Surfers and beach lovers often face a tough choice: wear a wetsuit for warmth but deal with bulkiness, or choose regular board shorts and risk chafing and cold. Traditional board shorts don’t provide insulation, while wetsuits can be uncomfortable for casual wear. This problem frustrated Wes Horbatuck and Greg Orfe, two passionate surfers who wanted a better solution.
Their answer was Driftline, a brand of board shorts lined with wetsuit material. These shorts kept surfers warm, prevented chafing, and were stylish enough for everyday wear. The idea was simple but innovative: combine the comfort of board shorts with the functionality of a wetsuit.
When Wes and Greg entered Shark Tank Season 13, they asked for $100,000 for 10% equity to scale production and meet growing demand. Their sales were strong,$125,000 in year-to-date revenue, but they struggled to keep up with orders. The Sharks were impressed by the product but had concerns about market size and scalability.
DriftLine Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Wes Horbatuck and Greg Orfe were looking for an investment of $100k in exchange for 10% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, they valued their company at $1 million. Wes and Greg did not secure a deal with any of the Sharks. The company’s net worth remained at $1 million. After the show was aired, the company experienced a good boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Driftline is around $3 million.
Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
Daymond John | $100,000 for 20% equity | $100,000 for 15% equity | No |
Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
Robert Herjavec | $150,000 for 33.3% equity $150,000 for 28% equity | $150,000 for 15% equity$150,000 for 20% equity$150,000 for 25% equity | No |
Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
Wes Horbatuck and Greg Orfe Backstory + Their Initial Pitch
Wes Horbatuck and Greg Orfe were lifelong surfers who spent countless hours in the water. They loved the ocean but hated the limitations of traditional surfwear. Regular board shorts left them cold in chilly waters, while wetsuits were too restrictive for casual use. They wanted something in between,a hybrid that offered warmth without sacrificing comfort.
After years of frustration, they decided to create their own solution. They experimented with different materials and designs until they developed Driftline’s signature board shorts. These shorts featured a built-in wetsuit liner that prevented chafing and provided insulation. The outer layer was made from quick-drying, durable fabric, making them perfect for surfing and everyday wear.
Starting Driftline wasn’t easy. Wes and Greg faced challenges in manufacturing and scaling production. Since they were self-funded, they had to manage costs carefully. They also struggled with inventory management because demand often exceeded supply.
When they pitched on Shark Tank, they presented a clear vision. Their shorts were already selling well, with $125,000 in sales that year. They explained how their product solved a real problem for surfers. The Sharks admired their passion but questioned whether the market was big enough for growth.
Queries + Shark’s Responses, and Final Deal
The Sharks had mixed reactions to Driftline.
Kevin O’Leary was the first to bow out. He admitted he didn’t understand the surfing market and didn’t see a big enough opportunity for profit.
Lori Greiner loved the product but felt it was too niche. She worried about mass appeal and decided not to invest.
Daymond John saw potential but didn’t believe he could add value. He initially stepped out but later returned with an offer.
Mark Cuban was intrigued but didn’t make an offer. He wanted to see how the other Sharks would negotiate first.
Robert Herjavec was the most interested. He offered $150,000 for 33.3% equity, which Wes and Greg felt was too high. They countered with 25%, but Robert refused.
Daymond then jumped back in with an offer,$100,000 for 20% equity, but only if they accepted immediately. The founders hesitated, and Daymond withdrew.
Robert lowered his offer to 28% equity, but Wes and Greg still felt it was too much. With no agreement reached, they left the Tank without a deal.
What Went Wrong With DriftLine On Shark Tank?
Driftline had a unique product that many found impressive, but a few key reasons stopped a deal from happening with the sharks. Some of the sharks believed that the product was mainly designed for surfers, which made them worry that there wouldn’t be enough potential customers outside this small group. This could limit how much the business could grow.
Robert wanted to give up a large share (33%) of the company in exchange for investment money. The founders thought this was too much to give away, which made them reluctant to accept the offer. The founders, Wes and Greg, took too long to make a decision when one of the investors, Daymond, made an offer. Because they hesitated, Daymond decided to leave without making a deal.
Even though they didn’t end up getting investment from the Sharks, being on the show helped Driftline reach more customers and grow their business.
Product Availability
Driftline’s board shorts, called “Drifties,” are available in lined and unlined versions. The lined shorts have a neoprene wetsuit liner for warmth, while the unlined style is perfect for summer.
Customers can buy them on the official Driftline website (driftlinesurf.com). Prices range from $80 to $120, depending on the style. The brand also releases seasonal collections, keeping their designs fresh and trendy.
What Happened To The DriftLine After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, a company called Driftline has been doing well. They made some changes and improvements to their business. Driftline started making unlined shorts, which are great for warmer weather. This gives customers more options when it comes to their clothing.
Thanks to the exposure from Shark Tank, more people have learned about Driftline, and as a result, their sales have gone up. Driftline has kept a strong link to the surfing community, which helps them maintain their brand identity and continue attracting customers who love surfing.
As of today, Driftline is still around, focusing on making high-quality products and coming up with innovative ideas, while staying true to what they originally set out to do.
Conclusion
Driftline’s journey on Shark Tank Season 13 was a mix of success and missed opportunities. Wes and Greg pitched a unique, functional product but couldn’t secure a deal due to equity disagreements.
Despite this, the brand thrived. They expanded their offerings and kept their loyal customer base. Today, Driftline remains a favorite among surfers who want style, comfort, and performance in one pair of shorts.
For anyone looking for high-quality, innovative board shorts, Driftline is still a top choice. Their story proves that even without a Shark, a great product can succeed.

Hey, I’m Amna Habib, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Shark Tank has always been one of my favorite TV shows because it offers a unique glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. The way entrepreneurs present innovative solutions to everyday problems aligns with my academic interests and fuels my curiosity about business strategies. Each pitch showcases creativity and strategic decision-making, which I find both insightful and inspiring. Watching the show has deepened my passion for business and motivated me to explore the world of entrepreneurship even further. Beyond business and writing, I love food, shopping, and spending time with my friends and family.