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YOLO Board Making Waves along the Emerald Coast
September 8, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
YOLO Board LLC, based in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla, is a hybrid-style stand-up paddle board (SUP) company that has quickly gained the reputation along the Emerald Coast and beyond as the custom paddleboard of choice. Aptly named for the mantra, "You Only Live Once," YOLO Board was founded by business partners Tom Losee and Jeff Archer in 2006.
"Stand-up paddling - or 'YOLOing' as we like to call it - offers a completely different way to experience the water, whether it's for a quick workout or an all day leisure adventure," said Jeff Archer, co-founder of YOLO Board LLC. "It's exciting because the onset of the stand-up paddling movement is getting people out on the water that otherwise wouldn't venture out on a board. Beginner paddlers are often surprised at how easy it is. YOLOing is truly an everyday water sport activity that is fun for all ages and fitness levels."
In addition to offering a fun workout, one of the most unique aspects of YOLOing is the relationship it provides with Mother Nature. From the wind resistance, surf and currents of an intense ride in the ocean to the serene nature of a leisurely paddle around a lake, YOLOing allows riders an entirely new way to enjoy the water while viewing ocean life such as turtles, manatees, dolphins and fish.
Highly endorsed by renowned waterman Laird Hamilton, stand-up paddling is considered by many in the industry to be the fastest growing recreational water sport in the world. A combination of surfing and paddling, the international water sport movement inspired the YOLO Board owners to start making their custom boards two years ago.
"When we first discovered stand-up paddling, Jeff & I had been looking for a way to balance work, family and recreation," said Tom Losee, co-founder of YOLO Board LLC. "From the very first moment I tried the board, I knew we had discovered something unique, especially when you consider how accessible stand-up paddling is with diverse bodies of water."
In addition to having access to the Gulf of Mexico, bays, harbors, natural springs, and the Intracoastal Waterway, Losee and Archer credit their company's surge in popularity to the abundance of coastal dune lakes in Northwest Florida. YOLO Board's home base of South Walton County boasts a total of 15 rare coastal dune lakes. Similar ecosystems can only be found in the Florida Panhandle, Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand and the Northwest Pacific Coast of the United States.
"We are fortunate to live in an area that is absolutely a Utopia for YOLOing, and we are now beginning to see a spike in board sales with the Midwestern states and inland communities as well. That's the great thing about YOLOing - you don't have to live along the coast to enjoy it. All you need is a body of water, a board and a paddle," added Losee.
The roots of SUP have evolved over the years from a traditional surfing water sport to a more soulful and versatile recreational means to enjoy time on the water from a new perspective - anywhere - anytime.
Most recently, YOLO Board was recognized by Garden & Gun magazine, a publication of Charleston-based Evening Post Publishing Co as "Best Toy." The company was included in the 14-page article titled, "Best of the New South - 50 People, Places & Things" in the magazine's September/October 2008 issue.
YOLO Board currently manufactures three types of boards:
* The individually hand shaped "Original YOLO" is 12 feet long and 31 inches wide and was designed for all conditions. The board is constructed using high quality foam and epoxy and can be enjoyed by novices as well as experienced riders.
* The "YOLO Yak" is a hybrid board which features a front bungee tie-down system, molded-in tri-fins, foam traction pad and front and rear handles. Designed as a full adventure board, the YOLO Yak has a recessed deck to facilitate better stability for fishing, crabbing or beginner surfing.
* At 9.6 feet long and 30 inches wide, the "YOLO Express" is a smaller board designed to be lighter and more maneuverable. The board is ideal for riding waves as well as for people with smaller frames such as women and young adults.
Rentals, lessons, corporate and team building packages and a complete array of YOLO accessories are available. For more information, please call 850.622.5760 or visit www.yoloboard.com.
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