Let’s just call it a lot of drytops and spray skirts. That’s the storyline behind Level Six, a Canadian paddlesports apparel company celebrating its 20th year in the paddling business this season.
Level Six was born on the slalom World Cup circuit by two friends with the vision to redesign and rethink how paddling gear is made. It started from very humble beginnings in the back of a van selling shorts and t-shirts to paddlers along World Cup circuit stops. Since those early days, it’s grown to be the leader in paddlesports apparel and equipment.
“I always heard my parents say, “Time flies when you are having fun,” but honestly this has been the case from day one when Level Six was started,” says president and founder Stig Larsson. “This isn’t to say it hasn’t been a lot of work, but even through the toughest of times the work still had an element of fun to it, trying to solve problems and navigate your way through the world of business.”
The company does its part to contribute to waterway conservation across the globe to keep waterways clean and open to paddlers now and in the future. It also strives to help build and support paddling communities “to spread the joy that life on the water brings us.”
“Our mission is to provide all paddlers with a passion and confidence in the gear they are using,” says Larsson. “I consistently hear the phrase “work smarter not harder.” But if you can work harder and smarter you have a shot at surviving in the world of business. All this to say, if you find passion in what you do everyday all of the work and sacrifices really don’t feel like these things. I am so lucky to have found something that I love to do everyday and I am lucky that others appreciate the designs and company that is Level Six.”
“Like all paddlers,” he adds, “our values lie at the heart of our sports – the water.”