Description:
Old Pipe Surfboard Rack Studio, operated by Ah-Song & VIVIAN
“It all started with a Wolf Classic motorcycle, a passion for surfing, and a longing to be at the ocean.”
Could you please provide a brief introduction for the DEUS fans?
When we started out surfing, there were no motorcycle racks that could possibly hold surfboards on the market. Surfing for us was logistically tedious and it severely limited the shores everyone could access. It was not pleasant. During my stay in Brazil as a foreign student, I accidentally came across rudimentary plate racks in practice, so I built a prototype for myself and subsequently, for a lot of friends. The word of mouth and popular demand then sparked the creation of OLD PIPE.
P.S. I hope that with our reasonable pricing, OLD PIPE can one day be synonymous with surfing for motorcyclists and eventually, the surfing community.
As freelancers, how do you adjust your work pace?
VIVIAN: Beyond the initial worries about the instability of income during the early days of our business, we faced numerous unforeseen challenges.
Boiling emotions often spilled out both ways, but thankfully, we had complementary personalities. Throughout the process, we always found ways to alleviate each other’s anxieties through show mutual understanding.
I would invigorate him and unshackle his reservations to reimagine, and in return he crafts the most refined products I could imagine, propelling us forward. Pooling our distinctive personalities, we fashioned OLD PIPE into a venture of elegance with at-home ease.
How do you balance work and life?
Ah-Song: Surfing, to me, is like hitting the reset button. In the realm of development and design, inspiration is key; from conceptualization to materializing, creating prototypes, engaging with manufacturers, all the way to actual production. The process can be setback to the beginning at any point, it involves constant self-discovery, especially during moments of work stagnation and anxiety. After a surf session, I find myself entering a heightened state of focus, or what some might call ‘the zone.’
Life is a part of my work, vice versa. It’s the balance I love.
What kinds of challenges have you encountered, and what concerns do you have about development in Taiwan?
Ah-Song: “All our motorcycle racks at OLD PIPE comply with traffic regulations, but DIY products can pose risks during rides due to safety oversights. I hope there will be specific regulations in the future to govern motorcycle rack products.”
Vivian: “Through continuous improvements based on user feedback, we’ve developed modular options for users, making it quick and easy to customize. This lowered the entry barrier, allowing for more people to experience the lifestyle they love.”
What’s the most unique motorcycle rack you’ve ever assembled?
Ah-Song: “The specifics for a particular bike model doesn’t stand out to me, because every OLD PIPE product is crafted with equally satisfactory work before it is presented to our customers.”
Vivian: “What leaves a lasting impression on us is the feedback from a female customer: ‘I used to rely on others to go surfing. After a breakup and installing the surfboard rack, I can finally ride to the beach on my own! Whenever I feel like surfing, I just go for it!'”
In that moment, it makes us feel that this journey is meaningful!
It effortlessly enables those who fall in love with this lifestyle to embrace it without hesitation.
What are the future goals and vision for OLD PIPE?
I hope to introduce rental motorcycle camping kits domestically, promoting this lifestyle and spread awareness of the potential in mobility. When there’s need to better utilize your mopeds or motorcycles, I want people to think about OLD PIPE!
Reasons for staying at Toucheng?
Although we’ve had partners to keep us on our toes, the slow pace of rural life does stagnant work in the same fashion. At Toucheng, 40 minutes away from Taipei, it has the nearest beach for Taipei. Being here grants us the rural quality of life but the ease to stay informed and physically close to our friends in the city for support and companionship.
What music do you recommend when riding to the beach?
MILES AWAYS
A message for DEUS:DEUS always manages to evoke the lifestyle of surfing and riding in the surfing community. Hoping to organize a vintage surfing competition with DEUS one day!