8 Surfboard Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 19th, 2023

Start A Surfboard Business

Here are some real life success stories of starting a surfboard business:

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 they make: $960K/year
Current team size: 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.

About

Angela started Slyde Handboards over 13 years ago

Revenue

Angela grew the business to $80K/month

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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 they make: $96K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
Current team size: 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.

About

David started Ventana Surfboards & Supplies over 9 years ago

Revenue

David grew the business to $8K/month

Costs

It cost David $15000 to start the business

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So... can you actually make money with a surfboard business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

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Starting A Surfboard Business: Everything You Need To Know

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5. The Inertia

The Inertia is the definitive voice of surf, mountain, and outdoor culture.

Where they're located: Vicuña, Coquimbo Region, Chile
Website traffic: 1.01M/month

So... can you actually make money with a surfboard business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

7. Rip Curl

Explore Our Quality Wetsuits, Surf Clothing, Bikinis And Tide Watches. Free Shipping On Men's, Women's And Kids Gear including Bikinis, Boardshorts, Wetsuits And Watches.

Where they're located: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Website traffic: 350K/month

8. Channel Islands Surfboards

Where they're located: Miami, Florida, USA
Website traffic: 110K/month