Driven by Passion for the Waves
Paddle stronger, surf stronger, and surf longer.
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.
How It All Started
Enhancing the surfing experience for generations to come.
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.
Pioneering Surf Gear
Creating products that give back to the surf community.
It is our mission to give back to the surfing community tools that will enhance the surfing experience for the generations to come.
Meet Our Founder: Dave Hilts
A lifelong commitment to the sport.
Dave 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 of prototypes, came up with the current product selections available today.
From Huntington Beach to PaddleAir
A journey shaped by over 45 years of surfing experience.
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 manufacturer’s representative and owner of a retail sporting goods store.
PaddleAir: A Surfer’s Legacy
Crafting surf gear that reflects a lifetime of passion.
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.