Rip Current Sports, LLC is a Maryland-based small business dedicated to improving water safety and swim education through innovation. Founded in 2020 by swim coach and entrepreneur Jose-Luis Gallagher, the company designs, manufactures, and sells Dual Boards — a patented swim training device proven to help individuals of all ages, abilities, and fear levels learn to swim faster and with greater confidence.
With two U.S. patents, two U.S. trademarks, and customers across 39 states and four countries, Rip Current Sports has demonstrated both strong product-market fit and a powerful social mission. At its core, the company believes that every person deserves the tools to feel safe and confident in the water.
As a growing startup, Rip Current Sports is always seeking support. The company learned about WorkSource Montgomery through a fellow entrepreneur, Elli Stephanede, CEO of Left Knee Patch, and quickly saw the value of partnering through the LYFE program.
Through LYFE, Rip Current Sports welcomed Chade H. — a recent college graduate who had been laid off from her federal government role. Leveraging her minor in Entrepreneurship, Chade applied the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) process to support Rip Current Sports’ research and innovation efforts while working an average of 25 hours per week.
Chade’s LYFE experience culminated in her presenting research findings before an Innovation Corps audience of professors, consultants, organizations, businesses, and community members. Beyond the professional growth, Chade also achieved a personal milestone: learning how to swim using Rip Current Sports’ Dual Boards. Her journey is captured in her own words here.
Following her internship, Chade was successfully recruited back by the very federal agency that had previously laid her off — a testament to the skills, confidence, and experience gained through LYFE.
Rip Current Sports’ goal is simple and impactful: to help all Marylanders learn to swim easily and safely using Dual Boards. Chade’s story — and the dedicated WSM staff who supported her — exemplifies the power of workforce development done right.
“LYFE gives LIFE to our Rip Current Sports Maryland business,” the team shared. “Chade, and the WSM staff who made this experience possible, are truly awesome — and we can’t wait to welcome the next Chade.”