The company now known as Kokatat® was started in 1971 by a college student named Steve O'Meara with an eye towards making innovative outdoor gear, such as the world's first GORE-TEX® bivy sack. With Steve still at the helm, the company continues to dedicate itself to his original intent, offering the industry an extensive line of watersports wear and living up to its reputation for product quality and commitment to watersports.

The name Kokatat, means "into the water" in the language of the Native American people living along their local Klamath River. Kokatat is located in the small northern California coastal town of Arcata, about 300 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Blessed with awesome whitewater, miles of rugged coastline, pristine bays, lagoons and lakes, all nestled amongst giant redwoods; the surroundings in Arcata play an important role in Kokatat's product development.

Team Kokatat athletes take product testing to the extreme, providing invaluable feedback during the research and development process. Just as expedition paddlers field test the gear in the far corners of the world, professional paddling instructors also help refine Kokatat's designs, dedicated to making your paddling experience safer and more fun with clothing that functions for your paddling endeavors and fits without compromise.