OUR FUN STORY
IT STARTS WITH OUR NAMESAKES, AND CONTINUES WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF FUN.
FUN
MISSION
Spud 'N Rich seeks to create Phys-Active Toys that bless kids with more fun than digital amusements; to get them moving and playing in the real world. Unleashing phenomenal properties of physics, we make toys that foster a sense of awe and wonder we call "Funomenal Fun."
To make the fun sustainable, we strive to use the best materials and design to deliver heirloom quality and tons of fun for years to come.
Spud Melin and Rich Knerr started Wham-O in Rich's folk's garage. Their first product was a hardwood slingshot sold by mail order.
WHAT A THRILL!
"FUNOMENAL" FUN
Remember the first time you threw a Frisbee? Or running barefoot on the lawn, hurling yourself along a wet sheet of yellow called, Slip 'N Slide? Or your first Super Ball?
I felt the same joy and wonder. Only difference was, my dad brought those toys home from the factory.
Toys Spud and Rich made were a special kind of fun. They harnessed phenomenal properties of physics to produce what I call, "Funomenal Fun." It's what makes a Hula Hoop defy gravity or a Frisbee float across the sky.
These toys defied expectations, invoking a kind of awe, even a thrill. Describing the physics involved is dull compared to streaking across a Slip 'N Slide, feeling a Super Ball exploding skyward, or the exhiliration of spinning as fast and long as you like. It's Funomenal!
--CHUCK KNERR
Our Story Comes Full Circle...
The summer Chuck was testing what became Whirly•Go•Round, he was also selling Slip 'N Slides door-to-door.
Whirly•Go•Round
FUNNEST TOY THEY NEVER FINISHED
Just before Slip 'N Slide, Spud and Rich worked on the beginning of a contraption we now call Whirly•Go•Round.
It was pipes and plywood and not ready for market. Chuck Knerr was a 5-year old test pilot. "Dad constantly warned me to not get tangled up in the steel legs. I'll never forget the exhilaration of spinning. Our patio was like Cape Canaveral!" But Spud and Rich had their hands full with Slip 'N Slide sweeping the country so they gave up!
But Chuck never forgot how much he loved it... WATCH THE VIDEO to hear the story from Rich and Chuck.
Indoor Thrill-Ride
WHirly•Go•Round
NO MOTORS, NO BATTERIES.
Whirly•Go•Round harnesses phenomenal properties of physics for Funomenal Fun! Kids use their core muscles to propel themselves as fast and long as they like.
Whirly•Go•Round is beautiful in any room and designed to deliver lasting value; so the fun is sustainable for years.
•
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IN THE
NEWS
WHIRLY•GO•ROUND
Toymaker's Son Puts New Spin On Old Idea.
FAITH, FAMILY AND FUN!
To help children better develop their God-given abilities by encouraging
learning, imagination and cooperation through physically active play.