DAKINE

Sporting Goods ManufacturingOregon, United States201-500 Employees

BORN IN HAWAII 

Dakine got its start on Maui’s North Shore in1979 when our founder Rob Kaplan started making better surf leashes so his friends could ride bigger waves. From these humble beginnings, we expanded to solving other gear problems for surfing, snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, wind and kite, and travel. 

RAISED IN HOOD RIVER

Located in Hood River, Oregon, in the shadow of Mt. Hood, on the shore of the Columbia Gorge and in the heart of the Hood River wilderness trail system—riding every day is true to our being. Our reputation as a rider-driven brand is built on innovation though creating, testing, breaking, fixing and testing again. It’s lead to breakthroughs large and small, from the original surf leash to the Heli Pack and the Party Bucket. 

NEVER DONE

With a foundation built on 39 years of innovation, we’re still at it. We live it. Build it. Test it. Improve it. Then find new ways to do it all over again next season.

MILESTONES

1979: Founded by Rob Kaplan on Maui’s North Shore with his creation of a better surf leash that allowed Rob and his friends to spend more time chasing big waves and losing fewer boards to the rocks.

1980: Invented first adjustable windsurfing foot strap allowing for a better fit and more responsive movement.  

1982: Introduced the waist harness for windsurfing and expanded the line to include tough and functional travel bags.

1983: Created windsurfing’s first seat harness and established Dakine as one of the new sport’s most trusted brands.

1986: Moved to Hood River, Oregon to explore new mountains and waves. To this day Dakine continues to work and live where we ride. 

1986: Designed the iconic Heli Pack, originally created for riding with confidence in the Alaska backcountry, this essentials-only backcountry snowboarding pack has become the industry standard.  

1986-2005: Focus on rider-driven design, relying on rider feedback to stay a step ahead. 

2005: The DIY Mountain biking scene explodes around Hood River and Dakine answers with rider-driven bike packs focused on the need for hydration. This first step evolves into bike transport, safety and performance gear. 

2015: Introduced The Party Bucket as an essential part of all of our sports, because, like you, we play as hard as we ride.

Today: Live it. Build it. Test it. Improve it. Repeat.

For more information visit www.dakine.com

https://www.dakine.com/careers

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