History
Ocean Pacific was started by John Smith in the 1960s as a surfboard brand. Smith designed the original trademark and label for his surfboards which he sold out of his shop North County Ding Repair. Later, Fred Ryan purchased North County Ding Repair from John Smith along with the Ocean Pacific surfboard label. The Ocean Pacific label was later sold to Don Hansen of Hansen Surf Shop. In 1972, Jim Jenks of San Diego wanted to create clothing that met the demands of surfers in and out of the surf. He received the name from his then employer Don Hansen and the Ocean Pacific apparel line was created. Jenks' idea for clothing under the Ocean Pacific label quickly became popular with the surf culture with its instantly recognizable 'OP' logo. The Ocean Pacific brand experienced financial trouble through the 1990s. In the summer of 2008, an ad campaign to celebrate their 35 year anniversary was launched, featuring celebrities such as actress Rumer Willis, reality show star Kristin Cavallari, singer Christina Milian, musician and fashion designer Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Clandestine Industries, actor Wilmer Valderrama, actress and supermodel Josie Maran and actor and singer Corbin Bleu.
Sponsoring
Ocean Pacific sponsors surfing competitions and supports musicians. The company has sponsored more world surfing champions than any other brand, including Tom Curren and Kelly Slater.
