Creating fun, colorful, and durable lake gear for families who believe life is too short to be beige.
A Lake Pad Problem Solved:
For many, summer means endless days on the water floating, swimming, and soaking in the sun. But for Ben and Lillian Swan, it’s a constant battle against poor-quality lake gear. Between their three energetic boys, all under the age of six, they’ve witnessed their foam lake mats and inflatable pads break down faster than you can say “cannonball!” This frustration led to the creation of RadPadz, a brand born from love for the water and a desire to create something better and bolder for families like theirs.
The Birth of RadPadz:
RadPadz was founded on the belief that lake pads should be as vibrant, durable, and fun as the families who use them. Growing up in Northern Michigan, Ben and Lillian spent countless summer days on the water. Now, as parents of three boys, they’ve transferred that love for adventure onto their own kids, who spend every minute of daylight swimming and playing in the water. But their frustration with the flimsy, boring floating pads on the market led them to a simple but powerful realization: Why couldn’t lake pads be durable, practical, AND exciting?
“Our kids were constantly beating up whatever flavor of pad we’d have on the lake, tearing them, puncturing them, wearing them down,” says Ben. “Nothing we found could withstand the chaos of three kids jumping, flipping, and wrestling on them.” What started as a search for a more durable pad quickly turned into a mission to create their own idealized floating pad. And RadPadz was born.
From the very beginning, the Swans set out to make something that could survive the summer adventures of families who spend more time playing than lounging. After hours of brainstorming, testing materials, and countless phone calls to manufacturers, they finally designed a product that wasn’t just tough – it was also vibrant and fun. “We were tired of the dull, solid-colored pads that dominate the market,” Ben explains. “Life’s too short for boring lake gear, so we decided to make something bold and beautiful that would excite our kids and keep them active.”
Why RadPadz Is Different:
One of the key features that sets RadPadz apart is its dual-sided design, offering double the fun and two different but complimentary aesthetics. This simple innovation ensures that kids and adults can enjoy hours of entertainment without worrying about wear and tear, and it always looks beautiful. Whether it’s backflips, king of the pad, or just endless floating, RadPadz is built to keep up with the most active families.
But durability and design aren’t the only things that make RadPadz stand out. The brand’s mission goes beyond just creating a great product. “We want to promote and encourage physical activity, especially in kids,” says Lillian, who spent the last 10 years as an elementary school teacher. “In today’s world, where screen time is at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to get kids outside and moving. Our pads make it easier for families to connect and be active together, whether it’s splashing in the lake or jumping into the water. RadPadz over iPads!” RadPadz is not just a product; it’s a call to action for parents to embrace the outdoors and keep their children moving in the best possible way.
Despite being a young business, RadPadz has quickly gained a local following in Northern Michigan, where families love the quality and creativity behind each pad. And now, Ben and Lillian are ready to take the brand national. “We’ve done this all ourselves. We couldn’t afford to hire anything out, so we were forced to become “midnight” financial planners, marketing strategists, coders, product developers, etc. It was far from easy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” says Ben. “Our goal now is to get these into the hands of every water-loving family in the country.”
Make a Splash on the Water with RadPadz:
Are you ready to make this summer your most active and colorful yet? Don’t settle for boring lake gear. Visit RadPadz to explore our vibrant, double-sided floating pads built to last through every summer adventure. Whether you’re planning to backflip, play the day away, or simply relax, RadPadz has the perfect companion for your family. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on new designs and special offers. It’s time to upgrade your lake gear with RadPadz where fun, durability, and style meet the water.
