Locally Designed. Kern-Born.
Kern River Surf Co. is more than a clothing brand—it’s a celebration of the adventurous spirit that thrives in California’s Central Valley. Born in the heart of “Frezbergfield” (that summer meeting point for Fresno, Bakersfield, and Pismo Beach locals), we pay tribute to the unique culture of inland explorers and the free-spirited families who refuse to let geography limit their adventures.
From canal surfing (skerfing?) to gathering stories from the San Joaquin Valley’s rich past, our brand is inspired by the unconventional ways we create fun and make memories. Kern River Surf Co. isn’t just about clothes; it’s about family, community, and the passing of independence and boldness from one generation to the next.
Whether you’re chasing waves at the beach, carving through sand, or making up your own adventures closer to home, Kern River Surf Co. is here to outfit your journey. For you, your family, and every story you’re still writing.
Our Story
Every region, town or state has its share of local legends. Here at Kern River Surf Co we have heard and, indeed, helped spread some of the best urban truths, half-truths and questionable stories.
Our Story
One of the most pervasive myths about Kern County, Bakersfield and the Southern San Joaquin Valley is that there is no place to surf and that surfing and even skateboarding were not popular with locals until at least the late seventies. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our founding fathers and their families not only surfed but skated in the areas around and in what would become Kern County and Bakersfield. We have found the photographic evidence and the original stories of the pioneers, the Native Americans and even the Catholic missionaries and the true origins of surfing and skating in California.
Father Francisco Garces reported in his letters to the Pope what can only be translated as stand up paddle boards being used by the native Chumash and Yokuts in the marsh areas around the Kern River delta. Later as exploration continued stories continued to pour in from various sources about natives riding rapids on boards made of redwood. The miners and loggers who followed in the footsteps of the explorers adopted the practice as well.
By the time that Colonel Baker came to the area streets were beginning to be paved. Indeed there is a photograph of him as a young man in Davenport, Iowa riding his primitive skateboard in that town. His children took up the practice and established the first skatepark near what is now Ethel’s Corral.
Fast forward to the 1960’s. Jan and Dean are playing on the same radio station that The Beach Boys are on. Annette Funicello and Elvis are in beach movies and the kids in the middle of California don’t have a beach to go to.
What do they do?
They find an old water ski, grab some rope and head out to one of dozens of local canals in a pickup truck. One brave and foolhardy soul gets in the water and his just as crazy friend fires up the truck. The rope attached between the bumper of the truck and a piece of discarded broom handle begins to tighten up. The driver guns the engine and the kid in the canal tenses up and aims for the middle of the water.
Who knew that it would work?
It did and a new, local, legend was born. Canal surfing. Who needs a beach?
Our Mission
Our mission at Kern River Surf Co. is to celebrate and share the stories of California’s Central Valley—both the real ones and the ones we make up along the way. We’re here to have fun, create lasting memories, and give you a way to tell your own story through Kern River Surf Co. fashions.
Our Mission
The vision of Kern River Surf Co. is to be a symbol of adventure, independence, and storytelling that bridges generations. We aim to celebrate the unique spirit of California’s Central Valley while inspiring a lifestyle of creativity, exploration, and connection through our brand and community. These are the stories that bind us.
