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K2 Skis: the legend of Vashon Island and fiberglass
This may not seem like the best place in the world to launch an innovative project or advanced technology. But anyone who has lived in such a place knows that, on occasions, what is lost by not being where-it's-at, is gained in perspective and dedication. And if you don't have any other models nearby to look at, you have to make your own way forward. And this was what happened with K2; a pioneer in the construction of fibreglass skis, sold all over the world, that began on this remote, inaccessible island.
The legend of Vashon Island and fibreglass began after World War II, when the Kirschner family began to manufacture practical items made of reinforced plastic for their neighbours, such as animal cages. They were always on the look out for new products and new methods so, in 1961, having borrowed a pair of skis as an example, Bill Kirschner decided to try making his first ski boards out of fibreglass .
It wasn't the first time something like this had been tried: in 1958 others had tried making fibreglass skis in Switzerland. But Bill Kirschner's model performed so well on snow that he decided to try and get it marketed. Kirschner took his idea to the Anderson & Thompson Ski Company, a distributor in Seattle, who gladly accepted the challenge.
It wasn't until 1964 that Kirschner Manufacturing distributed its first pair of skis made of this new material, but they were soon to revolutionize the future of this sport. That year, they only sold 250 pairs. And 1,600 the following year. Then, sales grew so fast that in 1967 it was obvious that the skis were already a flourishing business with a promising future, and a new company was created: K2 was here.
The first steps of K2s past contain all the elements of an typical American commercial story: a humble beginning, extremely fast expansion, and the level of quality to turn it into a world-wide leader. K2 is an example of how passion drives innovation and of what can happen when technology and science are applied to the world of recreation.
In 1968, having sold 21,000 pairs of skis, there were 83 employees working at K2. The company created its own distribution channels and with the knowledge acquired they decided to take on elite competition, in spite of having just 3 years experience. They certainly didn't lack audacity. But they also had a solid base; their total confidence in the product. And they didn't fail: fiberglass proved to be a winner, and the newly arrived boards won a World Cup Slalom race the same year, resulting in the the first ever US brand to achieve an international victory.
This victory brought their boards world-wide fame. The innovative materials and design as well as the performance and spectacular image caused a sensation. The sales rocketed and the markets grew until, by 1970, they were situated among the most prestigious brands on the market.
A lot has changed since then but little has changed for K2. Or a lot, depending on how you look at it. A lot, because K2 has never stopped innovating, both in skis as in their newer collections (revolutionary bindings, snowboards, in-line skates, bicycles...); or a little, because 50 years later their spirit is still intact. A spirit that clearly answers the question about the secret of their success: “Passion drives innovation.”
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