Dakine

DAKINE CHRONOLOGY1979 - Rob Kaplan begins manufacturing the Da Kine Leash in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. Maui's reputation for great wave conditions is the catalyst for this location. The DAKINE surf leash is designed for rigorous Hawaiian conditions and sets DAKINE's standard for innovative design and high quality. In Rob's words, "it was the first leash that you could pull a car with!" Whatever it could pull, it truly opened up previously unsurfed breaks around the world.

1980 - Pro windsurfers ask Rob to help build footstraps for their new wave boards; he had the sewing machine! Ho'okipa, the famous Maui north shore surf break literally located in DAKINE's backyard, becomes the international mecca for windsurfing's top athletes. It also proves to be an incredible test site for DAKINE products. This formula of top pros and the most rugged conditions becomes DAKINE's trademark for product development.

1981-84 - DAKINE develops the 1st adjustable footstrap, seat harness, and waist harness defining the company as the leading innovator in technical windsurfing accessories. Innovations like the Coffin board bag begin a tradition for globetrotting pros using DAKINE bags to get their gear safely to events, beaches and breaks around the world.

1986 - DAKINE opens its North American office, manufacturing facility, and warehouse in Hood River, Oregon. Hood River is the outdoor recreation capital for North America. Besides being the center for mainland windsurfing, it has world class mountain biking, kayaking, kiteboarding, and hiking. It is also strategically positioned at the base of Mt. Hood where summer snowboard and ski camps are the gathering places for the world's top professionals. Innovation through location.

1989 - DAKINE first commits to the snowboard market with board accessories, board bags, and gear bags. The company would become the world leader in this market over the next 15 years.

1993 - DAKINE enters winter glove business with three models. [ Today DAKINE offers over 70 models of gloves ]

1996 - DAKINE introduces the Heli Pack, which creates the new category of minimalist technical backcountry day packs.

1998 - DAKINE introduces the Heli Pro backpack. In short time the Heli Pro becomes the standard for technical daypacks and the sport's best selling (and most copied) model.

1999 - DAKINE develops the Park Pack, its first skateboard specific backpack. The Park Pack's innovation and durability prove to be the combination that leads to other great models like the Mike V. and Machnau packs.

2001 - DAKINE develops its first line of kiteboard specific harnesses and accessories. The Fusion Harness quickly becomes DAKINE's best selling harness surpassing all other models in the line. The company is acknowledged as the sport's leader in harnesses and footstraps.

2004 - DAKINE will celebrate its 25th Anniversary! DAKINE prides itself on developing products for the top professionals in every board sport. DAKINE has built a reputation for innovation and quality for over a quarter of a century!