In the vast ocean of entrepreneurship, few stories make as big a splash as that of Slyde Handboards. Founded by Steve and Angela Watts, this innovative company rode the waves of determination straight into the shark-infested waters of ABC's hit show "Shark Tank." Their journey from beach innovation to primetime television success offers a masterclass in perseverance, preparation, and product passion.
The Birth of a Beach Revolution
Steve Watts' childhood in Cape Town, South Africa, was the breeding ground for what would become a game-changer in water sports. As a young boy, Steve and his brother would scour the beaches, turning everyday items into bodysurfing tools:
- Frisbees became makeshift hand planes
- Fast food trays transformed into miniature surfboards
- Broken surfboard pieces found new life as hand-held wave riders
This resourcefulness wasn't just child's play; it was the spark of innovation that would later ignite a business empire.
From Trash to Treasure
Steve's early experiments weren't just about having fun; they were unconscious product development sessions. Each improvised handboard taught him something new:
- Shape matters: The curve of a frisbee provided lift in the water
- Size is crucial: Too big, and you lose control; too small, and you lose speed
- Material makes a difference: The buoyancy and durability of various plastics affected performance
These lessons, learned through trial and error on the beaches of Cape Town, would form the foundation of Slyde Handboards' future product line.
Crafting the Perfect Wave: Product Development
The journey from beach hack to marketable product was no day at the shore. Steve and Angela poured years into refining their designs:
- Prototype Phase: Using scraps from old surfboards to test shapes and sizes
- Material Exploration: Experimenting with different plastics and composites for optimal performance
- Ergonomic Studies: Refining the grip and control surfaces for maximum comfort and maneuverability
- Hydrodynamic Testing: Countless hours in the water, fine-tuning the board's interaction with waves
The result was a handboard that wasn't just a toy, but a precision instrument for wave riding.
Catching the Entrepreneurial Wave
With a product they believed in, Steve and Angela faced their next challenge: turning their passion into a business. This phase brought its own set of hurdles:
- Market Education: Many people didn't even know what a handboard was
- Manufacturing Challenges: Finding the right balance between quality and cost
- Distribution Dilemmas: Breaking into the established surfing retail market
Despite these obstacles, the Watts' persevered, driven by their belief in the product and the joy it brought to users.
The Long Paddle to Shark Tank
First Attempts: Wiping Out
Slyde Handboards' journey to "Shark Tank" was no smooth ride. It took three attempts before they finally caught the wave to success:
2013: The Solo Surfer
- Steve filmed alone in a garage
- Focus was entirely on the product
- Lacked personality and production value
- Result: Rejection
2014: Bringing in a Partner
- Angela joined the pitch video
- Filmed on Venice Beach for authenticity
- Improved focus on the founders' story
- Result: Caught producers' interest, but still no invite
2015: The Perfect Set
- Invested in professional camera and sound equipment
- Crafted a narrative balancing product showcase and personal journey
- Demonstrated clear passion and commitment
- Result: Finally selected for the show
Preparation: Waxing the Board
The Watts' approach to preparation was as meticulous as their product development:
- Shark Study: They watched every episode of Shark Tank, analyzing successful pitches
- Mock Pitches: Practiced their presentation countless times, refining every detail
- Financial Deep Dive: Prepared for every possible question about their numbers
- Contingency Planning: Developed strategies for different investor scenarios
"We approached our Shark Tank preparation like athletes training for the Olympics. Every detail, every possible question, every scenario was rehearsed until it became second nature." – Angela Watts
Diving into the Tank
The Pitch: Riding the Big One
When the moment finally arrived, Steve and Angela were ready. Their pitch was a masterclass in entrepreneurial presentation:
- Opening Hook: A dramatic demonstration of handboarding caught the Sharks' attention immediately
- Clear Value Proposition: They succinctly explained how Slyde Handboards enhances the bodysurfing experience
- Market Potential: Presented data on the growing interest in alternative water sports
- Financial Snapshot: Confidently shared sales figures and growth projections
- Passion Play: Conveyed their genuine love for the sport and product
The Sharks circled, asking probing questions:
- Kevin O'Leary (Mr. Wonderful) grilled them on margins and manufacturing costs
- Lori Greiner inquired about retail partnerships and distribution channels
- Robert Herjavec challenged them on market size and growth potential
Steve and Angela held their ground, responding with confidence and clear data.
The Deal: Catching the Perfect Wave
In a surprising turn, it wasn't one Shark that bit, but two:
- Mark Cuban: Recognized the potential in the action sports market
- Ashton Kutcher (Guest Shark): Connected with the founders' passion and vision
The result: A $200,000 investment for 15% equity, split between Cuban and Kutcher.
After the Tank: Riding the Momentum
The Immediate Aftermath
The "Shark Tank Effect" hit Slyde Handboards like a tsunami:
- Website Traffic: Surged by over 1000% in the 24 hours following the episode
- Sales Spike: Sold more in a week than they had in the previous year
- Media Frenzy: Featured in major publications like Forbes, New York Times, and Yahoo Finance
Long-Term Impact
The Shark Tank appearance was more than just a temporary boost:
- Expanded Product Line: Introduced new models and accessories
- Retail Breakthrough: Secured partnerships with major sporting goods chains
- International Growth: Expanded distribution to surf shops worldwide
- Community Building: Developed a strong social media presence and brand ambassador program
Lessons from the Lineup: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Perfecting Your Pitch
The Watts offer these pearls of wisdom for pitching to investors:
- Know Your Numbers Cold: Be prepared to discuss every financial aspect of your business
- Confidence is Key: Deliver your pitch with unwavering belief in your product and vision
- Avoid Wishy-Washy Language: Replace "maybe" and "I think" with definitive statements
- Embrace Rejection: Use "no" as fuel to improve and persist
- Authenticity Sells: Let your genuine passion shine through
Surfing the Shark Tank Waters
For those dreaming of their own Shark Tank moment:
- Quality Counts: Invest in professional-grade video and audio for your application
- Personality Matters: Showcase who you are, not just what you sell
- Hook Them Fast: Make the first six seconds of your video unforgettable
- Seek Feedback: Test your application video with a diverse audience
- Persistence Pays: Don't give up if your first attempt doesn't succeed
Conclusion: The Endless Summer of Success
The Slyde Handboards story is more than a tale of Shark Tank triumph; it's a blueprint for turning passion into profit. Steve and Angela Watts didn't just create a product; they created a movement, introducing thousands to the joy of handboarding.
Their journey teaches us that success in business, like catching the perfect wave, requires patience, timing, and the courage to paddle out even when the waters look rough. By combining childhood innovation with entrepreneurial grit and meticulous preparation, they transformed a simple idea into a company that caught the eye of business titans.
For every entrepreneur out there, riding their own wave of innovation, remember: your "big break" might be just around the corner. Stay passionate, stay prepared, and when your moment comes, be ready to stand up and ride it all the way to shore.
In the words of Steve Watts, "Every 'no' gets you closer to a 'yes.' Believe in your product, believe in yourself, and keep paddling." With this mindset, you too might find yourself not just surviving, but thriving in the shark-infested waters of business.
