About Kokatat

Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling apparel in Arcata, California for over 5 decades. With 1500 years of accumulative experience, these are some of the people who guarantee our quality.

In 1971 Kokatat began making paddle sports apparel and gear in Arcata, CA. The founder and president, Steve O’Meara, recognized from the start that keeping production local was necessary in order to control quality and continually develop the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world. Today, over 90% of their annual revenue comes from the sales of products handmade in the Arcata factory (now 196 employees strong) and by their local and regional manufacturing partners. Some items are sourced from Asia. But, only for products that do not have scalable infrastructure here in the US and to support Kokatat's environmental commitment to Gaia® PVC free flotation foam for all their life vests, available exclusively through our Asian manufacturer.

All Kokatat products are manufactured to exacting quality standards, developed by paddlers for paddlers over 49 years. All Kokatat products are backed by a lifetime guarantee against defects in manufacturing or materials* and their repair service facility inside the Arcata factory is unsurpassed in our industry for customer satisfaction.

Kokatat is proud of their contribution to the local Humboldt County economy. More than 90% of their global sales are generated from apparel and accessories manufactured in Arcata (California). Long term Kokatat employees have developed skills and techniques unique in the industry.

Kokatat has been able to maintain a low carbon footprint, relative to many other brands of outdoor apparel who source goods offshore. In 2010 they activated one of the largest solar photovoltaic systems in the region, which powers much of their manufacturing equipment. They also employ strict water conservation practices throughout their factory. Named the 2010 Arcata Green Business of the Year, Kokatat provides an established platform of green practices, social equity and economic vitality to the region.

Kokatat has implemented, and maintains, a Quality Management System in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 Standard. This certification validates their commitment to quality and providing industry leading customer satisfaction under the guidance of a quality management system.

Product Use and Care

PFD Care

Rinse your PFD with fresh water after each use and hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Do not fold or compress your PFD as this can damage/degrade the foam in your PFD prematurely.

Washing Your Suit

When washing, always follow sewn-in care instructions. With dry suits and dry tops Kokatat recommends using cold water, delicate cycle, gentle liquid soap, with no bleach or harsh chemicals, and high water volume, in a front loading machine. Wash right side out with all zippers closed. Rinse well (which may mean running it through a second time, inside out with no soap OR use a cold shower). Line dry.

Gasket Care & Repair

Latex gaskets should be rinsed with fresh water after each use and treated every 4–6 weeks to prevent drying and cracking. Kokatat recommends 303 Protectant. Small tears or holes in the gasket may be repaired with Aquaseal. Replacement Kokatat gaskets and can be purchased from us HERE. Coast Outdoors offers gasket replacement services, check out our SERVICES page for more information.

Zipper Care

The zipper is one of the most sensitive components of your drysuit. Treat it carefully. The most common causes of zipper leakage are failure to close the zipper firmly, or dirt in the zipper teeth or closing end.

1. Pull the zipper in a straight line, in a smooth and even motion. Avoid yanking or pulling to the side. Have another person help you if you cannot easily reach any part of the zipper. Be especially gentle in colder air and water temperatures.

2. Never force a jammed zipper. Unzip, examine the jammed point for obstruction or damage, then carefully try again. Zipping over a piece of dirt or underclothes can derail the teeth and ruin the zipper.

3. The zipper is most vulnerable to damage when you are getting in and out of your suit. Be sure the zipper is open completely, and try not to put force on the ends that could tear the zipper apart.

4. Keep sand and dirt out of the teeth and the closing end of the zipper. Clean the zipper occasionally with mild soap, water and a toothbrush. We recommend periodically lubricating your zippers with GearAid Zipper Lubricant. A dab in the closing end also improves sealing

5. Dry suits should be stored in a clean, dry environment. Metal tooth zippers should be partially closed with the zipper slide left about 2 inches open. This will help alleviate pressure on the sealing elements. Plastic water tight zippers should be stored in the entirely closed position. Store either hanging or loosely rolled.

Broken zippers cannot be repaired but can be replaced. This work may be performed only by Kokatat at their factory; if you feel your zipper has been damaged, please go to their Warranty and Repairs page or contact Customer Service at 1-800-225-9749

Durable Water Repellent

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) prevents liquid from building up on your garment’s outer layer which can make you feel damp and clammy (“wetting out”). Regular wear and tear, exposure to dirt, detergents and other impurities causes DWR to wear off over time, but the good news is that it can be restored. The effective life of the DWR depends upon how the garment is cared for, and how rigorously it is used. The most effective way to maintain the garment’s water and stain repellency is to rinse it and let it drip dry (washing helps, and if it’s not a gasketed or a coated fabric, then it can be put in the dryer). DWR is not what makes a garment waterproof - it’s a treatment applied to the face fabric that keeps water beading on the outer surface rather than soaking into it. Eventually the DWR will wear out. There are many aftermarket DWR renewal treatments available from your local dealer. DWR is not covered under warranty.

Leaks

If you feel as though your GORE-TEX® garment is leaking, please go to Kokatat's Warranty and Repairs page or contact Customer Service at 1-800-225-9749. They can water test and patch your garment.