Slyde Handboards
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Water sports equipment |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Steve Watts, Russell Ellers |
| Headquarters | San Clemente , United States |
| Products | Handboards (The Wedge, The Grom) |
| Website | slydehandboards |
Slyde Handboards was a company specializing in bodysurfing and water sports, co-founded in 2010 by Steve Watts and Russell Ellers, with Angela Watts joining the team at a later stage.
Product
The company's inaugural handboard, named The Wedge, debuted in 2011 and achieved $20,000 in sales. In 2017, following a successful Kickstarter initiative, Slyde introduced The Grom, an entry-level model offered at less than half the price of The Wedge.
History
Initially operating from Ellers' garage in Venice Beach, Slyde eventually moved its main operations to San Clemente, California.
Shark Tank Appearance
During Season 7, Episode 24 of Shark Tank, Watts requested an investment of $200,000 in exchange for 15% ownership. Investors Kevin O'Leary, Robert Herjavec, Mark Cuban, and guest shark Ashton Kutcher all presented offers. The company ultimately accepted a combined $200,000 investment from Kutcher and Cuban for 22% equity.
Promotion
In June 2018, Slyde Handboards achieved retail distribution through Dick's Sporting Goods. The brand's marketing efforts include support from over 30 surfer ambassadors who actively promote it on social media platforms. By April 2019, three-time Big Wave world champion Grant Baker became the first professional surfer to join a bodysurfing and handsurfing company as a sponsored team rider.