Inflatable Boat Makes Waves at Volleyball Tourney

Inflatable Boat Highlights Tournament's Heritage

When the Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament started out over 30 years ago, it featured a boat ride after play. Since that time, the mid-July tourney has moved to a larger city (Oshkosh, Wisconsin), where it now includes more than 1,500 teams. Today it is the nation's largest outdoor volleyball tournament.

Along the way, however, the annual event has abandoned its once-popular boat ride.

But boats are still part of its name and heritage, and tournament director Eddie Zelhofer wanted to keep that tradition alive. So, he asked Landmark Creations to design and build a custom inflatable boat, much like the one that once hosted post-play parties.

The result is an impressive red speedboat: 12 feet high, 20 feet long, floating on billowy waves. Authentic in every detail, it even includes realistic "windows."

So far, the inflatable replica has made quite a splash, both at the tournament and on social media. "The inflatable was a way to bring a boat back into the mix," says Zelhofer. "By staging it next to our main court complex, it became a powerful marketing and awareness tool."

Why did Zelhofer turn to Landmark to put the "boat" back in "Boatride"? "They were easy to deal with throughout the research phase," he says, with "excellent customer service throughout the process."

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 60

View More "Sports Industry Inflatables" Articles

Giant Inflatable Arch Gets Cross-Country Team to the Finish Line

Giant Custom Inflatable Boosts Brand Awareness at Sporting Events

Custom Inflatable Arch Gives Canadian Triathlon a Truly Dramatic Finish

Custom Inflatable Shotgun Shell Hits the Target at Sporting Clays Championship

What Others Say About Landmark Creations

"We had a very positive experience working with Landmark Creations and were very impressed with their service and how quickly we were able to receive our inflatable. The product is high quality and super easy to use, which makes a huge difference when setting up."

- Missy Keiper, Avera McKennan Foundation

“The setup is so easy. We have had event tents and other promotional items in the past that were a nightmare to set up and break down. The inflatable is now the easiest part of the setup, and probably the most identifiable.”

- Vaughan Cutillo, Montauk Brewing Company

"It was a big success! Customers were stopping to take their pictures with the inflatable pheasant and it helped draw in interstate traffic."

- M. Kettler, Cabela's

"Landmark Creations has been our go-to supplier for 15 years. Tom and his team are people we count on to make our products look good."

- J. Doyle, Scenery First

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises

"Give our races a 'big event' feel. They look cool in photos and videos, and they help us establish the look and feel of our brand."

- Sam Abbitt, Savage Race