So, did you bring your crosse paddle with you today?
It lets you catch, throw and paddle all in one. You don’t have to bring any extra gear. It’s got elements of Frisbee golf, where you’re throwing at targets, polo and ultimate Frisbee.
– Rick Appleyard, inventor
Editor’s note: The following news story and video were originally published by WEAR in Florida.
Northwest Florida is no stranger to water sports, but one Pensacola man is hoping to shake things up with a new option. It’s a combination of lacrosse and paddle boarding.
What started as a joke on Twitter became a reality for Crosse Paddle inventor, Rick Appleyard.
The 30-year-old first tweeted about combining the two sports in 2012 and the idea stuck with him.
Four years and more than 20 prototypes later, Crosse Paddle came to life.
Revamping the traditional paddleboard, Rick aims to make the sport more edgy.
Although appealing to a more active and sports-driven crowd, he insists Crosse Paddle is for everyone.
“People that want to play, they don’t have to have a strong background in lacrosse,” said Rick.
“I’ve had people who have never paddleboarded, who have never played lacrosse, and they were standing up on the paddle, throwing balls within 15 minutes.”
Retailers in Peru and Canada have shown interest in the new sport, but Rick does not want the sport to go international, at least, not yet.
“Really what I wanted to do was create something that’s a new experience that no one else has, and it can start here in Pensacola,” said Rick.
“It’s something unique to Pensacola, where people can visit and try it out.”
Appleyard sells a full Crosse Paddle package set, which includes a board, paddle, and a hole, for $580. A crosse paddle retails at $65. The cornhole package, which includes two holes and two paddles, is the perfect option for those who might already own paddleboards.
For more information on Crosse Paddle, visit AppleyardRecreationAndCulture.com.
