Surfset Fitness Founders: Your Inside Look at Their Journey - Shark Tank (2024 Update) (2024)

Ever surfed before? Maybe not, but that’s no reason to shy away from Surfset Fitness. This innovative fitness approach was born out of the passion and ingenuity of its founders, who saw an exciting opportunity to bring the thrill of surfing into the gym.

You’re probably wondering who these inventive minds are. Well, they’re none other than Mike Hartwick, Sarah Ponn and Bill Ninteau. These three pioneers dove headfirst into bringing their vision to life – a workout routine that embodies the dynamic movements and core strength required in surfing.

But don’t be fooled! It’s not all about riding waves and beach vibes here. What sets Surfset Fitness apart is its unique combination of cardio, strength training, balance work, and flexibility exercises all rolled into one fun package. So even if you’ve never set foot on a surfboard before, you’ll find yourself enjoying every second on their specially designed boards!

The Innovative Concept Behind Surfset Fitness

Hang ten, folks! Now, you might be asking yourself, “What’s the big wave with Surfset Fitness?” Well, let me tell ya—it’s an innovative fitness concept that takes the exhilarating sport of surfing and brings it indoors.

Mike Hartwick and Sarah Ponn are the brainwaves behind this unique idea. These founders were inspired by Mike’s love for surfing and his discovery of how beneficial it was for his physical fitness. He noticed he was in better shape during surf season—toned muscles, improved balance, enhanced core strength—you name it! But when there weren’t any waves to ride? Well, that’s where the challenge arose.

That got them thinking. What if they could design a workout program that mimicked surfing? One where you wouldn’t have to wait for perfect weather conditions or travel miles to find a beach? So they developed a machine called the ‘RipSurfer X’, which simulates the instability of being on a surfboard.

Now picture this—you’re standing on their specially designed board that imitates all those wobbly ups-and-downs of an ocean wave. You’re doing yoga poses or strength training exercises while trying your best not to topple over. Sounds like fun right?

Here are some quick stats about Surfset Fitness:

  • Over 300 licensed locations worldwide
  • Featured on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2012
  • Secured a $300K investment deal from billionaire Mark Cuban

In essence, what makes Surfset Fitness truly distinctive is its unique blend of cardio workouts with elements of yoga and Pilates—all performed on an unstable platform (the RipSurfer X). It’s challenging enough to keep seasoned gym-goers engaged but also playful enough to attract beginners who may typically shy away from traditional exercise routines.

So next time you’re itching for some surfin’ vibes but can’t hit the beach, Surfset Fitness might just be the wave you’ve been waiting to ride!

Profiles of the Founders: The Minds behind Surfset Fitness

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Let’s dive right into it. Curious about who’s riding the waves at the helm of Surfset Fitness? Well, you’re in luck. We’re talking about three incredible individuals here: Mike Hartwick, Sarah Ponn, and Bill Ninteau.

Mike Hartwick is not just your regular guy. He’s a former professional hockey player with an entrepreneurial spirit that could rival Richard Branson himself! After hanging up his hockey skates, Mike found a new passion – surfing. But he didn’t stop there. Realizing the lack of surfing-based workout routines, he took it upon himself to change that and thus, Surfset Fitness was born!

Sarah Ponn isn’t one to be left behind either. With her background as a fitness instructor and nutrition expert, she joined forces with Mike to make sure Surfset Fitness wasn’t just another fad but a complete lifestyle change for those embracing it.

And let’s not forget Bill Ninteau – the engineering wizard who made all this possible! His technical expertise helped translate their vision into reality by designing equipment that simulated surfing movements on dry land – quite literally bringing beach workouts indoors!

Here are some quick bites about our fantastic trio:

  • Mike Hartwick: Former Professional Hockey Player turned Founder
  • Sarah Ponn: Top-notch Fitness Instructor & Nutrition Expert
  • Bill Ninteau: Engineering Genius behind innovative workout equipment

So there you have it! The brains trust behind this revolutionary fitness enterprise is as diverse as they come – proof positive that when passion meets innovation great things can happen! Stay tuned for more exciting insights into the world of Surfset Fitness in our next section. Remember, life’s a wave…catch it!

Conclusion: Impact and Future Plans of the Surfset Fitness Founders

Wow, haven’t the founders of Surfset Fitness made quite a splash? I mean, their innovative approach to fitness has truly revolutionized the way we think about exercise. And it’s not just about making waves in the gym, their impact stretches far beyond that.

Their workout routines are designed around surfing movements. This makes each session fun, engaging and unique! It’s no wonder folks have been flocking to them. They’ve managed to bring a touch of summer sunshine into our everyday lives!

The Surfset team hasn’t stopped there either. Their future plans are just as exciting as you’d expect from such forward-thinking pioneers.

  • First up, they’re looking at expanding internationally. Yes, that means you could soon be riding the virtual wave in your local gym.
  • Next on their list is enhancing their program by incorporating more ocean-inspired exercises.
  • They’re also keen on launching an app that’ll help you stay fit on-the-go.

Isn’t this thrilling? Just imagine how many more people would benefit from these awesome workouts!

As we move ahead, let’s keep an eye out for what these incredible folks have in store for us next. If there’s one thing we can count on – it’s that they’ll continue to redefine fitness landscapes with every new venture! So here’s to staying fit with some surf vibes!

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Surfset Fitness Founders: Your Inside Look at Their Journey - Shark Tank (2024 Update) (2024)

FAQs

How did Surfset do after Shark Tank? ›

The company would go on to partner with major corporations including UnderArmour, Garnier Fructis, Qdoba Mexican Grill, and more. While Mike Hartwick left the company in 2021. Surfset Fitness continues to thrive, with Surfset-certified trainers and classes in more than 30 cities nationwide.

How much money has Surfset Fitness made? ›

They received a $300,000 investment from Mark Cuban and have now grown SURFSET to a company earning $8 million in revenue with 250 locations in 19 countries worldwide. SURFSET licenses their trademarks and classes to gyms and personal trainers and offers products such as the mechanical surfboard and clothing.

Who owns Surfset Fitness? ›

Who is the founder of Surfset Fitness? Mike Hartwick, Bill Ninteau, and Sarah Hartwick are the founders of Surfset Fitness.

What is the most successful product on Shark Tank that was turned down? ›

One of the most notorious (and successful) Shark Tank rejects started as a video doorbell name Doorbot. After a famously tepid reaction from the sharks, Amazon later bought the company for a deal worth nearly $1 billion.

What is most successful product sold from Shark Tank? ›

With more than $225 million in lifetime sales, Bombas has generated the highest sales on "Shark Tank".

Who owns the brand Surf? ›

and all of its brands — Billabong, Quiksilver, RVCA, Roxy, DC, Element, and Honolua — were sold to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) for 1.3 billion dollars… that's billion with a 'B'. We've been following this sale closely for the past several months, but September 1, 2023, marks the official change in ownership.

Who owns Surf Style? ›

Surf Style is a surf-style clothing and souvenir retail chain in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi operated by Surf Style Retail Management. Surf Style has about 40 retail locations and is also an internet retailer. Their Clearwater Beach superstore includes a FlowRider indoor surfing and boogie boarding installation.

Who owns Elite strength and fitness? ›

Drew Segal — Elite Strength and Fitness.

Did any Shark Tank deals succeed? ›

In 2012, before the pitch, the Scrub Daddy was carried in just five supermarkets. Today, the Scrub Daddy is available in thousands of retail stores. The company also generates revenues of over $175 million and is considered to be the most successful Shark Tank deal of all time.

How many Shark Tank deals went out of business? ›

It's not over. 52 got a yes, but this is how many deals ACTUALLY become a reality. On average, only 27 companies close out the deal per season, and it's all due to paperwork.

Who is the owner of Surf Band Pro? ›

Greg Demirjian, the mastermind behind WearSpray, is not only a lifelong surfer but also a versatile creative individual. His talents encompass music, screenwriting, EFX editing, and songwriting. However, the role of an inventor was never something he anticipated.

Is Fit Fighter still in business? ›

FitFighter will be in full swing at the IHRSA 2022 Industry Trade Show in Miami, FL June 22-24 for its next major industry appearance, to include both a Live presence and virtual booth. Don't miss a chance to see the company in action in South Florida!

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