After 2005’s barnstorming series of IPO’s for the sporting goods industry, 2006 had a bit more of a roller coaster ride.

Crocs Inc. surprised everyone by not only becoming a public company, but by its shares jumping 36% in the first day of trading from the initial offering price of $21 per share. The jump on the first day was not the only surprise as the company maintained that price and even built on it to close the year, up 106% to $43.20.

Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. debuted on the Nasdaq exchange under the symbol “GOLF” at a price of $11.50 per share, falling short of the company’s expectations for a range of $14 to $16. Things never really improved for the golf retailer, as it closed at $9.65, down 16% for the full year from that initial price. Most likely, the Street has been worried about the proliferation of golf retail, with Golf Galaxy first going public, then announcing its pending acquisition by Dick’s Sporting Goods and competition from other chains like Golf Town in Canada and others.

Back in footwear to close out the year, Heelys’ IPO officially launched in December and the market priced the offering well above original estimates of $16 to $18 per share, selling for $21 per share, raising almost $135 million. The company itself walked away with approximately $65.6 million from the IPO. The company’s stock closed the year up 53% to $32.11 per share.