Paddle Zoo was established by paddler Matt Kearney with one mission: to bring high-quality paddles and boards to the Southwest Florida area. Paddle Zoo is a passion project for Matt and exists simply because he loves paddling and is dedicated to giving you access to the two best brands out there: Hippostick and 404. Matt helped grow the sport of SUP and Outrigger Canoe in Southwest Florida through his role as an ambassador for various brands, his efforts in growing the local paddle community, and his general enthusiasm for learning and growing the sport. Paddle Zoo is the next logical step in that progression. The story of 404 first started at the 2009 Battle of the Paddle. Greg Jensen, a former professional surfer and shaper, and Danny Ching, a world-renowned outrigger paddler, met and decided to join forces. The two believe that the complement of a knowledgeable shaper and someone who could test the limits of board design, would only lead to the best available SUP products on the market. Fast-forward to the present, and stand up paddling is far more than just one type of paddling. 404’s roots are in racing, but quickly embraced the diversity of SUP and vows that every paddler, no matter ability or activity, deserves the highest quality of boards to help them achieve their best performance possible. Hippostick is another paddle brand created by the legend, Danny Ching. Years of racing SUP and Outrigger Canoe helped him create the best paddles out there. Other star paddlers and shapers have had influence on Hippostick's lineup over the years like Danny's own father, Al Ching, whom the original SUP blade, the "Al Pro," is named after. Or Dave "Blurr" Boehne, whom the "Blurr" SUP paddle is named after. Or young phenom Ryland Hart, whom the "Hart Attack" outrigger paddle is named after.