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Exploring Life & Business with Channing Bobb of The Boost Flipper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Channing Bobb

Hi Channing, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey there! I’m Channing Bobb, and I’m thrilled to share our family’s journey with you. It all began over 50 years ago with my amazing Aunt Harriet Plummer. She started by going door to door, teaching kids how to swim in their backyard pools. Her dedication quickly made her a leading swim teacher, and she eventually founded Harriet Plummer Aquatics right in her own backyard.

After making a significant impact, Aunt Harriet decided it was time to pass the baton. Her children, Kristian Lupinski and Nate Burns, took over, moved the swim school to a new location, and kept it thriving. Unsatisfied with the fins on the market, they decided to design their own. After two years of development, The Boost Flipper was born.

That’s where I come in. During a family gathering, Kristian asked if I’d join in on the new venture. With over 17 years working with young children as a teacher and nanny, I was ready for a new challenge. I started working part-time on The Boost Flipper while still teaching. Over the past year, I’ve helped perfect our adjustable strap, built our website and Amazon listing, managed our social media, set up our new office, pack and managed orders, and handled daily operations.

In August, I transitioned to full-time as Director of Operations. My husband, Cody Bobb, has also joined the team as our West Coast Director of Sales. He’s been busy promoting our flippers across San Diego—at swim schools, stores, and hotels. He also runs our booth at the La Jolla Farmers Market every Sunday, where he enjoys discussing The Boost Flipper, surfing, The Padres, and sharing a few dad jokes.

Our two boys, Ocean (6) and Skye (2), are big fans of our flippers. Ocean’s swimming skills have improved remarkably; he now dives to the bottom of our 8.5 ft pool without flippers and swims for hours. Watching his confidence soar has been incredibly rewarding.

We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to build The Boost Flipper together as a family. Our shared passion for water sports and commitment to strong swimming fundamentals is at the core of everything we do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every day in this new career path feels like a learning adventure! Starting a new role has been like earning a master’s degree on the job—I’ve had to teach myself a bunch of new skills and tackle challenges I’d never encountered before. But the excitement of diving into a new career path has been incredibly motivating. I’ve been absolutely loving the journey and am thrilled about where this role is taking me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At The Boost Flipper, we’re all about making waves in the world of swim education! With over 50 years of experience through Harriet Plummer Aquatics, we’ve honed our skills in teaching kids how to swim, using our deep understanding of child development to cater to every child’s needs in the water.

Our founders, Kristian Lupinski and Nate Burns, alongside their mom Harriet, noticed that many swim fins on the market were more about speed and diving depth rather than helping kids master the basics. So, they created The Boost Flipper to address a crucial gap: improving body positioning and boosting confidence in young swimmers. Crafted from soft rubber, our fins offer comfort for kids aged 3-8 and mimic a natural kick, making learning to swim a lot more enjoyable and effective.

What sets us apart? We’re a small, family-owned business with a rich background in child development and swim education. We know firsthand what kids need to feel confident and succeed in the water. Our adjustable straps mean our fins grow with your child—no need to keep buying new pairs! They’re also versatile enough for swim schools to use with multiple kids or hotels to rent out for pool time or snorkeling adventures.

We’re incredibly proud of how The Boost Flipper supports children as they progress through all four strokes, helping them develop a lifelong love for swimming. Our commitment to blending expertise with a personal touch is what makes our brand special. We want readers to know that with The Boost Flipper, you’re not just getting a swimming aid; you’re investing in a tool that grows with your child and helps them thrive in the water.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Starting out on a new venture can feel like jumping into the deep end, but it’s an exciting adventure! My advice for those just beginning is to embrace the learning curve with enthusiasm. You’ll be constantly picking up new skills and tackling unexpected challenges, so stay curious and open-minded.

One thing I wish I’d known when I first started is that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. It’s a process of discovery, and being flexible and adaptable will serve you well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek advice from others who’ve been through it—they’ve likely faced the same hurdles and can offer valuable insights.

Remember, every step you take, even the missteps, is part of the journey and contributes to your growth. Enjoy the ride, celebrate the small victories, and keep your passion for what you’re doing at the forefront. It’s that passion that will fuel your progress and keep you motivated, even on the toughest days.

Pricing:

  • $49.99 on our website
  • $51.99 on amazon

Contact Info:

Image Credits
photos by @calitrippin and @_surfdirt_

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