Arduino fio avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: resp=0x00
So I went out to microcenter today and bought ANOTHER new arduino fio. I also bought a usb to FTDI breakout board instead of a cable. 

For ish and giggles I attempted to load a sketch onto my old arduino with the new breakout board. Worked instantly. 

5 Hours wasted and lesson learned. Try a new cable if you get this error.