Legacy in Motion 

Outerknown ambassador Kevin Schulz on surfing, firefighting, and finding his own path. 

Born and raised in the surfing hotbed of Southern California, it’s no surprise that surfing was a part of Kevin Schulz's life from an early age. Since he was ten, he’d accomplish quite a list of goals, from becoming sponsored, to qualifying for the USA Surfing Team, to competing in the WSL Qualifying Series and Stab High, to traveling around the world. At the same time, Kevin is also pursuing a career in the fire service, carrying on the legacy of his father, Karl Schulz, who worked 35 years with the LA County Fire Department, retiring as a Captain. Kevin was recently on the frontlines fighting the Palisades Fires, which only further speaks to his love and passion for his community.   

So, it sounds like you had two options growing up: surfing or fire department.   

Yeah [laughs]. Those were the only two ways it was going to go. I got hired in 2022 up in LA County with the hand crew, which is like all brush fire stuff, and then I applied to municipal departments after that.   

What is it like for you to be able to carry on your dad's firefighting legacy?   

It was a hard transition originally, just starting from the ground up, and it takes a lot of time to get into it, but growing up around my dad and seeing how much fun he had with it was an inspiration for me. I got to grow up doing so many fun things with my dad. So, seeing how rewarding his career was made me want to pursue the profession as well. I also wanted to be able to provide the same life for my family that my folks were able to provide for me. The fire service is a great way to do that and also be a part of your community. Following in his footsteps has been pretty rad.   

Are there any parallels for you between surfing and firefighting?   

It's definitely different than surfing. There's still a lot of parallels in the same aspect. The complexity of it and the challenges. The team stuff, too. Surfing is an individualistic sport, but you're always around a crew of people when doing it. There's etiquette with surfing where you have your Kelly Slaters and the top dogs, and you would never step on their toes. And you have to work your way up in the lineup. I grew up competing, and that's a high-pressure environment where you're expected to perform, and that's the same thing with the fire service. You kind of have to be able to perform under pressure.   

At Outerknown, we're always encouraging folks to get offline, embrace adventure, and find their Outerknown. What would you say is your “Outerknown”?   

I would say that my Outerknown is getting outside and experiencing what nature has to offer. Whether that be surfing, hiking or just spending time with family outside. I love working with the team at Slater Designs on new surfboards and testing them as well. I feel like any activity that gets me outside and moving is my Outerknown. 

Any Outerknown pieces you love to wear or hold near and dear?   

I have a few pieces that go with me everywhere. The first is the OK Hooded Puffer Jacket. It is so warm and blocks any wind, great for riding the bikes on cold, windy days and is ultra comfy! The second is the new Field Pant. I feel like they can be styled with almost anything, and the comfort level is at an all-time high. I can wear them casually or out to a more formal event. Lastly, I would have to say the Big Heavy Tee. I am a sucker for long-sleeve tees, and the weight of these shirts is great. They are simple and, again, able to be worn in any setting. The recycled materials that OK uses also give me peace of mind that I am wearing sustainable materials that are sourced in an organic way.