From Garage to Greatness: How John Meskauskas Built Flying Fish Board Co.

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In this episode of Training Chats with Aloha Athletics, hosts Lindsey Tilton and Casey McCullough sit down with John Meskauskas, the mastermind behind Flying Fish Board Co. John’s journey started like so many great stories do—not in a high-tech workshop, but in a garage, fueled by passion and a relentless drive to learn. From sketching boats in grade school to shaping paddleboards that now win world titles, his path is a testament to what’s possible when you commit to the process of constant improvement.

We dive into the art of board shaping, the tight-knit community that Flying Fish has built, and John’s philosophy on innovation. He also shares insights on choosing the right board, understanding volume, and why spending time on the water is key—especially for endurance events like the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis.

Whether you’re a paddler, an entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a big dream, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need all the answers to start—you just need the commitment to keep going. Let’s get into it!

The episode serves as an inspiration for anyone chasing a big goal, emphasizing that one doesn’t need all the answers to start—just the courage to start and commitment to keep improving.

The Birth of Flying Fish: How John Meskauskas Built a Paddleboard Legacy

John’s passion for the water and paddleboarding led him to start this venture in his garage in Florida. Despite lacking formal experience in board shaping, he had an unwavering belief that he could design and build better boards. His dedication to crafting the best paddleboards possible combined with a commitment to connecting with every customer has grown Flying Fish into a respected name in the paddleboarding community.

Building a Community: How Flying Fish Paddleboards Created More Than Just Boards

A significant part of Flying Fish’s success is its focus on community. John’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment has created the “Flying Fish family,” a group connected not only by their love for paddleboarding but also through shared experiences and support at various events. This philosophy aligns with John’s passion for inclusivity and personal connections within the sport. No matter your skill level or board you ride the flying fish family will show you love and support!

Innovation and Development

Flying Fish continues to evolve by introducing new board types such as shortboards for prone surfing and foil boards to meet the growing demands of the sport. This innovation is reflective of John’s ongoing commitment to excellence and progression, both personally and within his company. The nature of Flying Fish’s American Made hand crafted boards is the ability to customize them to the paddler and also continuously dial in feedback and make changes to the boards. John is a paddler himself and races the boards he rides, allowing him to understand first hand how they respond to various tweaks.

Chasing Big Goals: The Power of Passion and Persistence

John’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and incremental improvement. Just as John started from scratch and continuously refined his craft, the episode serves as a powerful reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers to begin pursuing your dreams. Whether you’re aiming to paddle a long race, shape a board, or follow a completely different goal, the key is to start and remain committed.

Take Action:

Look, we get it. We multitask while listening to a podcast too. Don’t let this valuable conversation go in one ear and out the other. After listening, take a moment to reflect on the following journal prompts:

✅ What Fuels Your Drive? Think about a passion project or big goal you’ve had on your mind. What’s one small step you can take today to start making it a reality?

✅ Who’s in Your Corner? Success isn’t a solo journey. Who’s part of your support network, and how can you lean on them—or strengthen those connections—as you chase your goals?

✅ Level Up Daily. Growth comes from consistent effort. Identify one skill or habit you can focus on daily to keep improving. How will you hold yourself accountable?

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to share it with a friend and to leave a rating wherever you tune in from. Support like yours is invaluable for our independent podcast!  We’d love to hear about the goals you’re chasing. Connect with Aloha Athletics on Instagram at @aloha.athletics and find Flying Fish Board Co. online for your next board.