DAKINE started in 1979 when Rob Kaplan first manufactured the Da Kine Leash in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. The DAKINE surf leash was designed for rigorous Hawaiian conditions and set DAKINE's standard for innovative design and high quality. After dabbling in the windsurfing market and technology, in 1986 DAKINE opened its North American office, manufacturing facility, and warehouse in Hood River, Oregon. Hood River, a great place for DAKINE, 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. In 1989 DAKINE first committed to the snowboard market with a broad range of DAKINE accessories, DAKINE board bags, and DAKINE gear bags. DAKINE became the world leader in this market over the next 15 years. In 1993, DAKINE entered the winter glove business with three differentiated models. Now, there are over 70 different DAKINE glove models offered to customers.

In 1996, DAKINE backpacks pioneered the DAKINE Heli Pack. The DAKINE Heli Pack created the new category of minimalist technical backcountry day packs. Two years later, DAKINE packs introduced the DAKINE Heli Pro backpack. In a short time, the DAKINE Heli Pro became the standard for technical daypacks and the sport's best selling (and most copied) model. 1999 brought about the DAKINE Park Pack, DAKINE's first skateboard specific backpack. The DAKINE Park Pack's innovation and durability proved to be the combination that leads to other great modes like the Mike V. and Machnau packs. DAKINE prides itself on developing products for the top professionals in every board sport. Over the past 25 years, DAKINE has built a reputation for innovation and quality through DAKINE products.