Four-decade milestone reflects company’s independence, domestic manufacturing and green initiatives In today’s marketplace, it is rare to see a domestic manufacturing company celebrating 40 years as an independent, environmentally minded business. Kokatat is proud to be operating in the same town, where it all began. Under the stewardship of founder Steve O’Meara, Kokatat Watersports has been manufacturing industry-leading watersports apparel and gear in Arcata, Calif. since its inception in 1971.

O’Meara guides the company with an extraordinary vision and mission to create innovative paddlewear and accessories for paddling enthusiasts, from recreational paddlers to extreme kayakers. Over the decades, he has preserved Kokatat as a fun, independent company with a forward-thinking, eco-conscious perspective that inevitably has retained a contented workforce of longstanding employees.

In 2009, Kokatat earned an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 certificate, validating their commitment to providing top-quality products and customer satisfaction under the guidance of a superior management system.

Most recently, Kokatat installed a 26-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, expected to provide 100-percent of the energy required to power the company’s 40+ sewing machines. In 2010, Kokatat was named Arcata's Green Business of the Year, recognizing Kokatat’s proactive green practices, social equality and economic vitality to their Humboldt County region. Beyond the company’s environmental stewardship to manufacture domestically and integrate recycled materials into their product line, Kokatat’s employees also regularly participate in community development and maintenance projects.

“The evolution of Kokatat would not be where it is today without our amazing and creative team or the support of our paddling friends and patrons,” said O’Meara. “The beautiful natural environment and loyal community of Arcata has inspired our green and social equity business practices.”

For a visual and multi-media experience of Kokatat’s 40th Anniversary, please visit their paperless social media release special edition page here. For more information about the company please visit Kokatat’s blog at http://blog.kokatat.com/.

About Kokatat Watersports Wear
Celebrating 40 years of innovation, Kokatat is an independently operated, US manufacturer of technical apparel and accessories for water sports. Handcrafted in Arcata, California, Kokatat employees are focused on building the finest functional product for people who work and play on water. Our gear is designed for paddlers, by paddlers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water all year long and in all weather conditions. Into the water with Kokatat! Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Facebook and Twitter “@kokatat”.