The history of Zandstra Sport.
Craftsmanship since 1825.
Zandstra Sport has been producing and selling skates since 1931. That amounts to more than 90 years of experience, which has generated a rich history in which the Zandstra family from Sneek plays a major role.
1825
Wouter Thomas Zandstra (1797-1858)
Takes up residence at Suupmarkt 3 in Sneek on 11 March, continuing the (ambulant) sail making business established by his father in 1873.
1857
Following his brother Hotze’s death he takes over the rope yard business located at the “Trekschippersstal”, better known as the “Oude Bolwerk” (the Old Bulwark) in Sneek.
1858
Thomas Wouter Zandstra (1845-1902)
Starts managing both the sail making and the rope yard business at age 13 following his father’s death, the rope yard having been extended in 1844 with a tannery located on the Kleine Palen, also in Sneek.
1881
Purchase of the corner building Schaapmarktplein in Sneek. The front section of the building now becomes a shop, with the sail loft behind it.
1881
Wouter Thomas Zandstra (1869-1925)
Became widely known all over the country as manufacturer of racing sails. Besides the rope yard and the sail loft he also set up a saddlery.
1925
Thomas Wouter Zandstra (1905-1984)
The death of his father puts him in charge at age 20. He becomes very successful.
1945
Sets up an assembly department for skates. Originally this involves mounting the leather straps on the wooden skates; later it involves riveting the steel skates under the shoe.
1955
Batavus in Heerenveen discontinues its production of skates. Zandstra takes over the stock and the brand name.
1965
Purchase of the old cheese warehouse on the Geeuwkade in Sneek. With the skate business expanding this bulding is solely used for the assembly and storage of skates.
1975
Wouter Thomas Zandstra. (1943-2019)
In addition to the existing activities he sets up a wholesale business in water sports articles with brands such as Viking sail boots and Nippon rainproof clothing.
1980
Acquisition of the well-known Norwegian skate brands VING and Ballangrud. The production of skates at the factory in Moss, Norway is discontinued. Zandstra takes over the brand names Ballangrud and Ving and transfers the production of these steel skates to Canada.
1983
A 7,000 m2 skate factory is newly constructed in Joure. Production, warehouse and office all under one roof.
1985
Highly successful introduction of the “SKEELER” (skate on wheels) with 5 wheels in a single line.