Meet Chris Lynch | Everyday California Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Lynch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
When getting into the business of outdoor recreation, many don’t anticipate the challenges of working with the city government. It may seem as simple as buying the equipment and then offering surf lessons, rentals and tours, but there are actually a lot of challenges involved when it comes to permitting and licensing. Given that the La Jolla Ecological Reserve is part of only 2% of the world’s ocean that is protected by State and Federal law, we have to follow many rules and regulations in order to utilize the reserve for our business. California Department of Wildlife cites that it is unlawful to injure, damage, take or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource, so we often revisit those regulations, and emphasize the golden rule which is, to leave it as you found it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded Everyday California with my partner Michael Samer in 2010. What started off as a small operation consisting of a few kayaks, an old pick-up truck and a few guys running discounted adventure tours in La Jolla, developed into the major operation we run today. I always had ambitions to start a business, back in college I even sketched out ideas for a surf company. Ultimately, when The Great Recession of 2008 hit and we lost all hope of finding a career out of college, we ended up on the beach with nothing to lose and took a leap of faith with Everyday California. Starting a business, for me, was about having more freedom to enjoy life and Everyday California has afforded me and so many others that freedom.

Now, Everyday California is a full-blown ocean adventure and lifestyle brand that is committed to making fun happen, creating cool products, improving the environment and sharing the California lifestyle with everyone around the world. We offer kayak and snorkeling tours, surf and SUP lessons, kids’ surf camps, ocean equipment rentals, reef-safe sunscreen and California-inspired apparel and accessories for men, women and kids. The brand has become a staple in the local community through its educational tours, lessons, charitable contributions, and commitment to preserving the beaches and wildlife.

Right now, I would say I’m most excited about the brand’s growth in the apparel and sunscreen categories. We have seen tremendous growth on the product side recently and it’s becoming a much larger portion of the business than it used to be. It’s invigorating to see the return of brick-and-mortar retail, which is making a resurgence this year. Our wholesale retail is approaching 100 locations (including Urban Outfitters) and I’m really looking forward to continued momentum on that side of the business.

Though this journey has certainly been fun and exciting, nothing in business is “easy.” We are constantly learning and reevaluating every day, overcoming challenges and uncovering new ones. Over the years, I have established a goal of being 1% better each day, really focusing on making our core competencies the best that they can be. There’s something to be said for the long game, you don’t have to grow all at once!

I’d love for people to know about Everyday California’s various give-back and green initiatives. Through all offerings as a company, Everyday California remains committed to preserving and protecting the ocean and its marine life, donating a portion of every purchase made to environmental organizations and nonprofits through an ongoing partnership with 1% For the Planet. We also donate 10% of all surf camp bookings to the local youth non-profit Urban Surf 4 Kids, giving all children, regardless of background, the opportunity to experience the ocean in a positive way and enjoy the transformative mental and physical benefits of surfing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is no better way to experience San Diego than by getting out on the water, so of course, I would take them straight to La Jolla Shores for some ocean adventures! At Everyday California, we would get to choose between kayak tours, surf lessons, surfboard/kayak/SUP rentals and more. So, we would assemble the squad, choose a water activity and buckle up for an exciting day exploring the coast. I’d definitely show visitors the La Jolla Ecological Reserve via kayak, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of sea life in all of California, from sea lions to Garibaldi, bat rays, shovelnose guitarfish and more. After seeing the sights up close and personal, we would head over to the classic OB Surf Lodge in Ocean Beach for beer and bites with a view.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, who ignited my love and passion for the ocean at an early age. As one of the first-ever female Navy Salvage divers, she defused bombs underwater, changed massive propellers on aircraft carriers, executed search and rescue missions and more, exemplifying grace and strength all the while. Naturally, she had me in the water before I could even walk. I can still remember learning how to scuba dive at the bottom of our pool and driving from Modesto, where I grew up, over to Santa Cruz to learn how to surf. My mom instilled in me an appreciation for the ocean that is still rooted in everything I do personally, professionally and as the CEO of ocean adventure and lifestyle brand, Everyday California.