Boardcave GTM brain

Boardcave connects surfers with surfboards and gear from multiple shapers through an online marketplace.

category

Surf gear marketplace

market profile

  • text: The marketplace combines a board recommendation engine, customizable orders and shaper storefronts, according to its ordering guide.
  • text: A surf publication describes the Board Engine as matching equipment to surfer attributes and reports the founders' earlier manufacturer software.

personas

  • title: Progressing surfer buying a board
    pains:
    • Uncertainty about the right volume, shape and dimensions for ability and local conditions
    • Comparing models and shapers without visiting several stores
  • title: Experienced surfer ordering a custom board
    pains:
    • Finding the right shaper and customizing fins and tail shape
    • Confidence that an expensive board will survive shipping
  • title: Independent surfboard shaper or brand owner
    pains:
    • Reaching a wider audience beyond a local shop
    • Keeping online models and prices current while retaining review of custom orders

icp

  • text: Consumer surfers shopping for stock or custom boards and surf accessories online, including buyers in the US and Australia.
  • text: Supply partners are surfboard manufacturers able to manage a storefront, set product options and review orders; no revenue threshold is stated.

message pillars

  • text: Guide shoppers to boards suited to their individual needs.
  • text: Let customers configure a board with shaper input.
  • text: Offer accessible fulfillment options.

objections

  • objection: What if I choose the wrong shape or dimensions?
    response: The Board Engine recommends boards and the chosen shaper reviews the custom order.
  • objection: What if the surfboard is damaged during delivery?
    response: The published shipping guarantee says to report an issue within 24 hours to qualify.
  • objection: Can I get the same board cheaper elsewhere?
    response: Boardcave describes a price guarantee and asks customers to contact it about matching a cheaper advertised identical board.

competitors

  • name: BuyWake
    website: https://buywake.com
    why: Broader online boardsports equipment retailer competing for watersports spend.
  • name: MACkite Boardsports
    website: https://mackiteboarding.com
    why: Online boardsports retailer with a stronger kiteboarding focus.
  • name: Redshift Watersports
    website: https://redshiftwatersports.com
    why: Online surface watersports equipment and apparel retailer.

influencers

  • name: Ryan Mets
    url: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ryanmets_stoked-to-officially-announce-that-boardcave-activity-6902743948993937408-jM7U
    why: Co-founder discusses the evolution from surf blog to marketplace and industry platform.

keywords

  • custom surfboards online
  • surfboard finder
  • surfboard size calculator
  • surfboards for sale
  • surfboard shapers
  • surfboard fins
  • surfboard reviews

voice

  • Surf-native and enthusiastic
  • Practical and reassuring

signals

  • text: A surfer comparing board dimensions or planning a custom order is in an active purchase window.
  • text: A shaper seeking direct online distribution and control over product options is a prospective supply partner.

pricing

model: unknown

motion

product_led

channels

  • SEO
  • surfboard reviews
  • content marketing

confidence

medium

Founders

  • name: Ryan Mets
    title: Founder
    role: Founder
    bio: Founder & CEO at Boardcave. Growing up in South Africa and living between the Gold Coast, Australia and California, Ryan has always been an ocean enthusiast in sailing, fishing and surfing. Previously Ryan helped grow Wotif.com, the leading travel marketplace (now acquired by Expedia). Ryan founded his first company at age 17, setting up operations out of Indonesia to be able to work and surf.
  • name: Chris Greben
    title: Founder
    role: Founder
    bio: I was fortunate to have found my passion early in life, starting in Primary School when the first computer was introduced to the classroom, I was fascinated with the endless possibilities it offered. Fast forward, my adult education has evolved into architecting and building computer code to improve the lives of people by automating as much as physically possible, to ensure a good work life balance. Work Smarter, not Harder.

Back to YC companies