{"data":{"type":"company_profile","id":110049,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:110049","attributes":{"canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft","generated_at":"2026-06-18T23:50:50Z","updated_at":"2026-06-18T05:03:14Z","entity_ids":{"company":"wefunder:company:110049","slug":"wefunder:company_slug:swellwatercraft"},"profile_visibility":{"owner_published":true,"public_search_results":true,"site_search_listed":true,"privacy_mode":"promote","invite_only":false},"provenance":{"source":"wefunder_public_company_profile","as_of":"2026-06-18T23:50:50Z","claims":{"total_amount_raised":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-18T05:03:14Z","as_of":"2026-06-18T23:50:50Z","confidence":"high"},"total_investors":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-18T05:03:14Z","as_of":"2026-06-18T23:50:50Z","confidence":"high"},"active_raise_states":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil)","last_verified_at":"2025-11-07T01:01:50Z","as_of":"2026-06-18T23:50:50Z","confidence":"high"},"latest_fundraise_state":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil).order(funding_started_at)","last_verified_at":"2025-11-07T01:01:50Z","as_of":"2026-06-18T23:50:50Z","confidence":"medium"}}},"company":{"id":110049,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:110049","slug":"swellwatercraft","name":"Swell Watercraft LLC","tagline":" Advanced Kayak Technology- Made in the USA!","elevator_pitch":"Rotomolding products such as kayaks, small boats and other high end items.","story":"The $847 Million Problem That's Been Hiding in Plain SightFor 50 years, every kayaker has faced the same impossible choice: safety or speed. Sit-on-top kayaks are safe but painfully slow. Traditional kayaks are fast but intimidating and dangerous for beginners. This fundamental compromise has held back an entire industry—and created a massive opportunity.The Breakthrough That Changes EverythingSwell Watercraft has solved the unsolvable. Our patented Scupper Valve Drainage System delivers the holy grail of kayaking: genuinely fast, stable, AND comfortable kayaks—achieving all three without compromise.The market's response has been exceptional.By the Numbers: Strong Momentum Building328% Revenue Growth YOY 55% gross margins in an industry where 30-40% is typical162 five-star reviews and zero negative feedback from customersIndustry recognition: \"Best in Class 2022,\" \"Best Sit-On-Top 2023,\" \"10 Fastest Sit-On-Tops\"Manufacturing advantage: We own and operate their own facility producing 100+ kayaks monthlyRapid expansion: From 12 to 40+ retail partners in just 18 monthsThe Perfect Storm for Significant GrowthWe're positioned at the intersection of three powerful trends:The outdoor recreation boom - The $847M sit-on-top market grows 12% annuallyExperience economy growth - Tour operators need safer, faster kayaks for premium experiencesMade-in-USA preference - Supply chain concerns drive demand for domestic manufacturingOur patented technology creates a 20-year competitive advantage while substantial fleet sales opportunities (tour operators buying 50-200 kayaks at once) offer accelerated scaling compared to individual retail sales.Why Investors Are Taking NoticeThis is the inflection point. Product-market fit is proven. Manufacturing is operational. Distribution is expanding rapidly. We believe the question isn't whether we'll capture significant market share—it's how quickly we'll achieve it.The paddling revolution starts here. The investment opportunity starts now.Top 10 Reasons to Invest1. 🎯 Experienced team of Paddlesports experts are quickly gobbling up market share in an emerging industry. 2. 🇺🇸 Support core paddlers' manufacturing in the USA.3. 💵 High sales are expected to 4x in the next 2 years (not guaranteed).4. 🏆High year-on-year expected revenue growth, 200% with marked profitability (not guaranteed).5.🌟Large conglomerates fail to meet the needs of paddlers or specialty stores who serve them, creating an amazing opportunity in the marketplace.6. 🌊 Groundbreaking patented kayaks that can't be duplicated and are highly rated.7. 💣Recycling our plastic waste increases profit margins and lowers our footprint.8. 💫Our projected gross profit margin is at 55%. A rarity for physical goods (not guaranteed).9.👑 Overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and users globally.10. 4.3X revenue year over year!50 Years of Kayak Design ProgressionSwell co-founder Tim Niemier, the inventor of the original sit-on-top kayak, has spent his career pushing paddling design forward. After building Ocean Kayak into a global brand and selling the company for $6 million in 1997, he set out to create something even better. His vision was simple but bold: refine the sit-on-top until it delivered the safety, comfort, and freedom paddlers loved—without sacrificing the speed and performance of traditional kayaks.That vision came to life with Swell Watercraft and the patented Scupper Valve Drainage System. By allowing paddlers to sit lower in the boat while automatically draining water, the Scupper 14 combines stability, efficiency, and comfort like no other sit-on-top. Decades of experience and innovation led to what many consider the best sit-on-top kayak ever made, proving that Niemier’s design journey is still reshaping the sport he pioneered.Our Customers Love UsOur Secret is Superior DesignAt Swell Watercraft, we believe the best kayaks come from passionate paddlers, not boardrooms. That’s why we partner with world-class designers who live the sport every day. By giving them freedom to innovate, we create high-performance kayaks built for real-world conditions—where authentic design drives every stroke.Business TractionThis product-market fit has translated into strong business performance:Revenue growth: Sales up 328% in one year.Profitability: 55% gross margins achieved in Q4 2024Distribution expansion: From 12 to 40+ retail locations in 18 monthsManufacturing control: Operational facility producing 100 kayaks monthlyThe OpportunityThe $847M sit-on-top kayak market grows 12% annually but remains dominated by 50-year-old designs that compromise performance for stability. Swell's patented technology creates the first major design breakthrough since the category's invention, positioning us to capture significant market share through strategic distribution scaling.The key to market capture: Tour operators and rental fleets drive volume sales.Kayak tour companies, resort operators, and rental businesses purchase hundreds of kayaks annually and influence thousands of customer purchase decisions. These operators have been forced to choose between:Safe but slow kayaks that limit the tour range and customer satisfactionFast but intimidating cockpit kayaks that exclude beginners and create liability concernsSwell's breakthrough eliminates this compromise, offering tour operators kayaks that are genuinely fast, stable, and beginner-friendly.Distribution Strategy ImpactCurrent retail focus: 30+ specialty dealers primarily serving individual consumersScale opportunity: Tour operators and rental fleets represent 10x larger per-customer volume:Single tour operator: 50-200 kayak fleet purchasesResort chains: Multi-location standardization opportunitiesRental businesses: High-turnover fleets requiring frequent replacementCompetitive Advantage in Fleet SalesSafety + Performance = Higher Tour Revenue:Longer tour routes possible with faster, less tiring kayaksBeginner-friendly design reduces liability and expands customer baseDry cockpit design improves customer comfort and satisfactionOperational Benefits for Tour Companies:Stackable design for efficient beach storageDurable construction for high-use environmentsReduced customer complaints and safety incidentsFleet Economics:Premium pricing justified by performance advantagesLower total cost of ownership through durabilityCompetitive differentiation for tour operatorsOur manufacturing facility and expanding product line (Solo, Duo) position Swell to serve the full spectrum from premium individual sales to high-volume fleet purchases, creating multiple pathways to significant market share capture.Management team has scaled Swell from concept to profitability with 68% margins and 40+ retail partners. Leadership combines outdoor industry manufacturing experience with deep market knowledge from decades in the paddling community, resulting in patented innovations that consistently earn 5-star reviews and industry awards. Team is now executing expansion plan to reach 75 high-volume retail partners across North America.What We're BuildingSwell Watercraft is introducing the new Outfitter Series, featuring the single-seat Solo and the two-seat Duo. Designed with John Enomoto of Honolulu’s Go Bananas Kayaks, these kayaks were built under the scrutiny of someone who has rented tens of thousands of kayaks—often to beginners in some of the roughest ocean conditions. The result: affordable, performance-oriented boats that excel anywhere, from Hawaiian surf to local lakes and rivers. Perfect for value-conscious consumers and dependable enough for large rental fleets, the Outfitter Series diversifies Swell’s lineup and strengthens retailer interest. Affordability meets performance—without compromise.Fishing KayaksSwell Watercraft next project will be to launch the Angler Series—two innovative kayaks designed specifically for fishermen. We’ve taken our time, gaining years of expertise before tackling the fishing market, the largest and fastest-growing segment in kayaking. Now, we’re ready. Our Angler designs are thoughtfully engineered, offering unique features that address the real needs of kayak fishermen. With stability, performance, and smart functionality, we believe these new models will set a higher standard and open an exciting chapter in Swell’s growth.Expanding Our ReachWe aim to triple our retailers, rental liveries, and international distributors within 18 months. Building the right partnerships will expand our reach, strengthen distribution, and position us for significant growth in key markets worldwide.Future projections are not guaranteed.UpcyclingSwell Watercraft is investing in equipment to recycle rotomolded plastic waste in-house, transforming production scrap into durable new kayaks. This lowers our footprint, boosts margins, and creates an upcycled product line for environmentally conscious consumers who value sustainability as much as performance on the water.HistoryOur Investor Community From the very beginning, our investor community has been at the heart of our journey. Many joined us after first experiencing our kayaks, becoming believers in the product before becoming partners in the business. They stay engaged and informed as we share progress, challenges, and wins openly. Together, we’re building more than just better kayaks—we’re creating a stronger, more innovative company for paddlers everywhere, fueled by the passion and support of our earliest backers.Why Invest NowThe timing is perfect because market validation is complete and scale-up is beginning. Product-market fit has been proven through industry awards, customer reviews, and 200%+ revenue growth, while our manufacturing facility is operational and producing quality kayaks. With patent protection secured, creating a 20-year competitive moat, we're ready to scale a proven model rather than prove an unproven concept.Competitive Manufacturing AdvantageIn-house Iowa facility ensures quality, speed, and reliabilityCompetitors rely on overseas production with long lead times and vulnerabilitiesDomestic production enables rapid iteration and consistent quality for fleet operatorsPatent protection prevents direct copying of drainage technologyFinancial Momentum \u0026amp; Growth PotentialCash flow positive, seeking growth capital to scaleStrong 55% gross margins, with even higher margins from fleet salesGrowth capital accelerates expansion, not survivalDealer \u0026amp; Fleet Expansion40+ dealers provide foundation for consumer sales growthFleet partnerships drive dealer demand as customers want the kayaks they paddled on vacationBrand recognition makes each new dealer relationship easierIndustry ValidationAward-winning designs: “Best in Class 2022” (Paddling TV), “Best Sit-On-Top 2023” (Paddling.com), “Top Bonus Kayak 2025”Awards strengthen dealer confidence and support premium pricingRisk/Reward ProfileProven products eliminate technology riskDemonstrated customer demand reduces market riskExperienced team mitigates execution riskPrimary risk: speed of scaling, not concept viabilityExit \u0026amp; Investor AdvantageOutdoor brands often acquired by strategic buyers and private equityPatent portfolio, dealer network, and profitability increase acquisition valueCurrent stage is the inflection point: proven model, protected IP, expanding market, execution-ready teamInvesting now captures optimal upside before potential higher valuationsCo-founder has already had a successful exit to Johnson OutdoorsIn the MediaPaddle TV: Best Performing Sit-On-Top Kayak Ever? Headwaters Kayak: Swell Scupper 12 Walkthrough/ Customer DemoKayak DIY: Fastest Sit-On-Top Paddle Kayaks Paddling.com: Best Sit On Top Kayaks of 2023 | Paddling.comPaddle TV: Best in Class 2023Great Outdoor Provisions Co.: Swell Watercraft at GOPCHeadwaters Kayak: 1997 Ocean Kayak Scupper VS 2025 Swell Scupper 14Paddling Magazine: Swell Watercraft RundownKayak Help: 10 Fastest Sit On Top Kayaks - Kayak HelpKayak DIY: Is this the FASTEST Kayak? New 2024 Swell Scupper 16 Fishing Touring KayakPaddle TV: Top 3 Kayaks-2025Paddling Life: Swell Scupper 16 ReviewedHeadwaters Kayak: Swell Scupper 12 vs. Scupper 14 Review - YouTubeAliex: Superb Sit on Top Kayak? Swell Scupper 12 Surprising Water TestPaddle Experience: https://paddleexperience.co.za/2021/02/03/scupper-14-review/Gear Junkie: Swell Watercraft Scupper 14: Sit-On-Top Kayak Evolved | GearJunkieTrend Hunter: Speedy Sit-On-Top Kayaks : swell scupper (trendhunter.com)","location":"Ellsworth, IA","website":"https://swellwatercraft.com/","total_amount_raised":244672,"total_investors":103,"is_funded":true,"is_active":true,"quality_score":2,"related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft","https://swellwatercraft.com/"]},"media":{"share_image_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/110049/xxl_blob.jpg","logo_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/logo/110049/large_blob.png","header_media_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/110049/standard_blob.jpg","cover_photo_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/110049/standard_blob.jpg","profile_video_url":"https://wefunder.wistia.com/medias/8q2yy6deht"},"links":{"company_url":"https://swellwatercraft.com/","facebook_url":"https://www.facebook.com/Swellwatercraft","instagram_url":"https://www.instagram.com/swellwatercraft/","youtube_url":"https://youtube.com/@swellwatercraft327","blog_url":"https://swellwatercraft.com/blog/"},"highlights":[],"quick_facts":[{"index":1,"claim_id":"claim-fact-1","value":"4.3X Revenue Rate YOY."},{"index":2,"claim_id":"claim-fact-2","value":"Our patented drainage system gives our kayaks distinct performance advantages over our competitors."},{"index":3,"claim_id":"claim-fact-3","value":"400% increase in the amount of on-sale retail locations for our kayaks."},{"index":4,"claim_id":"claim-fact-4","value":"High gross profit margins, projected at 71%. Apple’s GMP in 2021 was 41% (not guaranteed)."},{"index":5,"claim_id":"claim-fact-5","value":"Perks for investors: receive lifetime discount."},{"index":6,"claim_id":"claim-fact-6","value":"Cash flow positive business."},{"index":7,"claim_id":"claim-fact-7","value":"Led by a team of Kayaking Specialists with a combined paddling market experience of over 100 years."},{"index":8,"claim_id":"claim-fact-8","value":"Received several awards from prestigious media outlets."}],"team":[{"id":2516553,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2516553","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:2551084","role":"founder","name":"James J Marsh","title":"CEO and Founder at Swell Watercraft","bio":"After spending over a decade running some of the biggest media operations in paddling, I decided to start designing my own kayaks. I was awarded a utility patent in December of 2022 for our unique \"Scupper Valve\" drainage system.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2516553/square_blob.jpg?1726501832","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/james.j.marsh","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-marsh-169a103/","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/james.j.marsh"]},{"id":2556343,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2556343","role":"founder","name":"Thomas Marsh","title":"Polymer Expert","bio":"I bring over 30 years of experience as a Chemical Engineer and I have spent much of my time consulting factories about manufacturing. I am also an expert in plant management and chemical construction. I bring my experiences to make the best kayaks.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2556343/square_cropped_Screen_Shot_2022-03-03_at_10.46.02_AM.jpg?1756668698","related_urls":[]},{"id":2556347,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:2556347","role":"employee","name":"Ted Keyes","title":"Sales Manager","bio":"I've been a successful sales professional in the kayak industry for my entire career. I use my Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Boise State University to help guide Swell's business decisions.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/2556347/square_cropped_Screen_Shot_2022-03-03_at_10.46.06_AM.jpg?1756668698","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-keyes-515b0467/","related_urls":[]},{"id":5819070,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:5819070","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:4828017","role":"employee","name":"Adam Bierschenk","title":"Design Engineer","bio":"I developed our patented scupper valve through relentless prototyping. My background spans injection molding, roto molding, and CAD. Currently, my main focus is metal 3D printing, where I’m pushing innovation to expand our engineering capabilities.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/5819070/square_blob.jpg?1759334156","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/adam.bierschenk","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/adam.bierschenk"]},{"id":5819080,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:5819080","role":"employee","name":"Taylor Musselwhite","title":"Marketing Guru","bio":"I guide the vision and manage the tools behind our marketing direction and strategy. My role is aligning creative storytelling with data-driven execution, ensuring our message connects with paddlers, inspires growth, and strengthens our brand presence.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/5819080/square_blob.jpg?1759334156","related_urls":[]},{"id":5819081,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:5819081","role":"employee","name":"Tim Niemier","title":"Jedi Master","bio":"In the 70s and 80s, I introduced the sit-on-top kayak to the world through Ocean Kayak, later selling the brand for $6 million in 1997. Today, my role is to inspire and guide Swell Watercraft’s bold vision forward.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/5819081/square_blob.jpg?1759334156","related_urls":[]}],"featured_investors":[{"id":12587,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_investor_profile:12587","investor_profile_id":2107659,"investor_profile_entity_id":"wefunder:investor_profile:2107659","subject_entity_id":"wefunder:user:2632635","name":"Darrin VanBibber","bio":"Community bank President with 25+ years in banking, active row crop farmer, investor","avatar_url":"http://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/user/avatar/2632635/medium_f66bfa3e2dbec887eb2520220525-1430-162utef.jpg","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/darrin.vanbibber","endorsement_quote":"I have known Jim and his family most of my fifty three years on earth. We were raised in the same small Midwestern town. We went to school together, competed with and against one another in sports as we grew up, and I understand the common values and work ethic of our common backgrounds. When I heard Jim was moving back to the Midwest to build a \"better\" kayak with Swell Watercraft I was interested, both personally and from the business aspect. Swell's sturdy roto molded design, made in the USA kayaks with their revolutionary scupper system that keeps the cockpit dry with the comfort of the sit on top piqued my interest having spent a lifetime fishing from canoes and kayaks. As a transplanted Iowan myself, the prospect of having a new company based in Iowa, making a product with American workers and I was interested in helping. Personally, I have 28 years of banking experience with a majority of those years as a lender, and most recently as the President of a community bank. I understand the risks and rewards that entrepreneurs face and have worked across all segments of the US economy from agriculture and manufacturing to service and real estate providing not just capital to help fund and grow ventures but also to provide advice, support, and counsel on all aspects of their business. I invested in Round 1 with Swell Watercraft and have come back for Round 2. Swell Watercraft has completed construction, set up their manufacturing line, and have been executing in the market with exceptional products with industry leading innovation with a self-clearing scupper. Now it is time to take another step to expand market share, increase efficiencies, and continue to grow their footprint.","investment_total":7000,"investment_info":"Invested $6,000 this round \u0026 $1,000 previously","is_lead_investor":true,"related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/darrin.vanbibber"]},{"id":12437,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_investor_profile:12437","investor_profile_id":4391776,"investor_profile_entity_id":"wefunder:investor_profile:4391776","subject_entity_id":"wefunder:notable_investor:16321","name":"Darrin VanBibber","bio":"I'm the President of Farmer's Bank of Northern Missouri.","avatar_url":"https://wefunder.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NjQxMTA2LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--d5ce58dad573c9018f85efdcc906115061f4f190/filename","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/darrin.vanbibber.1","endorsement_quote":"As a previous investor and decades of knowing Jim and his family previously; further investment into his vision, the company, and the product line was an easy decision.","investment_total":7000,"investment_info":"Invested $6,000 this round \u0026 $1,000 previously","is_lead_investor":false,"related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/darrin.vanbibber.1"]}],"investor_memos":[],"tab_counts":{"posts":19,"ask_questions":5,"featured_investors":2,"faq_entries":4},"active_fundraises":[{"id":125262,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:125262","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","funding_type":"note","structure":"ttw","security_type":"","currency":"USD","testing_the_waters":true,"min_purchase":100,"max_purchase":9,"funding_target":124000.0,"minimum_target":"50000.0","maximum_target":"124000.0"},{"id":125261,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:125261","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","funding_type":"note","structure":"safe","security_type":"equity","currency":"USD","testing_the_waters":false,"min_purchase":100,"max_purchase":9,"funding_target":50000.0,"minimum_target":"50000.0","maximum_target":"124000.0","funding_started_at":"2025-11-07T01:01:46Z","funding_closed_at":"2026-02-14T04:59:59Z","auto_close_at":"2026-02-14T04:59:59Z"},{"id":59193,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:59193","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","funding_type":"note","structure":"safe","security_type":"equity","currency":"USD","testing_the_waters":false,"min_purchase":100,"max_purchase":9,"funding_target":50000.0,"funding_started_at":"2022-04-02T00:09:15Z","funding_closed_at":"2022-08-01T04:01:59Z","auto_close_at":"2022-08-01T03:59:59Z"},{"id":59194,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:59194","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","funding_type":"note","structure":"ttw","security_type":"equity","currency":"USD","testing_the_waters":true,"min_purchase":100,"max_purchase":9,"funding_target":250000.0,"funding_started_at":"2022-03-04T20:39:01Z"}],"latest_fundraise":{"id":125262,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:125262","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","structure":"ttw","testing_the_waters":true,"can_invest_now":false,"funding_started_at":null,"funding_closed_at":null,"terms":{"eb":"$7.2M","nb":"$8M","txt":"valuation cap"}},"recent_posts":[{"id":258844,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:258844","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"7 Hours to Go...","preview":"In just a few hours, we close this chapter of our Wefunder raise.First — thank you. Truly. To every single person who invested, shared, encouraged, questioned, believed, and followed along… thank you a million times over. You stepped into something real.This wasn’t a flashy tech startup. Not AI. Not pharmaceuticals. Not an overnight moonshot.This is U.S. design and U.S. manufacturing. It’s molds, plastic, patents, shipping logistics, dealer relationships, and long days in the shop. It’s build...","published_at":"2026-02-13T21:17:38Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/258844","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/258844"},{"id":257580,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:257580","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"24 Hours Left!","preview":"We’ve crossed $94,000 in this round. Sixty people stepped up and said they believe in what we’re building at Swell. That’s not something I take lightly.The Solo and Duo molds are done. Final payment is going out. We’ll be filling orders in about six weeks.That’s real progress.Behind the scenes we’ve been improving production, tightening up our service, strengthening dealer relationships, and getting sharper across the board. Every month we get better.This campaign was never about keeping the ...","published_at":"2026-02-12T20:01:52Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/257580","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/257580"},{"id":255157,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:255157","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"Who This Is For (And Who It’s Not)","preview":"With four days left in this raise, I want to be clear about something. This investment isn’t for everyone.Swell Watercraft is for people who believe in superior engineered products.For people who care about true paddling performance, not just something that floats.For people who value a paddler-first approach to design and manufacturing.It’s for those who believe American manufacturing still matters.For those who respect companies that design their own products, run their own factory, and tak...","published_at":"2026-02-09T17:33:07Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/255157","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/255157"},{"id":253646,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:253646","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"Why I Still Believe in This (Even When It’s Hard)","preview":"Tim Niemier and I started Swell Watercraft to serve a very specific group of people: paddlers who’ve been paying attention for a long time.Tim rotomolded the world’s first plastic sit-on-top kayak in the 1980s. When he sold Ocean Kayak in 1997 for $6 million, it wasn’t hype—it was an efficient, profitable company built around great design, the specialty retail market, and a real connection to the sport.There’s a clear pattern there. Passionate kayakers building cutting-edge products, right-si...","published_at":"2026-02-06T13:42:21Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/253646","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/253646"},{"id":252650,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:252650","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"The Final Mile: Bringing the Solo \u0026amp; Duo Home","preview":"Over the last two years, we’ve quietly been doing the hardest work at Swell Watercraft — the kind of work that doesn’t show up in glossy marketing, but determines whether a product actually succeeds in the real world.The Solo and the Duo didn’t come from a whiteboard or a trend report. They started with long conversations with John Enomoto, who owns Go Bananas Kayaks. John has put thousands of customers on the water in Hawaii — often in rough conditions — where safety, durability, and efficie...","published_at":"2026-02-03T21:30:50Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/252650","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/252650"},{"id":251439,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:251439","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"The True Cost of Invention: Developing the Scupper Valve","preview":"I’ll never forget the moment I almost fainted on the shoreline.After two years of work, six prototypes, endless CAD revisions, late nights, and believing with everything I had that our new scupper valve was going to work — I paddled back in, tested it… and it didn’t.My legs went weak. I literally had to take a knee. It felt like the ground disappeared under me. That was the lowest point in this journey — the moment I realized we weren’t there yet, and I couldn't be sure we'd ever get there.In...","published_at":"2026-01-31T18:08:09Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/251439","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/251439"},{"id":248734,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:248734","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"Don't Buy a Kayak This Year","preview":"\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Invest in the Future of Paddlesports.What if, instead of buying another kayak this year, you helped build the future of paddling?At Swell Watercraft, we’re doing something different. We’re not just selling kayaks — we’re crowdfunding the future of kayaking with the very people who care most about it: paddlers, guides, retailers, and believers in quality gear built the right way.By investing in Swell through our Wefunder campaign, you’re not just supporting innovation — you...","published_at":"2026-01-26T17:38:44Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/248734","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/248734"},{"id":243582,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:243582","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"Our Competitive Advantage Isn't Just Design, It's Structural","preview":"Swell’s competitive advantage isn’t a single design, patent, feature or a marketing claim — it’s structural.We combine patented performance technology, in-house manufacturing control, and deep, field-built dealer relationships into a business model that’s difficult to replicate and resilient over time. Most competitors rely on offshore factories, shared designs, and transactional distribution. That approach may lower short-term costs, but it limits innovation, erodes margins, and creates long...","published_at":"2026-01-14T16:42:08Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/243582","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/243582"},{"id":237764,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:237764","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"How EXACTLY Does Swell Watercraft's Patent Affect Kayak Design + How Are Paddlers Reacting to The Differences?","preview":"Swell Watercraft’s motto has always been Speed. Comfort. Stability. Those aren’t just words—they’re the direct result of our patented drainage valve technology and what it allows us to do with sit-on-top kayak design.Our patented 'Scupper Valve' allows you to drain the cockpit as you paddle forward.Most sit-on-tops use open scupper holes, which forces designers to keep the seating area higher to stay dry. Our patent flips that limitation on its head. By using a valve-controlled drainage syste...","published_at":"2025-12-31T17:50:57Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/237764","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/237764"},{"id":228922,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:228922","type":"FeedItem::Spotlight","visibility":"public","preview":"We've made payment for the new Solo and Duo molds!","published_at":"2025-12-08T21:03:58Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/228922","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/228922"},{"id":226945,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:226945","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"2025 has been a breakthrough year for Swell Watercraft","preview":"What happened in 2025? We tightened our operations, expanded our product line, upgraded our factory capabilities, and strengthened the foundation that will carry us into our next stage of growth. From improving production efficiency and enhancing quality control, to launching new models and growing our dealer network, this year has been all about leveling up every part of the business. We’re building smarter, moving faster, and proving that a design-driven kayak company can scale with purpose...","published_at":"2025-12-03T21:36:50Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/226945","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/226945"},{"id":223225,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:223225","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"The Making of a Swell Kayak (2-Minute Factory Tour)","preview":"Ever wonder how a premium kayak is made? Join founder Jim Marsh as he narrates a 2-minute behind-the-scenes tour inside our Iowa factory. Watch the full build process—from powdered resin to a finished Swell Watercraft kayak—and see the craftsmanship, precision, and USA manufacturing you’re investing in.","published_at":"2025-11-24T15:48:46Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/223225","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/223225"},{"id":220863,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:220863","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"Great Partnerships Start With Great People","preview":"At Swell Watercraft, we’ve learned that great partnerships aren’t built from contracts — they’re built from people.This week reminded me just how powerful that personal touch can be.We recently teamed up with Andrew Dove and SmartTrack Rudder Systems, and the results have been incredible. Andrew isn’t just an engineer — he’s a paddler, a problem solver, and someone who genuinely lives what he builds.He personally drove from Chicago to spend a day at our factory, training our team on how to pr...","published_at":"2025-11-13T21:36:34Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/220863","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/220863"},{"id":217071,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:217071","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"What Are Pro Kayakers Saying About Swell??","preview":"One of the most rewarding parts of building Swell Watercraft is hearing what real paddlers—from everyday weekend warriors to elite pros—have to say once they get our boats on the water.And the verdict is loud and clear: Swell kayaks are absolutely delivering.🎥 Watch the Pros Put Swell to the TestWe just curated a new YouTube playlist featuring independent influencer and professional paddler reviews of the Scupper Series and our newest designs. These aren’t paid spots—just honest, in-the-wild ...","published_at":"2025-11-06T17:06:23Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/217071","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/217071"},{"id":211117,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:211117","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"Swell Duo Tandem Kayak Design Brief","preview":"Project Name: DuoProduct Type: Two-Person Sit-On-Top KayakBrand: Swell WatercraftTarget Use / Environment:A rugged, high-performance tandem kayak that performs in seaside surf, open ocean, rivers, bays and lakes. Built for pairs — friends, family, rental operations — who want adventure together without sacrificing performance, durability or comfort.Design Objectives Deliver the seaworthiness and performance heritage of the Solo model, scaled and optimized for two paddlers. Ensure weight-distr...","published_at":"2025-10-24T15:47:09Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/211117","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/211117"},{"id":208084,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:208084","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"🚀 Swell Watercraft: On the Starting Line at $44,000!","preview":"We’re at $44,000 raised and just $6,000 away from taking our Wefunder campaign public at $50k — the moment when we throw open the gates and invite the world to join us!Just like kayakers waiting at the race starting gate, the tension is high, the energy is building, and the moment to paddle forward is now. Once we hit $50k, the real action begins — and every investor who helps us cross that line will be part of the crew that made it happen.💥 This is your time to throw down your investment.Joi...","published_at":"2025-10-20T16:00:05Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/208084","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/208084"},{"id":207059,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:207059","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"The Solo Kayak Design Brief","preview":"2026 Swell Solo – Design BriefSeries: Outfitter Series (Single-seat companion to the DUO)Role: Price-sensitive rental / livery-style kayak that outperforms competitors in durability, comfort, and handling in rough waters.Objectives \u0026 VisionProvide a high-performance, high-value kayak for rentals, outfitters, and entry-level paddlers without compromising on seaworthiness or longevity.Achieve a “best in class” rental kayak — rugged, forgiving, easy to maintain, but paddling like a premium sit-i...","published_at":"2025-10-17T15:50:05Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/207059","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/207059"},{"id":206462,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:206462","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"How We Make a Kayak","preview":"We had a blast filming our short “How to Make a Kayak” video right here at our Ellsworth, Iowa manufacturing facility! It’s a fun behind-the-scenes look at how Swell Watercraft turns raw materials into precision-built kayaks. Watch now and see where craftsmanship meets innovation!I’m always available to connect—especially to discuss our current open investment round. Reach me anytime at jim@swellwatercraft.com — I’d love to hear from you!","published_at":"2025-10-16T17:26:22Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/206462","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/206462"},{"id":185848,"entity_id":"wefunder:feed_item:185848","type":"FeedItem::Update","visibility":"public","title":"Round 2 is open in Private Mode!","preview":"Dear Swell Investors,Thank you for backing us in Round 1 and helping bring Swell Watercraft to where we are today. With your support, we’ve launched innovative kayaks, expanded our reach, and proven there’s strong demand for products designed by paddlers, for paddlers.We’re excited to announce that Round 2 of our Wefunder campaign is now live: wefunder.com/swellwatercraft. This round is about scaling—expanding production, building more partnerships with outfitters and retailers, and introduci...","published_at":"2025-09-19T17:27:30Z","author_name":"James J Marsh","url":"/feed/185848","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/feed/185848"}],"q_and_a":[{"id":320947,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:320947","question":"Hi Guys, We are D3VC (www.d3vc.ai), a venture fund that invests in select RegCF offerings. You all scored high on our algorithm and we discussed your offering today. We had a few questions we were hoping you could shed some light on: 1. Clarify production capacity: How many units are you producing versus your capacity of 100 kayaks per month? (Can you scale to meet demand?) 2. Revenue per unit: How much revenue corresponds to their reported $407K—specifically, how many units were sold to achieve this? 3. Retailer engagement: For the 75 retailers—how are these relationships structured? Are these demo models, bulk purchases, or other arrangements? 4. Patent opportunity: Does their patented drainage technology have expansion opportunities beyond kayaks? 5. Product differentiation: How important is the drainage technology for the market, and how does it set your product apart from competitors? Best, Sherwood Neiss","author_name":"Sherwood Neiss","votes":1,"created_at":"2025-12-10T23:30:55Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft#question-320947","answers":[]},{"id":252389,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:252389","question":"Why No Updates in the last year from SwellCraft?","author_name":"Raymond Marine","votes":1,"created_at":"2023-07-01T17:39:36Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft#question-252389","answers":[{"id":314134,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:314134","answer":"coming up very soon!! stay tuned.","author_name":"James J Marsh","votes":0,"created_at":"2025-09-02T14:39:03Z"}]},{"id":204486,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:204486","question":"Hi, do you all plan on remaining an LLC for tax purposes, and do you anticipate becoming profitable any time soon?","author_name":"Lucas Selvidge","votes":1,"created_at":"2022-05-06T23:31:11Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft#question-204486","answers":[{"id":204536,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:204536","answer":"We plan on remaining an LLC for the foreseeable future. We're looking to be profitable 2nd quarter of 2022-however, our margins go thru the roof once we start building in the USA. Our current wait times for product from South Africa is devastatingly long, and that has hurt our ability to be profitable.","author_name":"Jim Marsh","votes":1,"created_at":"2022-05-07T17:48:22Z"}]},{"id":199510,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:199510","question":"Hi, this looks like an exciting venture. Can you provide any more information as to how you are currently tracking against the 2022 revenue projection of $1.9M? Do you anticipate meeting this goal? Also, for 2023, the pitch deck shows 1 oven producing 1900 units with revenue of $3.8M which implies revenue of $2,000 / unit. However, the kayaks on your website list for less than $2,000. Are you anticipating that you will produce 1900 units internally and some additional quantity will be produced by a 3rd party? Any additional information on these projections would be helpful. Thanks in advance.","author_name":"Sean G","votes":1,"created_at":"2022-04-03T18:20:11Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft#question-199510","answers":[{"id":199529,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:199529","answer":"I see what you mean after looking over the Investor Deck, which was created by our agency. These projections are off. In fact, 2022 looks to be a much smaller year-around $700,000. This is because we aren't able to get kayaks made in our overbooked South African factory. It won't be until we get the USA factory that we will have capacity to hit the projected numbers. I'm asking the agency to make some changes so this is consistent.","author_name":"Jim Marsh","votes":1,"created_at":"2022-04-03T21:04:11Z"},{"id":199934,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:199934","answer":"Sean- Projections have been updated. Let us know if you have any other questions. cheers,","author_name":"Jim Marsh","votes":1,"created_at":"2022-04-06T00:05:57Z"}]},{"id":197257,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:197257","question":"Hi, could you please add a link to your financial statements? Thanks","author_name":"David Hudson","votes":1,"created_at":"2022-03-20T23:08:01Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft#question-197257","answers":[{"id":199530,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:199530","answer":"The statements are now available. thanks.","author_name":"Jim Marsh","votes":2,"created_at":"2022-04-03T21:04:49Z"},{"id":198717,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:198717","answer":"The financial statements will be published soon once the program is approved by the SEC. Thanks for your interest.","author_name":"Jim Marsh","votes":0,"created_at":"2022-03-30T02:27:25Z"}]}],"faq":[{"question":"Hi, could you please add a link to your financial statements? Thanks","answer":"The statements are now available. thanks."},{"question":"Hi, this looks like an exciting venture. Can you provide any more information as to how you are currently tracking against the 2022 revenue projection of $1.9M? Do you anticipate meeting this goal? Also, for 2023, the pitch deck shows 1 oven producing 1900 units with revenue o...","answer":"I see what you mean after looking over the Investor Deck, which was created by our agency. These projections are off. In fact, 2022 looks to be a much smaller year-around $700,000. This is because we aren't able to get kayaks made in our overbooked South African factory. It won't be until we get the USA factory that we will have capacity to hit the projected numbers. I'm asking the agency to make some changes so this is consistent."},{"question":"Hi, do you all plan on remaining an LLC for tax purposes, and do you anticipate becoming profitable any time soon?","answer":"We plan on remaining an LLC for the foreseeable future. We're looking to be profitable 2nd quarter of 2022-however, our margins go thru the roof once we start building in the USA. Our current wait times for product from South Africa is devastatingly long, and that has hurt our ability to be profitable."},{"question":"Why No Updates in the last year from SwellCraft?","answer":"coming up very soon!! stay tuned."}]}}}