Surfboard Business

2 Surfboard Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: October 6th, 2024

Are you drawn to the surf culture and entrepreneurial spirit? Consider starting a surfboard business. This venture involves designing, crafting, and selling custom surfboards tailored to various skill levels and styles.

The business begins with understanding your target market and sourcing quality materials. You'll need to learn the basics of surfboard shaping and possibly hire skilled craftsmen. Setting up a workshop and a small showroom or online store is crucial for showcasing your creations.

Marketing is essential—utilize social media to reach surf enthusiasts and collaborate with local surf shops and influencers. Over time, hosting surf events or sponsoring local surfers can significantly boost your brand's presence.

Starting a surfboard business combines creativity with outdoor lifestyle passion, making it more than just a business—it's a way to live the surf culture every day.

In this list, you'll find real-world surfboard business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a surfboard business that makes money.

1. Slyde Handboards ($960K/year)

Steve Watts, founder of Slyde Handboards, came up with the idea for his business after growing up using various objects like frisbees and flip flops to enhance his bodysurfing experience. After years of prototyping and finding the right manufacturer, Slyde Handboards has experienced exponential growth, doubling in revenue every year. With over 40 countries reached and 500k visitors to their website, Slyde Handboards has become a leader in the handboarding industry.

How much money it makes: $960K/year
How many people on the team: 3

Landing A $200K Shark Tank Investment and Growing to $80k/mo

Slyde Handboards, co-owned by Steve Watts and his wife, saw revenue double every year since its LLC in 2010, becoming successful at attracting and retaining customers through its onsite content and efficient press coverage, and offering useful advice on how to find a manufacturer for a new product.

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2. Ventana Surfboards & Supplies ($96K/year)

David Dennis, co-founder of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies, was inspired by his business partner's reclaimed and eco-friendly surfboards, leading them to launch an environmentally responsible surf company. Frustrated with the industry's pollution and unsustainable practices, they started small, marketed their unique products through compelling content and stories, and have seen success with their line of boards, apparel, and surf supplies. With tripled board values over the past three years and profitable operations from the start, they plan to continue growing their brand organically while giving back to ocean conservation organizations.

How much money it makes: $96K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
How many people on the team: 0

Growing A Business Selling Surfboards As Pieces of Art

Ventana Surfboards & Supplies co-founder David Dennis discusses their environmentally responsible surf company that has seen their boards triple in value over the last three years, and has grown a profitable eco-apparel line, focusing on compelling content and stories to attract customers.

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