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© 2025 Awkward Watersport Guys Podcast
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What do you get when you combine wild and wondrous watersports with experts in the industry, and then put it on a captivating podcast? The Awkward Watersport Guys! These guys truly know their stuff, and are ready to dive in and provide insight on everything having to do with watersports.The goal of this podcast is to help enhance and expand your existing business, stay up to date on current watersport/tour operator trends, and discuss everything watersports related. Not only that, it's pretty entertaining! So, grab your headphones, tune in, and let’s get awkward with the Awkward Watersport Guys!
196 Episodes
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In this episode, the guys mix a recap of The Port 2025 with business insights from a recent industry event. They reflect on key takeaways around community, networking, and the growing importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operators looking to scale beyond self employment. You will hear candid thoughts on the difference between running a business versus just working in one, the role of in person relationships in an increasingly digital world, and the cautious optimism around A...
In this episode, the guys sit down with Derek Michaloski to explore the intersection of technology, and photo marketing in today’s digital age. The conversation dives into broader cultural shifts and what that means for how operators market real world experiences. Derek shares his journey from traditional film photography to digital systems, emphasizing the enduring power of tangible photos in creating emotional connections and boosting revenue. Next, they discuss strategies to integrate phot...
In this episode, the guys dive deep into the realities of running a modern water sports business blending humor, honesty, and hard won experience with sharp insights on technology, operations, and customer service. Then they preview upcoming industry events like The Port conference and unveiling Greg's book Boat Boss, the conversation balances entertainment with key takeaways. Then they explore the growing influence of vertical SaaS platforms, the smart integration of AI tools, and the crucia...
In this episode, the guys dive into a candid live session at Arival, joined by a live audience. The guys deliver sharp insights on hot topics for watersport operators, including dynamic pricing, conversion rate optimization, upselling strategies, and customer acquisition costs. They share real world examples of how small changes in booking funnels, social proof, and early bird promotions can significantly boost revenue while addressing the challenges of customer retention in a “once in a life...
In this episode, the guys sit down with Kyle Reed, founder of Stannect, a CRM and automation platform designed for industries like home services and watersports. Kyle shares his journey from launching Stannect as a side hustle during COVID to building a full scale CRM solution that helps operators move beyond being “order takers.” The conversation dives into the challenges watersport businesses face with lead management, customer communication, and sales conversion. They also discuss how auto...
In this episode, the guys sit down with Zeb Smith of Zebulon Consulting to unpack the financial and operational challenges unique to watersport and outdoor operators. Zeb shares his journey from CPA to niche consultant, explaining how he helps outfitters move beyond gut instincts and passion to build data driven, profitable businesses. The conversation dives into the “Four Ps” of the industry: Passion, Permitting, People, and Profit. This highlights common pitfalls like seasonal workforce str...
In this episode, the guys sit down with Andres Avello, Co-Founder of PADL, to explore how his company is transforming the paddleboard and kayak rental industry through a self service, app driven model. Andres shares his journey from growing up on the water in Miami to building one of the fastest growing rental networks in Florida, now operating at more than 40 locations. The conversation dives into the realities of Miami’s watersports scene, including fraud and unregulated jet ski operations,...
In this episode, the guys sit down with Eric Pinzon, founder of Electrified Marina, to dive into the realities and opportunities of the electric boat market. Eric shares his first hand experience navigating this emerging sector, from educating customers on safety misconceptions to tackling infrastructure and challenges. The conversation explores how location, marketing, and personal branding play critical roles in making electric boat operations successful. They also addressing the hurdles of...
In this episode, the guys sit down with Bruce Rosard from Arival to talk about how the tours, activities, and experiences industry is evolving and what it means for water sport operators in 2025 and beyond. Bruce shares his journey from ski tour operator to Co-Founder of Arival and explains how Arival is helping operators stay ahead with research driven information, powerful networking opportunities, and a brand new AI forum designed to tackle the biggest tech shifts impacting marketing and b...
In this episode, the guys dive into the real world challenges and strategies of acquiring a watersports business. Operators will hear a breakdown of the key financial and operational metrics that truly matter such as revenue, EBITDA, leases, permits, marketing channels, and the often overlooked keyman risk. They warn against emotional overvaluation from sellers and stress the importance of approaching deals with an investor mindset. Their advice? Don’t overpay for a “great” business find a “g...
In this episode, the guys chat with Morgan Frayser, Co Owner of Slick Rock Off Road Rental. He shares what it’s like running a family owned off road rental business in one of the most challenging tourism environments in the country. From navigating a crushing 32% local tax burden to dealing with activist groups pushing for restrictions, Morgan reveals how politics, regulation, and environmental pressures shape adventure tourism. He also shares stories of rescue missions and the steep insuranc...
In this episode the guys sit down with Cam Serigne, founder of vQuip, to discuss how his team is tackling the insurance crisis in the watersports rental industry. After a career ending NFL injury and time in private equity, Cam launched vQuip to fill a growing insurance gap by combining renters insurance with smart technology and risk management tools. They dive into challenges like Florida’s SB606, the lack of standard regulations, and how vQuip’s data driven approach is helping operators re...
In this episode, the guys chat all about Kevin's month long road trip across the US. They get into his favorite moments from the trip and what he learned along the way. They also discuss Viator's new insurance requirement and how they believe it will impact other watersport businesses. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.faceb...
In this episode, the guys chat about the new changes being made to cruise ships. They get into the repercussions of the changes and how they could be viewed by the public. Then they touch on how important safety is when renting boats and jetskis. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489 Instagra...
In this episode, the guys chat about exciting news for the upcoming Port Conference. They get into the new awards they will be giving out, what they mean and how you can nominate people. Then they reminisce about the past and get into their plans for the future. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/115541890...
In this episode, the guys chat about the realities of the watersport industry. They get into the challenges of running a highly seasonal business and the difficulties of balancing staffing, expenses and the impact weather has on your watersport business. Then they get into advice for newcomers and what they would do if they had to start all over. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: h...
In this episode, the guys chat about how the 2025 Memorial Day weekend treated them. Then they chat about their thoughts on how data can be misleading and how to better analyze and understand your data. They also touch on how they could believe AI could impact the future. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups...
In this episode, the guys chat with Christian Watts, CEO of Magpie Travel. They chat about their thoughts on OTAs throughout the history or watersports and their predictions for how AI could impact the future. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podc...
In this episode, the guys chat with Ben Merell, CEO of Power Up Watersports. They reflect on his journey through watersports and where he has found himself now. They chat about his journey to becoming a councilman and how he plans to propel watersports to a prospering future. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/gr...
In this episode, the guys chat with Steve Edwards, CEO of AAMP Agency. They reflect on the start of the 2025 season, what they have seen and what they expect. Then they give their thoughts on the future of all businesses with AI more prevalent than ever before. [SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez. Show Links: Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904...
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interesting podcast. I'm a watersports operator. you guys need to stop dropping the f bomb on the podcast. lol. hard to do I know. I am a salor too.