Our Story

Whenever we took our sailboat out of the harbor, Ryan would steer us just close enough to the channel marker buoy to lean over and “slap da buoy.” It drove us crazy — but his mischievous grin made it unforgettable.

That simple ritual has taken on deeper meaning over time. During Ryan’s struggles with mental health, the ocean was often a place of calm and perspective — a neutral ground where life slowed down and our family could reconnect. After Ryan died by suicide in 2021, the sea also became part of how we processed our grief and remembered the adventurous spirit that defined him.

Like the buoys that guide boats safely through changing waters, Ryan’s memory reminds us of the importance of steadiness in the storm. Slap da Buoy was created by our family to honor that spirit — transforming a small, joyful moment into a symbol of safe passage, connection, and hope. Through this brand, we aim to spark conversations around mental health, raise support for organizations doing vital work, and encourage people to be a buoy for one another when the waters of life feel rough.