Ergo by PaddleAir Rib Cloud by PaddleAir Rib Rocket by Paddleair
Paddle Stronger | Surf Longer™ | Since 2004
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About Us

PaddleAir's Mission: Committed to Improvement

At PaddleAir we are committed to creating products that make paddling a surfboard easier, safer, and more comfortable for those passionate about surfing.

While surfers of any level of expertise can reap benefits from our paddle-wear, it is those who surf frequently, and over the course of time, who can most appreciate what PaddleAir products can do for their performance.

We salute the dedication of the generations of lifelong surfers who know well the rigors of paddling, and we will strive to develop new and innovative products of the highest quality possible.

It is our mission to give back to the surfing community tools that will enhance the surfing experience for the generations to come. Paddle stronger, surf stronger and surf longer.

Our Founder

Dave HiltsDavid Hilts founded PaddleAir, Inc. in 2004. The company grew out of an idea Dave had for several years and decided to use it as a marketing project while finishing his degree at the University of Phoenix in San Diego. After he designed and tried his first prototype, Dave discovered how efficient the PaddleAir system worked and realized that his idea could be a real benefit to surfers with a lifelong commitment to the sport like himself. He also realized that the product could help entry level surfers and people with back problems or abrasions from paddling. He continued developing the PaddleAir paddle-wear line, and through the evolution of dozens prototypes came up with the current product selections available today.

Dave Hilts in Huntington Beach 1966 Dave grew up in Huntington Beach and has been a part of the sporting goods industry for many years including working for a major wetsuit manufacturer and surfboard company. He has also been a manufactures representative and owner of a retail sporting goods store.

PaddleAir is the culmination of years of working in many different action sports and other sporting goods industries. Dave has drawn from the knowledge gained from those experiences to create a completely new product in the sport that has been a central part of his life for over 45 years.

Dave Hilts surfing in Oceanside Harbor

Dave in Ergo by PaddleAir

Dave Paddling in a Rib Rocket by PaddleAir