AK
AK Durable Supply Co launched its first products in 2018, born in Cape Town, South Africa. The brand is part of the SESTAR group, alongside Starboard, Severne, Airush, and FreeWing (source: akdurablesupplyco.com, consulted on 24/08/2026). AK focuses on a concise collection of technical components and durable accessories, rather than a sprawling catalog. For us, this translates to two harnesses, two pad systems with inserts, and one second-hand board.
AK Harnesses
Two opposing philosophies, with a €150 difference
The Synth V5 RS 2024 at €329 features a shell with intermediate flexibility. This gives you constant lumbar support. It also comes with the Aerobar RS bar, which is easy to adjust. This allround harness works for both kitesurf and windsurf.
The Ether at €179 is the opposite. It has a very thin profile, flexible for storage but rigid once you put it on. You get pronounced lumbar support without any superfluous padding. This harness is designed to be forgotten, perfect for riders who find classic shells cumbersome.
Prices observed on 24/08/2026. A harness needs to be tried on: the shape of your back matters more than the specifications.
See AK harnesses ↓AK Pads with inserts and second-hand
The solution for mounting straps without drilling into a board
The Glue On Insert Pad, set of 2 at €119 is simple and clever. The pad adheres to your board with a 3M adhesive backing. It provides M6 threaded inserts. This transforms a traction area into support points for straps, without drilling into the board.
The Glue On Insert Pad Complete Traction Set at €180 is a complete kit. It comes with 3M adhesive backing, stainless steel threaded inserts, and a mix of 4 mm Quad Lock foams and corduroy. You get a discreet profile underfoot and a robust attachment.
The AK Nomad 7'0 is available second-hand at €700. This directional board offers a great compromise between handling and stability for small to medium waves. Our second-hand stock moves quickly, so the counter below is always up to date.
View AK pads and second-hand items ↓Which AK to choose
The shortcut we take in the shop
I want an allround harness
Go for the Synth V5 RS. It has an intermediate shell, constant lumbar support, and a tool-free adjustable Aerobar RS bar.
I hate bulky harnesses
The Ether is your answer. It has a very thin profile, is rigid once worn, and has no unnecessary padding. It folds into a bag without taking up space.
My harness budget is limited
The Ether at €179 is €150 less than the Synth. You'll lose the adjustable bar, but not the lumbar support.
I want to put straps on my board
Grab a Glue On Insert Pad. It provides glued M6 inserts, so there's no need to drill the deck and re-seal it for watertightness.
I want to redo all my traction
The Complete Traction Set for €180. It includes stainless steel inserts, 3M adhesive, 4mm Quad Lock foams, and corduroy.
My board doesn't have inserts
This is exactly what the Glue On Insert is for. Many kite surfboards and foilboards are sold bare, and this is the clean solution.
I'm looking for a second-hand directional board
Check out the AK Nomad 7'0 at €700. It's an allround directional board for small to medium waves, available as long as it appears on the counter below.
Unsure about your harness size?
Swing by the shop! The right harness fit depends on your back shape and actual waist size, not just a listed size. We'll have you sorted in five minutes flat.
Our most frequently asked questions.
Short answers, no beating around the bush.
Is AK the same as Airush?
They're two distinct brands under the SESTAR group, which also includes Starboard, Severne, and FreeWing. AK focuses on technical components and accessories, while Airush specializes in kites and boards.
Synth V5 RS or Ether?
The Synth features a more structured shell and an adjustable bar, while the Ether offers a minimal profile. If you ride for long sessions and pull hard, go for the Synth. If you want to forget your harness and travel light, the Ether is your pick.
Do Glue On Inserts really hold up?
The backing uses 3M adhesive, and the inserts are stainless steel threaded. What truly determines the hold is the preparation: the surface must be perfectly clean, degreased, dry, and pressure maintained. If it's poorly glued, no adhesive will hold, regardless of the brand.
Can I remove it later?
You can remove 3M adhesive, but it will leave marks and requires time and patience. When choosing the location, consider the installation permanent, and measure twice.
What thread size do I need for straps?
You'll need M6, which is the standard for almost all kite and wing straps. So, your current straps will most likely fit.
Do you sell new AK boards?
Not at the moment. Our current AK selection is limited to harnesses, insert pads, and a second-hand Nomad 7'0. For a new board from the range, give us a call. We'll check availability with the brand before you commit.
The full range AK
The complete range, not a selection. The counters follow the published stock.
Products AK
Your AK Retailer in Pornichet, Bay of La Baule
GlissEvolution
2c Avenue du Gulf Stream · 44380 Pornichet
Tue - Sat, 10am-1pm / 3pm-7pm
📞 09 62 64 74 77 · ✉️ info@glissevolution.com
AK: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before buying
Where does the AK brand come from?
AK Durable Supply Co started in Cape Town, South Africa, with its first products developed in 2018. It's part of the SESTAR group, which also includes Starboard, Severne, Airush, and FreeWing (source: akdurablesupplyco.com, consulted on 24/08/2026).
AK vs. Airush: What's the difference?
These are two distinct brands within the same group. AK focuses on technical components and durable accessories. It offers a concise collection. Airush produces kites and boards.
What AK gear do you stock?
We carry two harnesses, the Synth V5 RS and the Ether. We also have two glued insert pad systems, and a second-hand AK Nomad 7'0. The counters on this page reflect our live stock.
Synth V5 RS or Ether?
The Synth V5 RS features an intermediate flexibility shell and the easily adjustable Aerobar RS bar. It's an allround option for both kite and windsurf. The Ether, on the other hand, features a very thin profile. It's flexible for storage but rigid when worn. It provides pronounced lumbar support without extra padding. Expect about a €150 price difference between the two.
How do I choose the right harness size?
Base your choice on your actual waist circumference and back shape, not your clothing size. A properly sized harness won't ride up when you lift your arms. This quick check takes five minutes in-store and helps you avoid a return.
What is a Glue On Insert Pad?
This pad sticks to your board with 3M adhesive backing. It provides M6 threaded inserts. This lets you attach straps to a board that doesn't have them. You can do this without drilling the deck and without compromising the board's watertightness.
Set of 2 or Complete Traction Set?
The set of 2, priced at €119, provides the inserts to add to an existing traction pad. The Complete Traction Set, at €180, replaces the entire area. It comes with stainless steel inserts, 3M adhesive, and a mix of 4 mm Quad Lock foam and corduroy.
Does the adhesive really hold?
Yes, it does, provided you prepare the surface correctly. It needs to be perfectly clean, degreased, and dry, and you must maintain pressure while it cures. This applies to all 3M adhesives. Almost all detachments happen because of installation done too quickly or on a still-damp board.
Can a glued insert be removed?
It's possible, but it's a time-consuming process and will leave marks on the deck. Treat the placement as permanent: position it dry, mark it, check with the straps in hand, and only then glue it down.
Will my current straps fit?
Most likely, yes. The thread is M6, which is standard for almost all kite and wing straps. Just double-check the length of your screws, as this depends on the pad's thickness.
What is the AK Nomad 7'0?
This directional board strikes a balance between handling and stability. It is ideal for small to medium waves. We offer it second-hand for €700. Like all second-hand products, it's unique: if it shows in stock, it's available.
Do you sell new AK boards?
Not in our current published selection. If you're looking for a new model from the AK range, give us a call. We'll check availability and the actual delivery time with the brand before taking any order.
Do you provide AK after-sales support?
Yes, we do, right from our Pornichet store. This includes ordering spare parts. For harnesses, the most common issues involve the spreader bar and straps. Email info@glissevolution.com with photos.
Can I try on harnesses in the store?
Absolutely! Visit us at 2c Avenue du Gulf Stream in Pornichet, Tuesday through Saturday. A harness is one product you really can't judge from a photo. Two models with the same advertised size can fit very differently depending on the curve of your back.