Confluence Outdoor has acquired Boardworks, which distributes its own premier surf and stand up paddle and surf boards and accessories under the Boardworks brand name and manufactures and distributes boards for such outside brands as Infinity, Badfish, Morrelli & Melvin, Hynson, Strive, and Hansen.
“We have been carefully and patiently watching the SUP market since it emerged as a growth category in our industry several years ago,” said Sue Rechner, president and CEO of Confluence Outdoor. “We knew SUP would be an integral part of our strategic plan, and we have enjoyed watching the success of Boardworks as we worked towards entering this category. Boardworks has established itself as a true leader and innovator and we are excited to welcome them into the Confluence family of brands. 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.”
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.
“We are thrilled to join Confluence Outdoor’s outstanding portfolio of brands,” said Fox. “I am so 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. Boardworks and Confluence 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.”
This acquisition is the first since J.H. Whitney acquired Confluence in 2014. With the support of J.H. Whitney, Confluence Outdoor announced a plan to grow the business into a full-service outdoor recreation company, with stand up paddle boarding being a key component of this plan.
Moss Adams Capital, LLC acted as financial advisor and Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP acted as legal advisor to Boardworks.
The deal means Confluence Outdoor now owns nine watersports brands, including: Wilderness Systems, Perception, Dagger, and Wave Sport kayaks, Mad River Canoe, Adventure Technology paddles, Bomber Gear and Harmony accessories, and Boardworks. With a full representation of canoes, kayaks, surf and stand up paddle boards, and paddling apparel and accessories, all ranging from touring and recreational to high-performance whitewater products, the Confluence brands are well suited to fully outfit paddling enthusiasts throughout all phases of their paddling life.
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.
