Confluence Outdoor announced Jan. 5 that it has acquired Boardworks, a surf and stand up paddle board company based in Carlsbad, Calif., whose product line includes paddle boards, surf boards, paddles, and accessories under the Boardworks brand name, as well as Infinity, Badfish, Morrelli & Melvin, Hynson, Strive and Hansen.
The move rounds out their product mix to now include offerings catering to the fastest-growing segment of paddlesports.
“We’ve been carefully and patiently watching the SUP market since it emerged as a growth category in our industry several years ago,” says Confluence CEO Sue Rechner. “We knew SUP would be an integral part of our strategic plan, and we’ve enjoyed watching the success of Boardworks as we worked towards entering this category.”
Boardworks’ operations will continue business as usual at their Carlsbad campus. The management teams from both Boardworks and Confluence will work closely together on a plan to determine the best ways to optimize the strengths of each organization to achieve future goals. Mike Fox, Owner of Boardworks, will be staying on to consult and help ensure a smooth transition.
“Boardworks has established itself as a true leader and innovator and we are excited to welcome them into the Confluence family,” adds Rechner. “We know this new partnership will provide an even more well-rounded set of offerings to our consumers and will enhance our ability to foster passion and enthusiasm for outdoor adventure.”
From Boardworks perspective, the sale gives them the deep pockets and management expertise needed to continue to grow and invest in the category.
“We’re thrilled to join Confluence’s portfolio of brands,” says Fox. “I’m proud of the achievements we’ve realized as an independent Boardworks brand, and I know that with the support of a powerhouse like Confluence, we can achieve more success to better serve our partners and customers.
“We both share a dedication to excellence, a set of core values, goals for the future, and a passion for this industry, so I have no doubt our partnership will continue to grow and strengthen the outdoor community and help take our business to the next level,” he adds.
The acquisition marks the first for Confluence since J.H. Whitney acquired the company in 2014. With the support of J.H. Whitney, Confluence announced a plan to grow the business into a full-service outdoor recreation company, with stand-up paddleboarding a key component of this plan, says Rechner.
