and passion remain deeply linked to the shop's history. The instructor team grew with Alexandre Ramirez and Fred Mantecon. The school quickly offered beginner and advanced courses. From 2007 to 2010, GlissEvolution even explored the skies with paramotor courses led by Christian Delmas. These offered a chance to discover the Bay of La Baule, the salt marshes, and the Brière from above.
The Move to Pornichet and Diversification (2009-2016)
In 2009, GlissEvolution started fresh by moving to the Pornichet marina. This ideal setting was closer to the spots and offered a larger space to accommodate the growing community. The store expanded its catalog and became a multi-watersports shop. Slingshot, Airush, Starkite, and Liquid Force joined the shelves, along with a complete selection of accessories, harnesses, and wetsuits. Behind the counter, the team evolved. Charles Harin took over as store manager before passing the torch to Maxime Gaudenzi in 2015, then to Adrien Dahan in 2017.
In parallel, GlissEvolution developed a sailmaking service specializing in kitesurfing kite repair. Under the expertise of Charles Harin, then Aurélien Monnerie, hundreds of kites were carefully repaired. In 2016, Charles founded Charly's Workshop, an independent sailmaking shop recognized as one of the best in the region. The partnership remains strong, and customers can still drop off their equipment at the shop. In 2012, GlissEvolution also created a watersports center (jet ski, towed buoy, Flyboard, stand up paddle) under the direction of Thibault Maurice and Aurélien Monnerie. It later became Aquajet, while the kite school gained independence as Kite-Evolution, led by Alexis Bernardeau and Valentin Marville.
From Watersports to Electric Mobility (2010-2020)
In 2010, a new adventure began: Evo-Spirit, the electric skateboard brand created by Greg Nicholls, was born. Designed in France, the models combine power, range, and design, embodying the GlissEvolution philosophy: performance, reliability, and riding pleasure. The Pornichet store became a unique place where kitesurfers and foilers converged. Urban mobility enthusiasts also gathered there. At the same time, the store expanded its offerings to include foil, surf, wakeboard, and stand up paddle.
2017 marked a turning point: Adrien Dahan took over management of the store and online sales, supported by Martin Sloth, the man behind the e-commerce site, and François Pelhuche, a specialized advisor. In 2018, the arrival of Eleveight and especially Duotone (born from the transformation of NorthKiteboarding in 2019) propelled the shop to national prominence. Between 2015 and 2020, GlissEvolution established itself as more than just a store: it became a place for sharing, a consulting center, and a hub for enthusiasts. Its e-commerce site became a French benchmark for kitesurf and wingfoil, as well as for electric mobility.
GlissEvolution Today and 20 Years
In 2023, GlissEvolution opened a new store in Pornichet, marking two decades of growth. This 550 m² space, including a 250 m² showroom, was designed as a vibrant hub for watersports. Located on the road between Pornichet and Saint-Nazaire, it offers ample parking, a welcoming reception area, and a world where kite, wingfoil, surf, and wakeboard converge, along with a wide selection of wetsuits, travel gear, and technical accessories.
The Mobility-Evolution Space
Under the same roof, GlissEvolution developed Mobility-Evolution, a space 100% dedicated to electric mobility. You'll find electric skateboards, scooters, mopeds, and bikes, plus a multi-brand repair workshop. This unique spot in France brings together surfers, foilers, and e-skate enthusiasts.
A Passionate Team
Behind this success is a close-knit and expert team: Adrien Dahan (store and online sales manager), François Pelhuche (technical advisor and foil enthusiast), Martin Sloth (e-commerce site and web development), and Greg Nicholls (founder and conductor). Alongside them, numerous ambassadors embody the GlissEvolution spirit on the water: Mourad, Louis, François, Kevin, Vincent, Olivier, Axel, Seb, Jérémie, Benjamin, Matthieu, Quentin, Nina, Elouan, and Elliot.
2025: GlissEvolution Celebrated its 20th Anniversary
In 2025, GlissEvolution celebrated 20 years of adventure and watersports. It also celebrated 20 years of passion. On April 12 and 13, 2025, the team invited everyone to Pornichet for a weekend of activities and tests, with rider meet-ups. Two decades of history, in the true GlissEvolution spirit: conviviality, sharing, and a passion for riding.
Our Values: Passion, Authenticity, and Commitment
Since 2005, GlissEvolution's values have remained unchanged: a passion for watersports, sincere and personalized advice, high-end and durable equipment, and human, responsive after-sales support. The team doesn't aim to sell the most expensive gear; instead, they focus on what's most suitable for each rider, based on their skill level and riding style. This authentic approach built the shop's reputation and fostered a loyal community of enthusiasts across France.
Want to share your sessions, spots, or gear tips? Join the Facebook group GlissEvolution Ride & Fun. It brings together kite, wing, and wake riders in a spirit of mutual support and good humor.
FAQ: GlissEvolution
Who founded GlissEvolution?
GlissEvolution was founded in 2005 by Greg Nicholls, an engineer passionate about kitesurfing and a pioneer of e-commerce in watersports in France.
Where is the shop located?
Our shop is located in Pornichet, nestled between La Baule and Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast. Find us at 2C avenue du Gulf Stream, 44380 Pornichet.
What sports are offered?
We offer kitesurf, wingfoil, surf, wakeboard, and electric mobility (skateboards, scooters, bikes).
What makes GlissEvolution different from other surf shops?
What makes GlissEvolution different? We have a passionate team, personalized advice, premium brands, and a unique atmosphere. At GlissEvolution, we don't just sell gear; we share the passion for watersports.
How can I join the community?
Join the GlissEvolution Ride & Fun Facebook group. It's a space for kite and wing enthusiasts to connect and share, as well as for wake enthusiasts.
Come visit us in Pornichet
We have two decades of passion to share. Stop by the shop to discover our gear, chat with the team, or prepare for your next session.
Discover the shop Contact us Call us
GlissEvolution was founded in 2005 by Greg Nicholls. Our shop is located at 2C avenue du Gulf Stream, 44380 Pornichet. Join the GlissEvolution Ride & Fun Facebook group to connect with other riders.
