Slyde Handboards was a
bodysurfing
Bodysurfing is the sport of riding a wave without the assistance of any buoyant device such as a surfboard or bodyboard. Bodysurfers often equip themselves with a pair of swimfins that aid propulsion and help the bodysurfer catch, ride, and kick ...
and water sports company. It was co-founded in 2010 by Steve Watts and Russell Ellers, and they were later joined by Angela Watts.
Product
The Wedge, Slyde's first
handboard
A handplane or handboard is used by bodysurfers to enhance their speed, lift and control whilst riding a wave.
A handplane is generally worn on a bodysurfer's leading hand.
Materials
Wood
Handplanes have traditionally been made out of wood ...
, was released in 2011, and brought in $20,000 in revenue. Slyde's beginner model, The Grom, which retails for under half the price of the Wedge, was released in 2017 after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
History
Slyde started in Mr. Eller's Venice Beach garage and has since moved their headquarters to San Clemente, California.
Shark Tank Appearance
Slyde Handboards appeared on Season 7, Episode 24 of Shark Tank. Watts entered the tank seeking a $200,000 investment in exchange for 15% equity. They received offers from Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec, Mark Cuban, and celebrity guest shark Ashton Kutcher. Slyde accepted the joint offer from
Ashton Kutcher
Christopher Ashton Kutcher (; born February 7, 1978) is an American actor, producer and entrepreneur. His accolades include a People's Choice Award and fifteen Teen Choice Awards, in addition to a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award.
K ...
and
Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban (born July 31, 1958) is an American businessman and television personality. He is the former principal owner and current minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and co-owner of 2929 Entertain ...
, who invested $200,000 in exchange for 22% equity of the company.
Promotion
Slyde Handboards was accepted into its first big retailer, Dick's Sporting Goods, in June 2018.
Over 30 surfers represent the brand as ambassadors by promoting the handboards on their social media accounts . In April 2019,
Grant Baker, 3X
Big Wave world champion, joined the Slyde Handboards team, which is the first time in history a professional surfer joined a bodysurfing/handsurfing company as a team rider.
References
{{reflist
External links
Slyde Handboards
American companies established in 2010
Companies based in San Clemente, California