How Slyde Handboards Turned A Fast Food Tray Into 21k in 21days

Press Release • Jul 23, 2014

Inspired from a fast food tray, Slyde Handboards, are an innovative new way to surf. In an effort to "revolutionize the way people experience the ocean," Slyde launched an "ambitious" $21,000 21day Kickstarter campaign.

Venice, CA, July 23, 2014 (Newswire.com) - 21 days later, on July 16th, the Southern California Slyde team found themselves successfully Kickstarter funded, exceeding their goal by $1,196 and raising $22,196 in capital, thanks to 132 backers/supporters.

Setting out to raise funds for production of a new model of handboard, the Phish, Slyde got more than expected. During the process, Slyde created a community for bodysurfers and ocean enthusiasts alike.

"We began our Kickstarter campaign in effort to bring a revolutionary handboard to life, the Slyde Phish. However, in the process we established exceptional community of people."

Michelle Michalak, Slyde Media Relations

“We began our Kickstarter campaign in effort to bring a revolutionary handboard to life, the Slyde Phish. However, in the process we established exceptional connections and built a community of people who support, encourage, and believe in evolution of bodysurfing. For team Slyde that’s what being successfully funded is all about,” said Michelle Michalak, media relations at Slyde Handboards.

Slyde Handboards brought together friends, family, Slyde team riders, ambassadors, waterwomen, crowdfunders, Venice Beach locals, small businesses, other members of the surf and skate industry, to join forces and raise awareness for the sport of handboarding.

More than 50 of the 132 backers of the project chose to receive the new Phish handboard as their reward. In addition, more than 40 other backers will represent Slyde by choosing a reward of Slyde apparel, including hats, t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts.

Even Cowboy, the Slyde team mascot and dog, posed for a photo shoot on the Venice Beach boardwalk to highlight many backers’ names on a sign hanging from his collar.

Slyde Handboards has brought surfing to the masses, and hopes the Phish will help people get “hooked on handboarding.” Although the successful Kickstarter campaign was the main component to bringing the Phish to life, according to Steve Watts, founder of Slyde Handboards, “in the end, it’s all about the smile and the stoke.”