How Venture Wild Began
The story of Venture Wild began with a simple, yet powerful idea—creating paddleboards that stand up to the demands of true adventure. After years of exploring the waterways of Northern California, founder Mark O’Connor found himself frustrated by the limitations of the paddleboards available on the market. Whether it was multi-day paddle-packing trips, racing, whitewater challenges, or leisurely tours, existing boards couldn’t meet the diverse demands of an adventurous lifestyle.
Driven by a love for paddleboarding and a commitment to crafting high-quality, durable boards, Mark launched Venture Wild Paddleboards. What started as a personal quest to build a better paddleboard has grown into a brand recognized for its innovation, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to promoting the sport of paddleboarding.
What We Do at Venture Wild
Venture Wild isn’t just about selling paddleboards; it’s about creating a lifestyle. Our goal is to design paddleboards that enhance every paddler’s experience—whether beginners taking their first strokes on calm lakes or advanced paddlers pushing their limits on long-distance tours or whitewater rapids.
Our Full Range of Paddleboards:
- Beginner Boards: Wide, stable boards like the Navigator 10'6" and Scout 11'6" provide the perfect introduction to paddleboarding for new paddlers.
- Touring Boards: For those ready to cover long distances with ease, our Sierra Flow Elite 12'6" delivers unmatched glide and speed.
- Advanced Boards: The Sierra Pro 14' series caters to experienced paddlers seeking high-performance options for endurance paddling and racing.
- Whitewater Boards: The Troublemaker 9' is purpose-built for navigating Class II and III rapids with stability and maneuverability.
- Kids Boards: Lightweight and easy to handle, the Nomad Junior is perfect for young adventurers.
Each board in our lineup is constructed using military-grade PVC, features reinforced seams for added durability, and comes with essential accessories like a quick-release leash, carbon fiber paddle, and a carry bag.
Why We Do What We Do
At Venture Wild, paddleboarding isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. We believe in the transformative power of being on the water, whether it’s connecting with nature, improving physical fitness, or spending quality time with loved ones. Paddleboarding offers an escape from the everyday grind, and our mission is to make that experience accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
We’re also deeply committed to safety. Every Venture Wild board comes equipped with a quick-release leash—a must-have for paddling in moving water—and we strongly advocate for the use of PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) to ensure paddlers stay safe on the water.
How We Partner with the Community
Venture Wild is proud to be more than just a paddleboard company. We’re an active part of the paddleboarding community, and we’re dedicated to supporting the sport at every level.
Community Involvement Highlights:
- PaddleSplash Event (NorCal SUP Groms): We’ve served as vendors, showcased our boards, and supported the local paddleboarding community during this fun-filled event.
- Redding Regatta: Our participation has helped connect us with paddlers of all skill levels and promote water safety and high-quality paddleboarding gear.
- Surfrider Blue Water Race: As part of this eco-focused event, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to clean water initiatives and paddleboarding in challenging ocean conditions.
- NorCal Classic CrossFit Games: We’ve provided volunteer water safety support, emphasizing the importance of proper gear, including PFDs, helmets, and quick-release leashes.
Our partnerships extend beyond events. We also work with local businesses to offer unique paddleboarding excursions, such as multi-day touring trips that include SUP yoga, chef-prepared meals, and breathwork sessions.
Promoting the Sport of Paddleboarding
One of our core missions is to grow the paddleboarding community by introducing more people to the sport and its benefits. Through education, events, and partnerships, we aim to make paddleboarding accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Educational Initiatives:
- Offering beginner-friendly SUP classes to teach paddling techniques, balance, and water safety.
- Providing workshops on board selection, gear maintenance, and paddling in various conditions.
Event Support:
- Hosting demo days where paddlers can try out different boards and learn from experienced instructors.
- Sponsoring paddleboarding races and community events to bring paddlers together and celebrate the sport.
Advocacy for Safety and Environmental Stewardship: We advocate for responsible paddling practices, including the use of safety gear and adherence to local regulations. Additionally, we actively support clean water initiatives to ensure our waterways remain pristine for future generations of paddlers.
Why Choose Venture Wild Paddleboards?
When you choose Venture Wild, you’re choosing more than just a paddleboard—you’re choosing a brand that stands for quality, innovation, and community. Our boards are designed to enhance your paddling experience, offering durability, performance, and versatility for any adventure. With a focus on safety and customer support, we’re here to help you explore the water with confidence and excitement.
Conclusion
Venture Wild Paddleboards is built on a foundation of passion, innovation, and community. From designing high-quality boards to supporting paddleboarding events and advocating for water safety, we’re dedicated to growing the sport and helping paddlers of all levels discover the joy of being on the water. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps into paddleboarding or an advanced paddler seeking top-tier performance, Venture Wild has a board that’s perfect for your journey.
Ready to explore the water like never before? Visit us at www.venturewild.com and find the perfect paddleboard for your next adventure.