About Us

And yes, there is a Ryker!

In 2019, Ryker was a 19-year-old college student whose life changed in an instant after a skateboarding accident. A devastating fall left him with a severe brain injury, months in the hospital, and years of rehabilitation. Doctors warned his family that his life would never be “normal” again.

But Ryker’s story didn’t end there. With determination, the support of his family, and a lot of hard work, he relearned how to walk, eat, and live more independently. However finding a purpose in life, and employment, was a challenge.

Out of this journey, Rykers Granola was born. What started as a mother and son making homemade granola in their kitchen grew into a company with a mission:

To craft delicious, healthy granola made with simple, natural ingredients.
To create meaningful employment opportunities for people with brain injuries.
To raise awareness about the importance of helmet safety.

When you enjoy a bag of Rykers Granola, you’re not just choosing a wholesome snack—you’re supporting resilience, inclusion, and a bigger purpose.

Ryker and his mother making granola in their kitchen

Brain Injuries and Helmet Safety

It was a sunny April afternoon — the kind of day made for skating. Ryker decided to stop by the skatepark for a quick session in between college classes. He’d dropped into that bowl hundreds of times before — fearless, confident, free — and as usual, without a helmet.

But as he reached the top of the bowl, his board slipped out from under him and he crashed 9' to the bottom — slamming his head against the concrete. The impact was so severe it shattered parts of his skull, and caused his brain to immediately swell. He was rushed to the hospital where emergency surgery was performed to relieve the pressure and stop the bleeding in his brain. The doctors were not sure if he would make it. Fortunately he survived, but his life was changed forever.

Ryker’s story is a reminder of what one unprotected fall can do. Every year, thousands of skateboarders end up in emergency rooms with head injuries, and many of those are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Up to 13% of all skateboard injuries involve the head, and most of the serious ones are preventable with a helmet.

Whether you’re carving a park or cruising the street, wearing a helmet is the easiest trick you’ll ever master — and it might be the one that saves your life. Ryker's hope is that some day everyone will wear a helmet when they're skating.

You can learn more about Ryker's story from these videos below.

NOTE: Before his accident, Ryker went by his first name, Aidan, which you will hear in the first few videos. Post injury he made the decision to go by his middle name, Ryker, signifying a new start in life.

*Thanks to NBC station KING5 in Seattle, and reporter Drew Mikkelsen, who covered (Aidan) Ryker's recovery for 5 years, and earned an Emmy Award for his story.