SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Just in time for the holidays, TIME's 2024 Best Inventions list may have discovered this year's hot holiday toy.
The GIBBON GiBoard has been picked as one of TIME's 2024 Best Inventions. TIME revealed its annual list, which features 200 innovations.
Designed by GIBBON, the GiBoard is a first-of-its-kind balance trainer that combines the benefits of slacklining with the fun of a board sport.
"Oh, we were psyched," said Bryan Pate, CEO of the company GIBBON. "It's a piece of fitness equipment that is as fun as a toy."
He believes he has a product for all ages from 3 to 83.
"It's great for kids, it's great for athletes, and it's great for adults," said Bryan. "It's super low to the ground, so it's really safe."
In 2007, GIBBON started selling slacklines worldwide.
"It's just good park fun," said Mike Clodfelter, the company's marketing manager. He can't slackline in his living room, but that's what the GiBoard is for.
"The easiest way to get on is to just step one foot in the middle of the line," said Erin Whiting.
The company's Lead Enthusiast showed me how to hop on and attempt a tail lift.
"You are doing great, Jeff, "said Erin.
Next came the surfer pose. To compile this year's list, TIME solicited nominations from TIME editors and correspondents worldwide through an online application process.
The product is being used in schools for balance training and also in physical therapy clinics for rehabbing injuries. GiBoards are also being used at sports performance centers and by athletes playing in the NFL, PGA, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, and a wide range of Olympic sports.
The device also takes 'planking push-ups' to the next level.
"That's pretty challenging," I gasped as we worked out our core.
Whereas people my age may be interested in building core strength, kids and young adults are using the GiBoard to do tricks. From kickflips and fun to professional athletes, the GiBoard is versatile. "All sports start with balance," said Bryan.
GiBoards usually sell for $200, but they're on sale for $149 throughout the holidays.
"You can pack it up and take it with you. Anywhere you want. Take it to the beach, the park, in your living room," said Bryan.
This year's 'Hot Holiday Gift' will challenge you to your core.
"How many have you sold?" I asked.
Bryan told me, "We will be about 100,000 by the end of this year. That is a huge number, a huge number. We are really happy about that."
Founded in 2007 and based in Germany, GIBBON launched the slackline industry and has been the world leader in slacklining for the past 17 years. GIBBON has sold over one million slacklines, making slacklining a widely recognized sport. GiBoard customers have access to more than 100 training, trick, and exercise videos located on GIBBON's website. For more information, click here.