Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Lynch.
Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Everyday California really came to life out of a mix of timing, grit and a desire to truly live life, not just survive it. I launched the company back in 2010 – not exactly because I had it all figured out, but because the world had just been turned upside down by the 2008 recession, and like a lot of people my age, I found myself without a clear career path and a whole lot of certainty about what the future held. So, I leaned into what I did have: a love for the ocean, a beat-up truck, a couple of kayaks and the idea that I could carve out something meaningful on my own terms.
In the early days, it was pure hustle. We were hauling gear by hand, running tours ourselves, working from sunrise to sunset and figuring things out on the fly. I’d always dreamed of starting a business, even doodled logos and product ideas back in college for some kind of surf brand. But Everyday California became so much more than that, it turned into a way to create freedom, both for us and for everyone we bring into the adventure.
Fast forward to today and we’ve grown into a full-scale ocean adventure and lifestyle brand. We offer everything from kayak and snorkel tours to surf lessons, stand-up paddleboard rentals and kids’ surf camps, plus a line of California-inspired apparel, accessories that reflect our love for the coast. From our humble beginnings in San Diego to our recent expansion to Huntington Beach, each step of our growth has been made with intention.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve kept our values front and center. We’re committed to protecting the ocean, educating our guests about marine life and making a positive impact in the community. Our partnership with 1% for the Planet is proof that we’re doing business the right way—sustainably, ethically and with purpose.
At the end of the day, Everyday California is about more than just tours or t-shirts. It’s about creating a lifestyle that blends fun, freedom and a deep respect for the natural world. It’s the greatest joy of my life to invite others to be a part of that story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
o Like any great adventure, building a business isn’t always smooth sailing. Behind all the fun and excitement, there’s been a constant cycle of learning, adapting and facing new challenges head-on. No two days are the same, and that’s both the beauty and the hustle of it.
One mindset that’s really stuck with me over the years is aiming to be just 1% better every day. It sounds small, but it adds up in big ways. Whether it’s improving the guest experience on our tours, refining our apparel line or tightening up operations, we’re always trying to level up without feeling like we need to leap ten steps at a time.
The truth is you don’t need to have explosive growth overnight. There’s a lot of value in playing the long game—in building something sustainable, improving steadily and staying focused on what you do best. That’s how you create something that lasts, and that’s what we’re all about.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Everyday California?
o At Everyday California, we’re all about sharing the California lifestyle—sun, surf and a sense of adventure. We started in beautiful La Jolla, San Diego and now we’ve expanded by opening a location in Huntington Beach. Our San Diego location offers fun, ocean-based experiences like kayaking, snorkeling and surf lessons, all led by awesome local guides who know the area inside and out. At Huntington Beach, we are focusing on kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals for people to explore the canals, and of course surf board rentals because what would a shop in Surf City be without them?
What makes us different? For starters, we’re big believers in protecting the ocean we love so much. We’re partnered with 1% for the Planet, demonstrating that our commitment to doing good is just as strong as our commitment to having fun. Sustainability, community and ocean conservation are at the core of everything we do.
But we’re not just an adventure company—we also have a California-inspired apparel line designed for people who live life outside. Think laid-back, coastal vibes with a focus on quality and eco-conscious materials. All of our apparel reflects our surf-obsessed lifestyle. Expect to find floating hats, perfect for protecting your face during water sports without the worry of losing it to the wake and UPF50+ long sleeves, which block UVA and UVB rays effectively, ideal for all-day outdoor activities.
We’re most proud of the community we’ve built and the positive impact we’re making, both on the environment and in people’s lives. Whether you’re paddling next to sea lions, learning to surf or just rocking one of our tees, we want you to feel like you’re part of the Everyday California family.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I absolutely have to give credit to my family—they’ve been the backbone of this journey. My dad has always led by example with his work ethic and resilience, and my wife has been my biggest supporter through all the highs and lows. Their unwavering belief in me, especially during the tougher moments, gave me the confidence to keep going. I wouldn’t be here without their love, perspective, and encouragement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://everydaycalifornia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/everydaycalifornia
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/everydaycalifornia
