In 1972 Otto and Jeanne Lagervall built something more than gear in a small machine shop in Yakima, Washington; they built a legacy. What started with hand‑forged canoe braces and ladder rack contraptions grew into a brand rooted in solving real everyday hauling challenges for adventurers. Through decades of ownership changes, geographic moves, and product innovation, Yakima never lost its drive to make gear that works as hard as the people who use it. From humble beginnings to global reach, the brand has stayed true: help move what matters, wherever you’re headed.
1972–1979
Yakima Industries was founded in Yakima, Washington by Otto and Jeanne Lagervall. An inventor at heart, Otto had already made a name for himself with the foldable metal music stand before focusing on paddlesports. From a small machine shop, he crafted handmade foot braces for canoes and kayaks and practical roof racks for ladders and pruning equipment. His knack for solving everyday problems led to Yakima’s first national product, the Gold Rush Bar.
As time went on and age set in, Otto sold the business to two entrepreneurs who saw the potential to carry his vision forward.
1979–1996
When Steve Cole and Don Banducci purchased Yakima, it was still a small machine shop. As kayakers and cyclists, they saw a bigger future for hauling gear, moved the company to Arcata, California, and set out to put equipment on cars and friends in cars. An entrepreneurial period followed, with year-over-year growth as Yakima expanded from foot braces to multi-sport roof racks and a complete line of accessories.
Key moments
- 1984 – Los Angeles Olympics: Yakima gear and ethos show up on a massive stage.
1996–2001
A unique time in Yakima history. Yakima expands its product line to include things like strollers, snowshoes, bike trailers, baby packs and trekking poles.
2001–2009
Land-based and paddlesports brands came together under the Watermark umbrella. The office moved from Arcata to Beaverton in 2005 and most brands were later divested.
Key moments
- 2005 – Portland, Oregon USA: Headquarters moved from California to Oregon with two vows: keep friends in cars and keep Portland weird.
- 2008 – Flugtag: HoldUp and SwingDaddy hitch racks launched to public and critical acclaim; Yakima engineers flew 62 feet to win Red Bull Flugtag in Portland.
2010–2022
A period of significant change across the outdoor industry and retail landscape. Headquarters moved to Lake Oswego with regional business units in Nanjing and Brisbane.
Key moments
- 2010 – Whispbar, Prorack, and Kemflo: The Kemflo group acquired Yakima and New Zealand’s Whispbar and Prorack; all three brands began selling in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
2022–Present
Yakima focuses in on a global scale, with significant growth, new category expansion, and a continued goal of helping customers Take It Easy no matter the road or load.
