Kitson Boards Built Locally, Paddled Nationally

Travis Dodge (left) and Mike Kitson build custom paddleboards and surfboards in Olympia, Washington.
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Travis Dodge (left) and Mike Kitson build custom paddleboards and surfboards in Olympia, Washington.

Olympia entrepreneur, Michael Kitson, is growing a thriving business building one-of-a-kind paddleboards and surfboards for enthusiasts.  Founder of Kitson Boards, he is capitalizing on one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.

Kitson recognized an opportunity to improve the current boards on the market and is building an expanding business using local talent and materials.

To get his start, Kitson looked at the sales data, the product imported overseas, and the market potential and realized that he could “do it better.”

“I see nothing but growth for the industry,” says Kitson with a smile.

Kitson Boards are made of durable carbon fiber.  “The Pacific Northwest is a brain trust for applications of carbon fiber technologies,” explains Kitson who adds that special foam is shipped from Kent, Washington to the Olympia manufacturing facility.

Not only are the boards built locally in Olympia, Kitson Boards are the only stand-up paddleboards on the market manufactured in the United States.

For example, Kitson credits John Simmons, his carbon fiber layup technician, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, primarily in the race car industry.  As the applications for carbon fiber expands, Kitson is ready to move too.

Kitson Boards is capitalizing on one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.

Kitson added Design Engineer Travis Dodge to help reinvent the company’s product offerings.  The company made their first prototype in April and now fills orders as quickly as the boards are built.

Kitson Boards uses environmentally friendly paint that is non-flammable and emits virtually no odor.  Kitson chose this paint because it’s safe for his employees to use, creates almost zero waste and reduces the company’s carbon footprint.  The company also recycles all unused and scarp materials and purchases carbon credits to offset their environmental impact.

Dodge interacts with each customer to create a unique board.  While the basic design is dialed in with high tech computer software, Dodge adjusts the specifications so each board is unique for the individual customer.

“Each board is custom.  I’m going to make a different board for a paddler on Lake Tahoe than one being used on Lake Michigan,” explains Dodge.

Kitson and Dodge were quick to shake off any concerns over mass marketers selling less expensive boards.  “Our customers come to us when they are ready to upgrade to a new board.  They can feel the lag and want something lighter, skinnier or more custom,” explains Kitson.

Kitson Boards uses environmentally friendly paint that is non-flammable and emits virtually no odor.

The company is currently considering expanding to a large manufacturing space within Swantown Marina in downtown Olympia.  The space will enable the company to increase its production.  Increasing his commute time, by moving his production facilities off his personal property, does not seem to bother Kitson.  He jokes that his new favorite place to paddleboard will be just out the back door.

“We are building the strongest, lightest boards in the industry,” summarizes Kitson.

For more information, visit Kitson Boards at www.kitsonboards.com.

 

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