Wildwater Designs was founded in the fall of 1972 by a group of college friends, including Charlie Walbridge, who had recently quit teaching junior high school. Initially, they attempted to start a whitewater gear business while living in a commune at a trailer park near Lewisburg, PA. After struggling to build kayaks affordably and facing difficulties, they shifted to making gear primarily for personal use. The commune disbanded, and the Walbridge moved to his grandmother's farm to further pursue business ideas.

During the early 1970s, the whitewater sport was small, and gear was scarce, leading many enthusiasts to make their own equipment. Walbridge capitalized on this by selling DIY kits, assembling materials, and providing instructions. He sold these kits while traveling on the East Coast whitewater racing circuit and continued the business part-time while working as a river guide and instructor. His ads in whitewater magazines helped grow his mailing list, and business gradually expanded.

However, by the late 1970s, many kit businesses like Frostline and EMS Kits closed down as women entered the workforce, leaving less time for DIY projects. The market for whitewater gear evolved with the rise of retail stores and better equipment. By 1983, Wildwater Designs had shifted to retailing general whitewater gear, purchasing a competitor's mailing list to enhance its catalog business. Despite challenges, the company flourished, with the support of talented photographers and friends for its catalog images.