An International Brand Built on a Dirtbag Heritage
Who We Are
Since 1997, we’ve been crafting high-performance paddle sports gear designed to elevate every journey on the water. What started with two paddlers selling board shorts out of a van has evolved into a brand competing on the world stage. We are a brand focused on leading in innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to the paddling community.
At Level Six, we have more than just employees. Our team is made up of passionate end users who live and breathe watersports, testing our gear in the same conditions as your customers. We are united by the belief that life on the water is more than just a hobby, it’s an identity. This drives us to innovate, pushing us to craft the best gear possible. It also fuels our pursuit of sustainability, which is why we were the first paddle sports company to make a PFAS-free dry suit and now 95% of our line is PFAS-free.
We believe that gear should inspire confidence and adventure while respecting the planet. This has been recognized by the International Paddle Sports Show awarding us one Sustainability Award for our pioneering of recycled fabrics and two Innovation Awards for skirt and fabric design over the past five years. This is our focus: pushing boundaries with designs that blend performance and sustainability, ensuring every product meets the demands of customers who expect the best. Whether your customers are exploring remote waterways, tackling whitewater, or enjoying a peaceful paddle at sunset, our mission is to enhance their experience on the water with gear that is anything but ordinary.
Our Story
From summer training camp dreams, sewing in the back of a van, all the way to an international business leading the industry in sustainability and innovative designs.
An Idea Is Born
Stig Larsson and Tyler Lawlor, slalom competitors and friends want surf inspired clothing that fits in paddling culture.
The Journey Begins
Stig and Tyler start sewing and selling board shorts out of van while competing on the World Cup circuit. Level Six is born.
A Grass Roots Beginning
Stig and Tyler continue selling boardshorts and t-shirts out of a van at World Cup stops backed by good vibes and their paddling community.
Level Six Makes Paddling Gear
Stig and Tyler launch their first paddling tops, the Chub and Super Chub. Level Six is now more than a board short brand.
First Retail Partners
Level Six products are carried at MEC and Trailhead Paddleshack. Level Six is now a B2B business and more than two friends and a van.
A Cornerstone Brand
MEC begins calling Level Six a cornerstone brand legitimizing it in the retail space and more retailers begin coming on board.
Level Six Makes Kid's/Women's Sun Protection
Level Six begins making kids sun protection which was inspired by Stig's children to diversify Level Six's product offerings.
Level Six Makes SUPs
Using their racing careers Stig and Tyler design SUP boards making Level Six more than a kayaker's company. It is slowly becoming a paddlers company.
Stig Acquires Ownership
Through an amicable buy out Stig becomes the 100% owner of Level Six and after 17 years Tyler retires from the business.
Sustainability is Now on The Table
Company begins internally evaluating its sustainability impact. Remember this, it's important later.
1% For The Environment
Level Six commits 1% of its direct profits towards environmental preservation. This is the first step in the long journey to becoming a sustainability leader.
Plastic Free Packaging
Level Six launches a plastic-free packaging initiative, eliminating single-use plastics from the supply chain.
Entering The Rescue World
Level Six develops professional rescue suits, expanding beyond recreational paddling. Now first responders and rescue teams trust the brand when it matters most.
In-House Repair Facilities
Level Six opens in-house repair facilities, extending product life and keeping gear out of landfills. A circular economy approach that benefits paddlers and the planet.
Permanent Headquarters
Level Six purchases 165 Colonnade Rd South in Ottawa, securing a permanent home. The team expands into 22,000 square feet of warehouse and office space.
PFAS-Free Research Begins
Research begins on PFAS-free alternatives to traditional waterproof coatings. These 'forever chemicals' pose risks to workers and the environment, and Level Six is committed to finding a better way.
International Sustainability Award
At the International Paddlesports Show in Lyon, Level Six wins the Sustainability Award, recognized for innovations in recycled fabrics and plastic-free packaging.
Renewed Gear Program
Level Six introduces the Renewed Gear program, selling refurbished equipment at accessible prices. Quality gear gets a second life.
New Sustainability Commitments
Level Six commits to transitioning the entire waterproof breathable product line to recycled fabrics, and neoprene to petroleum-free limestone neoprene. This is their first long-term sustainability commitment.
Waterways Partnership
Level Six partners with Waterways, an Indigenous-led organization bringing outdoor recreation to Indigenous youth in Manitoba.
Canoe Product Expansion
The Barrels (30L and 60L) and Gulf Boot launch, marking a major expansion of the canoeing product lineup and reinforcing Level Six as a brand for all paddlers.
Ottawa Riverkeeper Water Leader Award
Ottawa Riverkeeper recognizes Level Six with the Water Leader Award for the company's ongoing commitment to watershed conservation.
Loki Drysuit Launch
The Loki Drysuit launches as the world's first PFAS-free drysuit with 100% recycled materials. Latex-free, neoprene-free, with adjustable gaskets at an accessible price point.
Company-Wide PFAS-Free Transition
All new waterproof breathable fabric production transitions to PFAS-free, bringing years of research into company-wide reality.
Freya Drysuit Design Survey
The Freya Drysuit Design Feedback Survey launches, collecting industry-first data on women's fit needs. With 500+ responses, Level Six moves beyond 'shrink it and pink it' design.
Freya and Odin Drysuit Launch
The next-generation Freya and Odin Drysuits launch featuring Exhaust Pro 3-ply fabric with 2x the breathability and waterproofing. Data-driven women's fit, PFAS-free, and 100% recycled materials.