Less than a year after its purchase of Baordworks, giving it a foothold in the growing SUP market, Confluence Outdoor is shoring up the brand, as well as sister company AT, by appointing Hastings Blumer director of product management for surf, stand up paddleboard and paddle brands Boardworks and Adventure Technology.
Blumer previously led product line development for AT, the company’s premium performance paddle brand,. Confluence Outdoor acquired Boardworks, a surf and stand up paddleboard company out of Carlsbad, CA, in January 2015 .
“As product manager for paddles over the last four years, Hastings has developed crucial expertise in the sourcing, design and engineering, and manufacturing of products, proving his ability to bring innovation and creative technologies to our product lines,” says Confluence CEO Sue Rechner. “This expertise, along with his strategic and project management leadership, will be a valuable addition to the team driving our surf and SUP business.”
Blumer is equally excited about the promotion. “I’m incredibly excited to work with the Boardworks team to develop product lines that reflect the authenticity, passion, and culture of the great people behind the brand to allow more people to experience and embrace the Boardworks philosophy of “we live water,” says Blumer.
Earlier this year, Boardworks named Andrew Valentine sales director and promoted Rick Gravesen to sales rep for Southern California. The surf and standup paddleboard company said it brought on Valentine to drive the company’s growth plan, initiated immediately following its acquisition by Confluence. As director, he will be responsible for global sales strategy and implementation across all retail channels and will directly lead the Boardworks independent rep network.
Born in Zimbabwe, Valentine grew up competitively surfing in South Africa. He brings a deep-rooted passion for action sports and 14 years of industry experience to Boardworks. Most recently, he was the East Coast sales coordinator for Spy Optic. Previously, he served as regional sales manager for Dragon and held sales positions for Reef/Xcel Wetsuits and No Fear apparel.
Since 2013, Gravesen has served in a variety of dealer support roles from logistics to retailer demos and events. As the newly appointed sales rep for Southern California, Gravesen will report to Andrew. Like Andrew, he is an avid surfer with deep-rooted ties to California’s surf and SUP community.
Based in Carlsbad, CA, Boardworks designs and manufactures surfboards, standup paddle boards, paddles, and accessories. Along with the Boardworks branded products, Boardworks manufactures and distributes surfboards and SUP boards for some of the world’s premier brands including Infinity, Badfish Standup Paddle, Morrelli & Melvin, Hynson, Strive, and Hansen using our proprietary construction technologies.
Confluence Outdoor’s other watersports brands include: Wilderness Systems, Perception, Dagger, Mad River Canoe, Harmony accessories, and Boardworks Surf. Confluence Outdoor is located in Greenville, S.C. where they manufacture all of their boats.