Founded in 1979 on Maui’s North Shore

Dakine has become a household name in the world of action sports equipment and apparel. The brand’s journey from a small surf gear repair shop to a global leader in outdoor sports accessories is a testament to its commitment to innovation, quality, and understanding the needs of athletes.
Rob Kaplan, a surfer and tinkerer, started Dakine by addressing a common problem among his fellow surfers: broken leashes. His solution was to create a more durable surf leash using high-quality materials and robust stitching, a design born from the experience of losing boards to rocky shores.

This problem-solving approach would become the cornerstone of Dakine’s philosophy: identifying athletes’ needs and creating innovative solutions.
The name “Dakine” itself is rooted in Hawaiian Creole, meaning “the best” or “the thing,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence and its island origins2. This connection to Hawaii remains an integral part of Dakine’s identity, even as the company expanded its reach and product line.

In the early 1980s, Dakine rode the wave of the windsurfing boom, introducing groundbreaking products that revolutionized the sport. The company developed the first adjustable foot strap for windsurfing in 1980, followed by innovations like the waist harness, travel bags, and the sport’s first seat harness. These advancements allowed windsurfers to push their limits, sailing faster and jumping higher in more challenging conditions.

A pivotal moment in Dakine’s history

A pivotal moment in Dakine’s history came in 1986 when the company relocated its headquarters to Hood River, Oregon. This move, driven by the shift in windsurfing’s center of gravity, proved to be a strategic masterstroke. Situated at the base of Mount Hood, the new location exposed Dakine to world-class snowboarders and skiers, broadening the company’s perspective and product range.

The proximity to Mount Hood led to one of Dakine’s most iconic products: the Heli Pack. Created at the request of a snowboarder who needed an essentials-only pack for heli-skiing trips to Alaska, the Heli Pack exemplifies Dakine’s approach to product development – listening to athletes and crafting gear that meets their specific needs.

The company expanded into travelbags in 1999

As action sports continued to evolve, so did Dakine. The company expanded into skateboarding in 1999, introducing backpacks with skateboard-carrying straps.

By 2005, Dakine had embraced the growing mountain biking scene in Hood River, developing innovative solutions for bike transportation and trail maintenance equipment.

Throughout its history, Dakine has maintained a consistent approach to product development: “Live it. Build it. Test it. Improve it.” This philosophy ensures that Dakine’s products are not just theoretical solutions, but practical gear tested in real-world conditions by athletes who understand the demands of their sports.

Dakine’s commitment to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed. The brand has attracted top-tier athletes across various disciplines, from slope-style freeskier Sammy Carlson to snowboarder Jill Perkins and freeride mountain bikers Graham Agassiz, Thomas Vanderham, and Carson Storch. These partnerships not only validate Dakine’s products but also provide valuable input for future innovations.

Dakine’s approach to sustainability

In recent years, Dakine has also embraced sustainability as a core value. The company focuses on producing eco-friendly products, recognizing the impact their gear has on the environments their customers cherish. Dakine’s approach to sustainability includes using durable materials to extend product life, incorporating environmentally friendlier materials, and designing products with reduced environmental impact.

Today, Dakine continues to be a leader in the action sports industry, with offices in Oregon, Oahu, Haiku, and Annecy, France.

The company’s product line has expanded to include backpacks, travel bags, accessories, outerwear, and clothing for a wide range of outdoor activities, from surfing and snowboarding to mountain biking and travel.

Dakine’s success story is one of adaptability, innovation, and a deep understanding of the needs of outdoor sports enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings repairing surf leashes to its current status as a global brand, Dakine has remained true to its core values of quality, functionality, and respect for the environment. As action sports continue to evolve, Dakine stands ready to meet new challenges, always striving to provide “the best” gear for those who live for adventure.