Santa Cruz surfers Davon Larson and Paul Huang successfully pitched their innovative surf helmet, Surf Skull, on ABC’s "Shark Tank," securing a $50,000 investment from investor Daniel Lubetzky. The unique helmet disguises protective headgear within a stylish bucket hat, addressing surfers’ desire for safety without compromising aesthetics.
Key Takeaways
- Surf Skull secured a $50,000 deal for 20% equity from Daniel Lubetzky.
- The product combines head protection with a fashionable bucket hat design.
- The company was founded after the founder experienced a head injury while surfing.
- Surf Skull has generated $100,000 in sales in its first two years.
The Genesis of Surf Skull
The idea for Surf Skull was born out of a personal experience. Founder Davon Larson, a product designer at Google, suffered a head injury while surfing in Baja California. This incident highlighted the need for effective head protection that didn’t detract from the surfing experience. Larson collaborated with fellow Google surfers, including head of finance and operations Paul Huang, to develop a solution.
Innovation Meets Style
Surf Skull’s helmet is designed to look like a regular bucket hat, offering a low-profile and stylish alternative to traditional bulky surf helmets. The product utilizes foam technology that remains flexible until impact, at which point it hardens to absorb force. This innovative approach aims to provide essential head protection against impacts from surfboards and the ocean floor, while also offering sun protection.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Larson and Huang entered the "Shark Tank" seeking $50,000 for a 12% equity stake in their company. They presented their product, highlighting its unique design and the safety features, including its ability to withstand significant force. The founders shared that Surf Skull had already achieved $100,000 in sales since its launch two years prior.
Securing the Deal
After receiving multiple offers from the Sharks, including from Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John, Larson and Huang ultimately accepted a deal from Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND Snacks. They chose Lubetzky due to his experience in water sports investments and his commitment to being actively involved in the company’s growth. The final deal was $50,000 for 20% equity in Surf Skull.
Future Prospects
Surf Skull plans to release a second version of their helmet, which will see a slight increase in production cost but a higher retail price. The company is focused on direct-to-consumer sales and aims to revolutionize surf safety by changing how the surfing community perceives and adopts protective gear.
