ISLE Surf & SUP
ISLE Surf & SUP is a 2004-founded, San Diego-based direct-to-consumer brand selling inflatable and hard paddle boards, kayaks, surfboards, accessories, and a new inflatable greenhouse under its patented InfinityFiber™ composite technology, serving US recreational paddlers, anglers, and outdoor lifestyle consumers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersNational City, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ISLE Surf & SUP does
ISLE Surf & SUP is a privately held, direct-to-consumer watersports and outdoor lifestyle brand founded in 2004 in San Diego, California, by Michelle Dorsey. The company designs, sells, and distributes inflatable and hard stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), inflatable kayaks, surfboards, inflatable docks, and accessories/apparel under the ISLE Paddle Boards and ISLE USA trade names, serving recreational paddlers, fishing enthusiasts, and yoga/fitness users in the US market. Its product platform is anchored by patented InfinityFiber™ inflatable composite technology (claimed to be 3-5X more rigid than typical inflatables and reportedly used by the US Navy and NASA) and proprietary AirTech Pro, AirTech, and AirTech Fusionlite constructions used across board lines, the Flywater hybrid micro-skiff, and the HĀVN greenhouse.
ISLE generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales via a Shopify-powered DTC storefront (islesurfandsup.com), supplemented by its Amazon Store, an approved dealer/wholesale program, a single physical showroom/outlet in National City/San Diego, and a San Diego outlet store for used/returned boards. Pricing ranges from accessories up to $1,195-$2,499 for premium epoxy or hybrid products, with Affirm BNPL financing offered at checkout to lift conversion on higher-ticket items. Shipping is fulfilled via FedEx, UPS, and Pilot Freight within the lower 48 US plus Hawaii and Alaska.
The company's most consequential strategic move is the 2025 launch of HĀVN Outdoors, an inflatable modular greenhouse sub-brand that extends InfinityFiber™ IP from watersports into the home gardening vertical. A 2024 launch of the Flywater motorized-capable kayak/micro-skiff further expanded the product surface. Marketing is content-led, anchored by a blog, ambassador UGC across Instagram/Facebook/YouTube/Pinterest/Twitter, Klaviyo email, and earned-media coverage from Popular Science (Best of What's New 2023, Innovation of the Year 2024), Forbes, Men's Health, The Inertia, and others.
ISLE Surf & SUP firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ISLE Surf & SUP
- Legal name
- ISLE
- Website
- https://islesurfandsup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ISLE Surf & SUP is a 2004-founded, San Diego-based direct-to-consumer brand selling inflatable and hard paddle boards, kayaks, surfboards, accessories, and a new inflatable greenhouse under its patented InfinityFiber™ composite technology, serving US recreational paddlers, anglers, and outdoor lifestyle consumers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ISLE Surf & SUP industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Water Sports Equipment
- NAICS
- Boat Dealers (441222), Recreational Goods Rental (532284)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Paddle Sports Retail (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddles) (CRAMAIAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Water Sports & Marine Recreation Retail (Paddle/Surf/Dive/Boat Accessories) (CRAMABAI)
Keywords
Where ISLE Surf & SUP is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- National City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
ISLE Surf & SUP business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct-to-Consumer Hardware Sales: Primary revenue stream from one-time sale of physical goods — inflatable and hard paddle boards, kayaks, floats, surfboards, accessories (paddles, pumps, bags, leashes, fins, life jackets), apparel (hoodies, shirts, hats), and the HĀVN greenhouse — sold through islesurfandsup.com.
- Amazon Marketplace Sales: Secondary hardware sales channel through ISLE's Amazon Store; the only third-party marketplace the brand sells on.
- Wholesale / Dealer Channel: Wholesale pricing offered to approved dealers via a Dealer Inquiry form; supplements the DTC model with brick-and-mortar availability.
- Used Board Outlets: Revenue from sales of used/returned boards sold exclusively in person at the San Diego Outlet Store; inventory rotates as boards are returned and re-sold.
- Financing-Linked Sales (Affirm): Buy-now-pay-later financing provided through Affirm (3, 6, or 12 month plans, 0%-36% APR) is offered at checkout to lift conversion on higher-priced items.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HĀVN 10'x10' Composite AirFrame Greenhouse listed at $2,499 with 5-year warranty. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Versa 2 Paddle Board (epoxy, all-around) priced at $1,195, marked down from $1,495. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sportsman Inflatable Fishing SUP Package priced at $755, marked down from $945. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Board Finder pricing tiers: $400 to $800 (7 boards) and $800+ (9 boards). |
| Other | Monthly | Affirm financing offered at checkout: 3, 6, or 12 month terms, 0%-36% APR. |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
ISLE Surf & SUP product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ISLE Surf & SUP designs, manufactures, and sells inflatable stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, surfboards, floats, accessories, and apparel, marketed primarily direct-to-consumer. Through its sub-brand HĀVN, the company has extended its proprietary composite material technology into inflatable greenhouses for residential and small-plot use.
Product overview
ISLE Surf & SUP operates a direct-to-consumer product portfolio rather than a unified software platform, offering a family of distinct physical products grouped around its core inflatable paddle board category and extended into adjacent outdoor lifestyle segments. The flagship offering is the Pioneer (and Pioneer Pro/3/2) all-around inflatable SUP line, complemented by the Explorer touring inflatable lineup, the Switch SUP-kayak hybrid family, the Megalodon multi-rider inflatable, and specialty boards like the Sportsman (fishing), Grom (kids), Versa, Glider, Voyager, Outpost, Cruiser, and Classic Surf models — available in multiple constructions including AirTech Pro, AirTech Fusionlite, and epoxy wood. Beyond paddle boards, the portfolio includes standalone inflatable kayaks, the Flywater inflatable kayak/micro-skiff hybrid built on ISLE's patented Infinity Fiber construction, ISLE Inflatable Docks (e.g., the Base Camp Dock), a range of accessories (paddles, pumps, bags, racks, parts, safety gear), and apparel. The company's most significant category expansion is HĀVN, the world's first inflatable modular greenhouse applying the same patented InfinityFiber™ inflatable composite technology that earned Popular Science's Innovation of the Year award, marking ISLE's move from watersports into home gardening and outdoor living products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HĀVN (HĀVN Outdoors): ISLE's sub-brand of inflatable, modular outdoor shelters, launched with the HĀVN greenhouse as the world's first inflatable, modular greenhouse. Uses ISLE's patented InfinityFiber™ inflatable composite technology.
Products and services
- Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Boards Inflatable stand-up paddle boards built with ISLE's proprietary InfinityFiber™ composite material, designed for recreational paddling, fitness, yoga, fishing, and all-around use by individual consumers.
- Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable kayaks designed for recreational paddlers seeking portable, easy-to-store watercraft for lakes, rivers, and coastal use.
- Inflatable Surfboards
- Inflatable Floats
- Paddle Board and Watercraft Accessories Accessories such as paddles, fins, leashes, pumps, and bags sold alongside ISLE boards and watercraft.
- ISLE Apparel Branded apparel line sold alongside ISLE water sports equipment.
- HĀVN Inflatable Greenhouses Inflatable greenhouse structures sold under the HĀVN sub-brand, leveraging ISLE's proprietary composite material technology for portable, easy-to-assemble protected growing environments for residential gardeners and hobby growers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 21+ years operating since 2004 founding in San Diego, CA
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use ISLE Surf & SUP
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
ISLE Surf & SUP technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
Feature5 records
ISLE Surf & SUP partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- KlaviyocoreKlaviyo is used as the email address management and message sending service powering ISLE's newsletter, opt-in signup on the homepage, and lifecycle messaging; ISLE shares user contact details and purchase history with Klaviyo for personalized email campaigns.
- Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Advertising)minorISLE uses Microsoft Advertising as a paid advertising service, leveraging Cookies and Usage Data for display advertising and retargeting on the Microsoft network.
- Google LLC (Google Analytics, Google Fonts, Google Tag Manager)coreISLE uses Google Analytics for web traffic and behavior analysis, Google Fonts for typeface rendering on the site, and Google Tag Manager to manage tags/scripts centrally for measurement and marketing integrations.
- FedExcoreFedEx is a primary shipping carrier used to deliver inflatable paddle boards and accessories to customers within the lower 48 US states, typically 5-7 business days delivery.
- UPScoreUPS is a primary shipping carrier for inflatable paddle boards and accessories, typically 5-7 business days delivery.
- Pilot FreightcorePilot Freight handles hard board shipping (typically 7-15 business days, signature-required appointment delivery) and is used for both outbound delivery and inbound returns of large hard boards.
- AmazoncoreISLE operates an Amazon Store as its sole third-party marketplace channel. Outside of Amazon, the company does not offer its products through any other third-party retailers.
- SeaTreesminorListed in the site footer under 'Giving Back' as a partner organization; indicates a sustainability / environmental partnership tied to ISLE's social impact initiatives.
- Outdoor OutreachminorListed in the site footer under 'Giving Back'; indicates a nonprofit/charitable partnership connected to ISLE's community and youth outdoor engagement programs.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ISLE Surf & SUP competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- iROCKER SUP: iROCKER is a direct-to-consumer inflatable paddle board brand that competes head-to-head with ISLE across price tiers (~$400–$1,500), construction types (inflatable, hybrid), and accessories. It targets the same recreational all-around and fishing SUP buyer that ISLE serves via its Pioneer, Explorer, and Sportsman lines.
- BOTE: BOTE designs and sells paddle boards, inflatable docks, kayaks, and water lifestyle gear primarily through DTC and specialty retail. Its product mix (inflatable SUPs, docks, micro-skiffs) overlaps materially with ISLE's Pioneer, Base Camp Dock, and Flywater categories, and it competes for the same coastal/outdoor lifestyle consumer.
- Red Paddle Co: Red Paddle Co is a UK-based premium inflatable SUP specialist widely considered the category benchmark. It competes with ISLE at the premium tier (typically $1,000–$2,000+) using similar proprietary drop-stitch and composite inflatable technologies and is a frequent head-to-head comparison in 'best inflatable SUP' roundups where ISLE is also featured.
- Tower Paddle Boards: Tower Paddle Boards is a DTC inflatable SUP brand selling directly to consumers at aggressive price points. It targets the same entry-to-mid-tier recreational paddler that ISLE addresses with its Pioneer and Explorer lines, often appearing on the same 'best inflatable paddle board' lists.
- Sea Eagle Boats: Sea Eagle designs and sells inflatable kayaks, SUPs, and boats direct-to-consumer with a broad product catalog. It competes with ISLE across the inflatable kayak and hybrid SUP-kayak segments (Switch line) and the Flywater micro-skiff, with overlapping use cases in fishing and family recreation.
- AQUA MARINA: AQUA MARINA is a global inflatable water sports brand offering SUPs, kayaks, and inflatable docks at value-to-mid price tiers. It overlaps with ISLE in recreational and touring inflatable SUPs and with the Base Camp Dock platform, frequently sold through the same Amazon marketplace channels.
- Glide Paddle Boards: Glide is a US-based DTC and dealer-channel inflatable paddle board brand. It competes with ISLE in the recreational and touring SUP categories and is comparable in go-to-market (DTC site, Amazon, dealer network) and price band.
Broad incumbents
- Body Glove: Body Glove is a heritage water sports lifestyle brand with broad licensed and owned categories including inflatable SUPs, kayaks, and accessories. It competes with ISLE in the consumer paddle board space but operates as a much broader multi-category water sports brand rather than an inflatable-specialist.
- NRS (Northwest River Supplies): NRS is an established paddlesports outfitter selling inflatable and rigid kayaks, SUPs, and paddling gear through DTC and dealer channels. It overlaps with ISLE in the inflatable kayak and SUP segments but spans a much wider paddling gear catalog and serves more technical/whitewater buyers alongside recreational paddlers.
- Sun Dolphin: Sun Dolphin is a long-standing recreational watercraft brand offering kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and SUPs through mass and sporting goods retail. It overlaps with ISLE in the recreational kayak and entry-level SUP category but competes primarily through third-party retail rather than DTC.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ISLE Surf & SUP social profiles
Digital presenceISLE Surf & SUP financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ISLE Surf & SUP leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ISLE Surf & SUP funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ISLE Surf & SUP M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ISLE Surf & SUP
What does ISLE Surf & SUP do?
ISLE Surf & SUP designs, manufactures, and sells inflatable stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, surfboards, floats, accessories, and apparel, marketed primarily direct-to-consumer. Through its sub-brand HĀVN, the company has extended its proprietary composite material technology into inflatable greenhouses for residential and small-plot use.
Is ISLE Surf & SUP a public or private company?
ISLE Surf & SUP is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ISLE Surf & SUP founded?
ISLE Surf & SUP was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ISLE Surf & SUP based?
ISLE Surf & SUP is headquartered in National City, United States, in the North America region.
How does ISLE Surf & SUP make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Direct-to-Consumer Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are amazon Marketplace Sales, wholesale / Dealer Channel, used Board Outlets and financing-Linked Sales (Affirm).
Who are ISLE Surf & SUP's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are iROCKER SUP, BOTE, Red Paddle Co, Tower Paddle Boards, Sea Eagle Boats, AQUA MARINA and Glide Paddle Boards. Broad incumbents are Body Glove, NRS (Northwest River Supplies) and Sun Dolphin.
Does ISLE Surf & SUP have an API?
No public API is recorded for ISLE Surf & SUP.
What industry is ISLE Surf & SUP in?
ISLE Surf & SUP's product category is Water Sports Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAIAD, Paddle Sports Retail (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddles), with a secondary code of CRAMABAI, Water Sports & Marine Recreation Retail (Paddle/Surf/Dive/Boat Accessories). Its NAICS code is 441222.