10 California Brands Every Athlete Should Try

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Image via Cindy Whitehead

California isn’t just about surf and skate companies making great products, it’s also home to some of the best golf, biking, hiking, and outdoor companies that are creating some of the most innovative products around. These are 10 California brands that every athlete should try.

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Image via TaylorMade
Image via TaylorMade

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company knows golf inside and out. With some of the best pro golfers in the world on their roster, their technology is always cutting edge. We’d suggest checking out the new R15 driver. Adjusting your driver has never been so easy. The R15 features a new front track system, which allows you to loosen and slide the weights to the heel for a draw, to the tow for a fade, or split the difference for maximum stability.

$429 (pre-orders by Dec 12; delivery Jan 9)

Image via Immortal Laces
Image via Immortal Laces

Immortal Laces

What do you do when you get tired of your shoelaces snapping, getting knotted, or fraying from hardcore sports use? If you are the founders of Immortal Laces, you create a better and stronger pair. Originally designed for skateboarders, these super-tough laces are now also being used by BMX riders, as well as snowboarders, due to their durability. These laces never snap but slowly wear down, giving you plenty of warning before the lace fails.

$12

Image via Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word
Image via Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word

Run by a former female pro skateboarder, GN4LW aims to empower girls in action sports, while giving back to skateboard-related nonprofits. Check out their matte black cruiser board collab with Dusters California, and their new, matching (matte black) helmet collab with XS Helmets. The helmet (like all from XS) is made just for females, with its smaller, narrower fit, and is CPSC and CE rated for skateboarding, roller skating and cycling.

$59 (helmet) / $140 (board)

Image via DZR
Image via DZR

DZR Shoes

Founded by a professional rider and footwear designer, DZR makes cycling shoes that speak to cyclists on and off the bike. With over 40 different shoe styles under their belt, they absolutely know what works. We’re digging “The White,” a vintage style, SPD-compatible sneaker that is fully vegan and made for urban cycling, commuting, and lifestyle riding. With its recessed SPD clip in the sole, you can walk straight from your bike into the office without that awful “cyclist shoe” clicking sound.

$95

Image via Olloclip
Image via Olloclip

Olloclip

Olloclip started making mobile photography lenses over three years ago, providing the only solution on the market that works seamlessly with no extra parts needed. Olloclip is also super easy to use for all levels of photographers, so you can be a hit on Instagram in no time at all! Pick up the newest Olloclip 4-in-1 photo lens (fisheye, wide angle, and two macro lenses) all-in-one device, for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. We love that it works with both front and rear-facing cameras, and with all our favorite photo and video apps. There is no more digging around in your pockets or purse looking for your lens because Olloclip is now wearable with an included pendant.

$80

Image via SageBrush Bags
Image via SageBrush Bags

Sagebrush Bags

Sagebrush Bags was started when the founder was deciding how she could lighten her footprint on the earth. These totes, duffels, and surfboard bags do just that, as each one is individually made from 100 percent salvageable materials using absolutely no pesticide-intensive cotton or plastics. We think that one of their awesome surfboard bags is just the ticket for your next surf trip to Mexico and beyond. Burlap coffee bean sacks, sewn with heavier-duty fabric, as well as a lining that repels water and wax, make these surfboard bags unique in design. They’re built to withstand rugged adventures and daily use.

$120-$158

Image via Raen
Image via Raen

Raen

When you see top-ranked surfers like Tia Blanco wearing stylish sunglasses on the beach, you start wondering, “Who makes those?” The answer is Raen. Using leading materials, including optics by Carl Zeiss, at reasonable price point and infused with style, you almost forget that their sunglasses are also 100 percent UVA/B protection with handmade construction that’s built to last. We are dying for a pair of “Maude’s” in Coral Crystal, because, while we can’t all surf like Tia, at least we can look good on the beach before paddling out!

$125

Image via Seea
Image via Seea

Seea

Seea has been combining surf performance and fashion in its functional and stylish playsuits and swimsuits since day one. With retro-modern shapes, fun colors, and prints, women everywhere have taken to this brand to show off their own unique style. Get a pair of the Calafia leggings that can be used for surfing, yoga, and running (we love apparel that multitasks!), and know that your skin is being protected by fabric that is UPF +30 to +50. These leggings hit just below the belly button for comfort, functionality and style, in or out of the water.

$80

Image via Art of Board
Image via Art of Board

Art of Board

This brand is known for pioneering an innovative way of recycling used and broken skateboard decks and turning them into rad-looking tile for your home or office via their skater driven movement “I Ride I Recycle.” Art of Board is also well known for its home goods, apparel, and accessories that celebrate skateboarding. The new Eco-Stretch Original Boardshort shows imagery from actual recycled skateboard decks, is made of recycled polyester with four-way stretch for ease of movement, and is dries quickly—all the better when you want dry board shorts for skating from surf spot to surf spot.

$90

Image via Patagonia
Image via Patagonia

Patagonia

Patagonia has been an innovative leader in the outdoor scene for over 40 years. We like that their products are tested relentlessly and you can’t beat their ironclad guarantee—they will repair or replace any of their products, no questions asked. The versatile Gratio Jacket is our pick; it’s a fully reversible shirt/jacket. One side is soft polyester flannel twill, while the other is quilted with Thermogreen insulation and a durable water-repellant coating, making it great for taking on the road.

$199

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