Since 686 founder, Michael Akira West, first stepped on a skateboard as a youth in the early eighties, he immediately had a new addiction and inspiration. The freedom that skateboarding provided birthed a lifelong quest for freedom of expression through all forms of mediums. Throughout the following years, Mike transitioned from skateboarding to snowboarding, working and riding in Big Bear, CA and continually gathering and exploring new ideas including unique apparel based around the southern California snowboard scene. 

On November 13, 1992 Mike officially launched Jib 686 Enterprises, a small collection of denim, technical outerwear and accessories. What began as a class project during his time at the University of Southern California was now a reality. In 1995 Jib 686 Enterprises became 686 Enterprises as Mike began to travel to larger mountains and encountered a scene and riding conditions vastly different from and far larger than the jib scene of his local resort, Big Bear. 1995 also saw the birth of the 686 SMARTY^® 3-in-1 Cargo Pant. The SMARTY^® 3-in-1 purposeful proposition later spawned other intelligent products such as the Original Toolbelt and Thermagraph^® Body Mapping System that are still in the collection today. 

The name 「686」 has its roots in numerics. There have been a lot of rumors about the meaning of 686, but 686 stems from personal dates and numbers in Mike's life that all merged together at the perfect time. However personal as it started, the number has now become synonymous with providing innovative, forward thinking outerwear and technical apparel inspired by the outdoors and mountain culture.

686 Technical Apparel continues to be independently owned and operated since 1992.

The Compton Surf Club

The Principle is simple, teach new skills, build self-esteem and keep at risk youth off the streets of our local Compton neighborhoods through boardsports and art.

When 686 moved to the Compton, CA neighborhood we were looking at ways to embrace and simultaneously expose the youth to the things that inspired us to build our lifestyles and brands – surfing, skateboarding, art, snowboarding and mountain culture.

The unique challenge of turning down a mountain, standing up on a wave, or riding atop a skateboard under your own balance and power while your best friends are right there cheering you on is an experience unique to board sports and our culture. Having conquered something new that their friends have never tried provides club members a platform to stand up on and be proud.

For this project we have chosen to work with Roy W. Roberts, II Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club. A portion of proceeds from every Compton Surf or Snow Club item will help support our ongoing volunteer efforts with the Club. View the current collection.