A young CAD technician from Stoke-on-Trent has played a key role in bringing a unique new attraction to life on the Devon coast.
Rylie Preston, 21, joined premium railing and balustrade manufacturer Q-railing less than two years ago, but has already been entrusted with complex design work. His latest project saw him contribute to a bespoke glass balustrade for the Wave Surfer at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park.
The commission required a solution that was both safe and visually striking, echoing the curves of the ride itself while meeting stringent safety standards.
“It was certainly not something we encounter every day,” Rylie said. “I started with sketches, then used Autodesk Inventor to develop and test different iterations. The hardest part was ensuring every curve flowed smoothly within very tight spatial constraints, while still achieving the ‘wave’ effect. Seeing the finished installation was incredibly satisfying.”
Working alongside internal sales consultant Matthew Stevenson, Rylie took responsibility for modelling the contours and refining the design. Stevenson praised his contribution: “Rylie showed real ownership of a complex project so early in his career. His attention to detail and problem-solving were instrumental in achieving a balustrade that was both safe and distinctive.”
Rylie also travelled to Devon ahead of the official launch to experience the attraction first-hand. “Testing it myself gave me a new appreciation for how the design fits with the environment,” he said.
Holiday park owner Rudi Lancaster has worked with Q-railing, based in Stoke-on-Trent, on multiple projects over the years and said this one was no exception: “In a leisure setting, safety and aesthetics must go hand in hand. Q-railing consistently delivers creative solutions that meet our needs without compromise.”
For Rylie, it marks a memorable career milestone. From sketchbook to surf ride, the project demonstrated how young technicians can make a significant impact when given space to grow — and how local skills from Staffordshire are making waves far beyond the county.
