MIZU YAMA OUTDOORS
WELCOME TO MIZU YAMA OUTDOORS
Written By Thomas Rash
Mizu Yama Outdoors began in the Lassonde Founders Program. When frantically trying to produce an original idea for my Founders project, I found myself brainstorming with my now business partners early in the morning of what I could possible present the next day. The first thing we needed to do was try to create value. We asked ourselves, “What issues do we have?” and “How could we market to someone like us?” Thus, we simplified things down into shared characteristics. We all paddleboard, came from a medium to larger family, but did not have enough space in our dorm or at home to store multiple hardshell paddleboards.
Why The PortaBoard?
Out of this brainstorming came the PortaBoard – a portable, foldable, hardshell paddleboard. Our unique folding and latching system allows for an easy setup. The PortaBoard does not take up as much space as a normal paddleboard, which allows easy storage and transportation. The PortaBoard also less expensive than most other hardshell paddleboards and offers more stability than inflatable paddleboards at the same price.
Easy Setup
Easy Transportation
Easy Storage
Lower Cost
Journey of the PortaBoard
To get to the product we have today, it was as exceptionally long journey. After the idea for the PortaBoard, we presented to the Lassonde Get Seeded Program. However, we did not receive funding, which led us to remake our presentation and apply for and receive less funding. With this funding, we bought a paddleboard and made our first PortaBoard. Going forward, we plan to continue to prototype to improve the PortaBoard. As of now, we are currently fundraising for a provisional patent of the product.
PortaBoard First Prototype
Meet the Team
Personal Journey
Through this journey, I have struggled managing classwork while launching the product, receiving funds, and trial and error in prototyping after initial uncertainty over legal issues with competition.
As an Entrepreneurship and Operations and Supply Chain Management major, I have been taught skills that contribute to an entrepreneurial mindset, which sets me apart from my peers. For example, finding pain points, as I did in the creation of the PortaBoard.
Mizu Yama Outdoors' Message
As long as you keep working hard on your vision, you can succeed.