Justin Murray, owner of Three Brothers Boards, is pleased to announce that the paddle board company celebrates 10 years in business this year.
“Paddle boarding is certainly a good time, and time really does fly when you are having fun,” said Justin Murray, co-owner of Three Brothers Boards. “It’s a lifestyle really, and we have enjoyed running this business for the past 10 years,” he added.
In 2009, Justin and his brother, R.J., worked in the finance industry when their youngest brother, Jason, died unexpectedly. The trio always connected with the water. When they were younger, they hoped to turn their love of surfing into a career by opening their own board shop. It had always been a dream, something they planned to do one day. However, life got in the way, and they just never got around to it.
About eight months after Jason died, R.J. and Justin knew they needed to follow through and open a shop in Jason’s name. “Although Jason may not be here physically, he is just as much a part of it as we are,” said Justin. “We want people to enjoy nature,” he added. “And to realize that it’s never too late.” “No matter how impossible or distant your dream seems.”
Paddle Board Company Tours and Local Adventures
In addition to manufacturing and selling boards, a majority of the business comes from paddle board tours, which they give in the Halifax River and Daytona Beach area. “We give thousands of tours and lessons every year,” said Justin. “In addition to locals, we have summer vacationers from around the world, students and families on spring break, and people in town for events in Daytona such as the Daytona 500, gymnastics competitions, the Shriners, and so many more,” he added. “And it’s not just people who take our tours,” said Justin. “We have so many people bringing their dogs as well,” he said. “Pups and Sups” is what it’s known as. “Dogs want to be where their humans are, and paddle boarding allows them to tag along and have some fun as well,” Justin added.
The paddle board company has reached major milestones over the past decade. One highlight was being selected by CBS to feature its paddle boards on multiple episodes of “The Price is Right” with host Drew Carey. “Having our boards featured on the show was really cool, to say the least, and great exposure for the Three Brothers Boards brand,” said Justin. “It was a bit surreal seeing our boards on the show,” he added.
In 2011, Three Brothers Boards tour guide Austin Marvin captured a rare twin manatee birth on video. One of our tours made the news after witnessing a manatee give birth to two calves in the Halifax River near City Island in Daytona Beach. “We are all about nature at Three Brothers Boards, so it was an incredible experience,” said Justin.
The paddle boarders heard water moving, saw a manatee surface, noticed a red patch of water, and then watched a manatee calf appear. Moments later, a second manatee calf surfaced and took a breath of air. The company has had the privilege of creating custom ‘family-shaped’ boards for brands like Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Guinness Beer, and Margaritaville. These boards have appeared in restaurants and resorts worldwide.
“We’ve enjoyed naming our boards over the years,” said Justin. “Each name has a story,” he added. The “Irish Twin” honors Justin and Jason, who were born 11 months apart. The “Lawless” board carries their mother’s family name. “Rico” was their father’s nickname. Most meaningful to the brothers is the “Jason Ryan” board, named in memory of their late brother.
It’s easy to tell that their customers feel the same way about the business – Three Brothers Boards has been voted the #1 tour in Daytona Beach on TripAdvisor. Additionally, their Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour was featured on the Travel Channel as one of the BEST Tours in the United States.
The company plans an anniversary celebration later this year, with details coming soon.