Planning to stay by the water all day, parents have to make sure they pack snacks, drinks, sun protection of various kinds, water and sand toys, and then find a clever way to carry it all. These five small businesses aim to lighten the load, create quality products that last, and ultimately make summer days like this simpler and more enjoyable for everyone.
WODA
For Erin Jewett and Britt Orzech Gardner, summertime means nonstop adventures with their kids. Whether at the beach, on a boat, or spending the day by the pool, they’re always surrounded by water, sand, and sunshine. The two wanted a better bag to accompany them on these outings, one that could withstand the elements and also be hands-free. So, they created the first EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) backpacks to hit the market.
The South Carolina pair named these backpacks WODA Bags. Made of EVA foam, they are nontoxic and resistant to mold, mildew, UV rays, and cracking. These patent-pending backpacks are lightweight but large enough to fit two beach towels, sunscreen, snacks, and other essentials needed for a day spent out and about.
WODA has been in the works for about three-and-a-half years and was officially founded in the fall of 2023. There are currently two sizes to choose from, both of which have a carrying capacity of up to 30 pounds, a removable interior zipper pouch, and a lockable top cover.
Sunski
Classmates at Columbia University, Tom Stewart and Michael Charley are currently in their second entrepreneurial endeavor as business partners. Their first product launch was for a salsa bowl uniquely designed to prevent dip spillage. Unfortunately, the product didn’t gain much traction. A couple years later, the two pursued the idea of a sunglasses brand with designs inspired by vintage 1980s style shades that Tom found while on a surf trip in Australia. Their 2012 Kickstarter campaign gave them the capital they needed to launch in 2014.
Sunski is based in San Francisco, California, and stands by these key pillars: quality, community, and the environment. In keeping with efforts to be a sustainable manufacturer, Sunski invented SuperLight, which is a recycled polymer that utilizes scrap plastic. This is the material used for all of the company’s sunglass frames. In addition to a variety of styles, Sunski offers a unique sun protection gadget to add to some of their glasses. Especially made for slope surfers, the Alpine Collection is equipped with magnetic sun shields to protect the eyes from side glare.
Sunski is based in San Francisco, California, and stands by these key pillars: quality, community, and the environment. In keeping with efforts to be a sustainable manufacturer, Sunski invented SuperLight, which is a recycled polymer that utilizes scrap plastic.
EHA Culture
Beach accessories brand EHA Culture is the artistic expression of owner Erin Hofmann. She started EHA Culture after having her third child, drawing her Turkish towel and pareo patterns on an iPad. Originally e-commerce based, this small business, located on Kauai, recently opened a storefront in Kapa’a.
Hofmann was born and raised in Hawaii, moving from Oahu to Kauai as a small child. She has always been an artist and draws inspiration from the tropical and natural beauty of the islands. Her designs pay homage to the native flowers, plants, and spirit of Hawaii. Since embarking on this journey five years ago, Hofmann has branched out beyond towels and blankets to beachwear such as hats, bags, canvas coolers, and shorts.
TANDM Surf
Initially named Tandem Boogie, TANDM Surf is an all-hands-on-deck project for the Clark family. With combined experience in manufacturing, business management, sales, marketing, product development, and data science, Manya, John, and their three daughters Alleanna, Juliette, and Lyla started this small venture in 2020. Later that year, they changed the company’s name and got buy-in from Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec and Daniel Lubetzky.
Rebranding to TANDM Surf allows for more inclusivity of other modes of catching waves. For example, the first product the company manufactured after its best-selling Air Bodyboard was the two person SIT+SUP Kayak + Stand Up Paddleboard combo. Based in San Clemente, California, this brand has plenty of opportunity to expand its product lineup.
As the name suggests, these products were built to hold two (or more) people so a father and son or two best friends can ride a wave together. Soft EVA-safe handles allow for a secure and comfortable grip, while a camera mount offers users the chance to relive their fun experiences. Each board is accompanied by a storage bag and air pump for ease of transportation and use.
Shibumi Shade
Brothers Dane and Scott Barnes teamed up with their friend Alex Slater to find a simple solution to the all-too-familiar beach umbrella coming loose and tumbling away. Pulling inspiration from kite surfing designs, the three imagined a new way to block the sun that worked with the wind instead of against it. They taught themselves how to sew and named their company after the apartment building they lived in together during college. Shibumi Shade got its start out of Alex’s house in 2016 and now these sun shades can be found on over 800 beaches worldwide.
The Shibumi Shade is an ultra lightweight canopy that doesn’t block the view for fellow beachgoers, offers UPF 50+ sun protection, and dampens the noise of the wind with a stretchy yet durable fabric. Setup is quick and easy with just two poles to stake into the sand, and the wind does the rest of the work. A North Carolina brand, Shibumis line the local beaches on the East Coast. The owners have outsourced some manufacturing overseas and are hoping to become more of an international staple.
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