Byrd Surf Style: Chase Wilson Interview

Chase Wilson looked for a product that didn’t exist. Now the founder of Byrd Hairdo Products, Chase started whipping up experimental batches of pomade, searching for a blend of ingredients that would hold up to the salty assault of the sea. A couple years later and this surfing entrepreneur has a thriving brand on his hands and tins of pomade in the back pockets what he lovingly calls “gentlemen surfers.”

Active Junky:  What about life in the water, surfing, changes who you are on dry land?

Chase Wilson: There's a sense of escape from reality as soon as you enter the water. You're always thinking about catching that next wave while all you're worries go out the window. No matter how good or bad your session was, it's always like you pressed the reset button when you hit dry land. I actually launched BYRD because I needed a pomade that didn’t sting my eyes while in the water. Nothing wrecks a session faster than eye burn.

AJ: Give us three examples of specific product features that capture your vision and attitude.

CW: Our vision is to create products for the gentleman surfer, products created in California that actually work better when sun, salt and sand interact.  We launched the brand with our Classic Pomade which is based on the idea that guys want to look slick throughout the day, whether they are just out of the water or at the office.  Our team of ambassadors are constantly on the go so we also look to create products to complement that globetrotting lifestyle.  Soap on a Rope is a perfect example, we developed it to work on both hair and skin so it effortlessly takes you straight from the beach shower to your next destination.  Add some pomade and slick back with our Futures Fins collaboration comb (made from surfboard fin composite) and you’re set.

AJ: What surfing phrase best describes your journey as an entrepreneur to this point?

CW: I would say “racing down the line" sums it up best. I’m always looking down the line focused on the next maneuver.