At PARKIT, we believe that life is meant to be lived outside the routine—fully present, fully engaged, and fully immersed in the moments that define us. We build products to support this mission—not just to make outdoor exploration more comfortable, but to remind people to seize the moment, embrace the unknown, and create stories worth telling.
That’s why we align ourselves with people like Chad. A firefighter, waterman, adventurer, and all-around outdoorsman, Chad embodies the spirit of living fully and giving back. His life isn’t just about chasing the next thrill—though he’s done plenty of that—but also about service, resilience, and building a community around shared experiences.
This is what PARKIT is all about. Not just the gear, but the people who inspire us to explore more, to connect more, to live more. And Chad? Well, he’s doing exactly that.
Chad’s Life Beyond the Firehouse: A Love for the Outdoors
For Chad, adventure isn’t just a weekend hobby—it’s a way of life. Whether he’s chasing waves, getting fresh tracks on the mountain, or ripping through Baja trails on a dirt bike, he’s always seeking that next thrill. Growing up by the coast, he developed a deep love for surfing and fishing, spending countless hours in the water or exploring the outdoors.
From Lifeguard to Firefighter: A Life of Service
Chad’s career as a first responder started on the beach, where he spent his summers lifeguarding and operating jet skis in high-surf rescue situations. His love for the water naturally transitioned into emergency response, eventually leading him to firefighting.
Over the years, he has dedicated himself to protecting his community. Now, as he prepares to take his Captain’s exam, Chad is set to take on even greater responsibilities, proving that his dedication to service is as strong as ever.
WSL Big Wave Tour: Safety at the World’s Biggest Breaks
Big-wave surfing is a world of intensity, danger, and split-second decisions, and Chad has been at the center of it all. As a jet ski safety patrol member for the World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Tour, he’s responsible for rescuing surfers from some of the most powerful waves on the planet.
From Mavericks to Todos Santos, he has worked alongside elite watermen, navigating jet skis through chaotic surf to ensure the safety of all the competitors. His expertise in ocean rescue, combined with his firefighting background, makes him an essential part of the team when the waves reach monster heights.
Designing the Ultimate Adventure Chair with PARKIT
When Chad first walked into the PARKIT shop, he immediately saw the potential. “Man, this is epic—you guys should do a firefighter design,” he said. That sparked the idea. We didn’t set out to build a chair for a firefighter’s lifestyle, but we did want to create one that truly represented them. So, we worked together to get it right—landing on a bold red and black design with a touch of smoky gray, a nod to the fire engines and trucks they ride into action every day.
5% for the Firefighters Who Give 100%
From the start, we knew this chair had to be more than just a design—it needed to give back to the firefighters who risk everything for their communities. That’s why we decided to donate 5% of every Ember chair sold directly to the International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation. It’s our way of showing appreciation for the men and women who answer the call, day in and day out. For us, it’s more than a chair—it’s a tribute to their dedication, courage, and sacrifice.
Q&A with Firefighter Chad
We sat down with Chad, a firefighter, big wave surfer, and outdoor enthusiast, to talk about his journey into firefighting, his love for adventure, and his collaboration with PARKIT to design a firefighter-inspired chair.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career as a firefighter?
Chad: Sure! I've been a firefighter for almost 20 years. I started as a lifeguard while in college at UCSB, then transitioned into firefighting and paramedic work. Right now, I’m in the process of taking the Captain’s test, so hopefully, by May or June, I’ll be promoted to Captain.
At our department, we can be part of different specialized teams, like SWAT medics, hazardous materials response, or water rescues. I'm currently getting involved in our drone program and working on my Swiftwater Rescue certification for flood and river rescues.
Q: You also have a background in big wave surfing—how did that come about?
Chad: Yeah, I started as a lifeguard in San Diego and got trained on using jet skis for surf rescues. That led to working safety for big wave contests. Gary Linden needed a medic for a contest in Todos Santos, Mexico, so I went down there to help.
Since I could operate a jet ski, had paramedic training, and knew how to surf big waves, I became the designated water safety guy. That led to opportunities at Mavericks, and before I knew it, I was part of the big wave community.
Q: What’s life like at your station?
Chad: We bid for different stations each year, but a lot of us move together, so there's still a strong sense of camaraderie. Right now, I’m at Station 6, which has an engine, an ambulance, and a brush truck for wildfires.
Our regional fire department isn’t as big as LA or Orange County, so we still have that tight-knit, family feel—I know almost everyone in our department, their wives, and their kids. Even outside of work, we’re surfing, mountain biking, hunting, camping, or just grabbing beers together.
Q: How did the PARKIT collaboration come about?
Chad: The PARKIT warehouse was right next to the station I used to work at, so I’d always see boxes of chairs being shipped out. I eventually walked over, met Rory, Stephen, and Lauren, and just threw out the idea:
"Hey, it’d be cool to make a firefighter-inspired chair!"
Stephen was interested and asked for my input. I kept the design simple but meaningful—red and black straps to match our fire trucks, which used to be all red but now have black incorporated into them. I also brought the designs to the guys at the station, and we went back and forth until we landed on the final look.
Q: Where are the chairs being used now?
Chad: Right now, we’ve got about 50 chairs floating around the department. At first, some guys hesitated because of the price, but once they saw them in person, they were sold. The chairs are super comfortable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up on some of our fire engines, especially the brush rigs.
When we go out on wildfires, we sometimes have to post up at a house, a base camp, or a fire line for hours. Having a comfortable chair with a built-in ice chest is perfect for those down times.
Q: What’s your ideal day off look like?
Chad: If I’m in the water, I’m happy. That’s it. Whether it’s surfing, fishing, or camping in Baja, that’s where I recharge. I also have a boat in San Diego, so I’ll take it out to Catalina for some spearfishing. I just love being outside.
Q: Firefighting is tough—what keeps you going?
Chad: Most of us get into this job knowing it’s a grind. We see things most people never want to see, but the time off allows us to decompress and do the things we love.
Even on the hardest days, I love coming to work. And when we’re not in uniform, we still hang out together—surfing, hitting the gym, going to concerts. It’s a brotherhood, and that’s what makes this job special.
Q: Final thoughts on the PARKIT chair?
Chad: It was a super fun project to work on. It’s rugged, fits our lifestyle, and actually represents firefighters. Plus, it’s already getting put to use in stations and fire engines—so that says it all!
