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Inflatable Boat Makes Waves at Volleyball Tourney

Waupaca Inflatable BoatInflatable Boat Highlights Tournament's Heritage

When the Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament started out over 30 years ago, it featured a boat ride after play. Since that time, the mid-July tourney has moved to a larger city (Oshkosh, Wisconsin), where it now includes more than 1,500 teams. Today it is the nation's largest outdoor volleyball tournament.

Along the way, however, the annual event has abandoned its once-popular boat ride.

 But boats are still part of its name and heritage, and tournament director Eddie Zelhofer wanted to keep that tradition alive. So, he asked Landmark Creations to design and build a custom inflatable boat, much like the one that once hosted post-play parties.

The result is an impressive red speedboat: 12 feet high, 20 feet long, floating on billowy waves. Authentic in every detail, it even includes realistic "windows."

So far, the inflatable replica has made quite a splash, both at the tournament and on social media. "The inflatable was a way to bring a boat back into the mix," says Zelhofer. "By staging it next to our main court complex, it became a powerful marketing and awareness tool."

Why did Zelhofer turn to Landmark to put the "boat" back in "Boatride"? "They were easy to deal with throughout the research phase," he says, with "excellent customer service throughout the process."


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What Others Say About Landmark Creations


“[The inflatable arch] created a wonderful backdrop to brand our events, capture our sponsors in the photos used by the participants, and made it easy to travel down the coast of California without taking up too much space on our trucks.”

- Amy Daugherty, California Coast Classic

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked.  We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

"I chose Landmark Creations because they had a reasonable price for a customized inflatable. The other inflatables featured on their site made me confident that they could produce exactly what I was looking for."

- Sara Chadeck, KONO 101.1 FM

"Our Landmark Creations blast tunnel made for an incredible night and it was exeremley well received by the players, coaches and fans. Thanks to you and your team for a first class effort. Regards."

- Glenn Mastro, Watchung Hills Warriors Touchdown Club

"Our giant peach is brand new to us and will help us gain name recognition in our community at health fairs, county fairs, farm markets, school events and almost any event we take it to."

- Greg Stone, Peach Tree Healthcare

“We knew Landmark was the only company that would be able to understand our vision and work to make it come to life.”

- Lelia King, Charlotte Center City Partners