In 1975 Tom Wiltse, owner of the Paddlebuoy company, bought the GoBuoy paddleboard mold from Formex Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana. He was, at the time, in the watercraft rental business, renting "everything from paddleboards to pontoon boats". Formex had ceased operations, and Wiltse needed more paddleboards. Knowing how well the boards had gone over in northern Michigan, he reasoned that others would want them also. He changed the name of the product to Paddle Pal, and then to Paddlebuoy, in 1983. Today the boards are manufactured exclusively in Elk Rapids, Michigan. The line includes the original Classic board along with the polyethylene version, the Classic II, as well as the popular ABS covered Pro.
Safety and Fun - An Unbeatable Combination
Safety is always an issue when people are near the water. The unsinkable Paddlebuoy has no moving parts and no sharp edges. Youngsters can use the board to race each other, practice surfing, paddle leisurely in group outings, or just horse around. When children are wearing life vests, there are few activities in the water that are safer.
Additionally, having a Paddlebuoy nearby in the case of an emergency is always a good idea. With its light weight and 380 pounds of buoyancy, Paddlebuoys have been used on many occasions by lifeguards as well as by alert bystanders to rescue people in trouble in the water. Professional lifeguards have been using this board since its invention in the 1950's. Resorts, campgrounds, and summer camps take advantage of the dual role Paddlebuoys can play, as both a recreational product enjoyed by all ages and as a needed safety rescue board.
