Strategic Management Theory Applied to Surftech

The Sports MBA spring semester featured a “Strategic Thinking” course, taught by Dr. John Francis, which included a semester-long project applying the modern analytical frameworks and techniques used in strategy analysis. Students designed strategic solutions to different business challenges for three San Diego based sports businesses: Surftech, Hookit, and DRIVE.

SMBA '22 team (from left to right), Alanna Shepard, Eamon Dunlavey, Tobias Strebel, and Trevor Weimer, presenting to Surftech on Zoom

Surftech is a surfboard and stand-up paddleboard manufacturing company that uses innovative technology to build a lighter, more durable board. With the drive to push the technical limits of construction materials, Surftech released durable inflatable paddleboards to provide both convenience and performance for the everyday paddleboarder. These products are meant to be lightweight and compact, providing a suitable experience for recreational and touring adventures. Before the invention of the inflatable paddleboard, most SUP enthusiasts faced challenges with air travel. Surftech’s unique design helped solve this problem, utilizing drop stitch technology to create one of the world’s most lightweight, inflatable compact travel partners. 

Three consultancy teams of SMBA ‘22 students met with the Surftech executive team, evaluated its inflatable paddleboards, and studied the scope of the paddleboard manufacturing industry. The groups’ main task was to evaluate customer behavior and determine whether trends were compatible with Surftech’s business model. Teams conducted a survey that resulted in over 300 replies and utilized the responses to provide strategic recommendations to promote the product and increase sales.

To assist with the preparation of their projects, teams of students partnered Sports MBA program alumni, who assisted with research, strategy and presentation development. Alumni Lawren Wolf, Greg Moore, and Luke Epp, all graduates of the Sports MBA Class of 2011, worked closely with student teams, oversaw the research and outreach, and provided recommendations based on their professional experience.  

The consultancy with Surftech provided SMBA ‘22 with the experience to collaborate, advise, and virtually present to real clients, design strategic solutions, and apply common frameworks used in business. Additionally, teams received constructive feedback from the client that they can apply throughout their careers. 

The SDSU Sports MBA program would like to thank Surftech for partnering with the students on this project and Dr. John Francis for providing an opportunity to apply the frameworks and concepts from the Strategic Thinking course in a real world setting.