# Swell Watercraft LLC

 Advanced Kayak Technology- Made in the USA!

## Elevator pitch
Rotomolding products such as kayaks, small boats and other high end items.

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/swellwatercraft
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:110049
- Last updated: 2026-06-18T05:03:14Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-18T23:53:05Z

## Quick facts
- 4.3X Revenue Rate YOY.
- Our patented drainage system gives our kayaks distinct performance advantages over our competitors.
- 400% increase in the amount of on-sale retail locations for our kayaks.
- High gross profit margins, projected at 71%. Apple’s GMP in 2021 was 41% (not guaranteed).
- Perks for investors: receive lifetime discount.
- Cash flow positive business.
- Led by a team of Kayaking Specialists with a combined paddling market experience of over 100 years.
- Received several awards from prestigious media outlets.

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:125262: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:125261: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:59193: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:59194: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## 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 & Growth PotentialCash flow positive, seeking growth capital to scaleStrong 55% gross margins, with even higher margins from fleet salesGrowth capital accelerates expansion, not survivalDealer & 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 & 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)

## FAQ
1. **Hi, could you please add a link to your financial statements? Thanks**
   - The statements are now available. thanks.
2. **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...**
   - 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.
3. **Hi, do you all plan on remaining an LLC for tax purposes, and do you anticipate becoming profitable any time soon?**
   - 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.
4. **Why No Updates in the last year from SwellCraft?**
   - coming up very soon!! stay tuned.

## Team
- James J Marsh (CEO and Founder at Swell Watercraft)
- Thomas Marsh (Polymer Expert)
- Ted Keyes (Sales Manager)
- Adam Bierschenk (Design Engineer)
- Taylor Musselwhite (Marketing Guru)
- Tim Niemier (Jedi Master)

## Recent posts
- 7 Hours to Go... (2026-02-13T21:17:38Z)
- 24 Hours Left! (2026-02-12T20:01:52Z)
- Who This Is For (And Who It’s Not) (2026-02-09T17:33:07Z)
- Why I Still Believe in This (Even When It’s Hard) (2026-02-06T13:42:21Z)
- The Final Mile: Bringing the Solo & Duo Home (2026-02-03T21:30:50Z)
- The True Cost of Invention: Developing the Scupper Valve (2026-01-31T18:08:09Z)
- Don't Buy a Kayak This Year (2026-01-26T17:38:44Z)
- Our Competitive Advantage Isn't Just Design, It's Structural (2026-01-14T16:42:08Z)
- How EXACTLY Does Swell Watercraft's Patent Affect Kayak Design + How Are Paddlers Reacting to The Differences? (2025-12-31T17:50:57Z)
- We've made payment for the new Solo and Duo molds! (2025-12-08T21:03:58Z)
- 2025 has been a breakthrough year for Swell Watercraft (2025-12-03T21:36:50Z)
- The Making of a Swell Kayak (2-Minute Factory Tour) (2025-11-24T15:48:46Z)
- Great Partnerships Start With Great People (2025-11-13T21:36:34Z)
- What Are Pro Kayakers Saying About Swell?? (2025-11-06T17:06:23Z)
- Swell Duo Tandem Kayak Design Brief (2025-10-24T15:47:09Z)

## Q&A
- Q: 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
- Q: Why No Updates in the last year from SwellCraft?
  - A: coming up very soon!! stay tuned.
- Q: Hi, do you all plan on remaining an LLC for tax purposes, and do you anticipate becoming profitable any time soon?
  - A: 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.
- Q: 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.
  - A: 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.
  - A: Sean- Projections have been updated. Let us know if you have any other questions. cheers,
- Q: Hi, could you please add a link to your financial statements? Thanks
  - A: The statements are now available. thanks.
  - A: The financial statements will be published soon once the program is approved by the SEC. Thanks for your interest.