Surf Brands a Brief History

The history of today's surf brands

The main surf brands are well known throughout the world, but where did they come from and what inspired them to become what they are today.

Animal

Animal was established in 1987, the brand was started by two surfers who were fed up of loosing their watches in the water while they were surfing. The two surfers came up with a solution to their problem with a webbing and velcro strap.

The two surfers began production of small quantities of watches for their friends and used the money to fund surf trips where they sold more watch straps to fund more trips. The strap was very versatile and was soon used by other extreme sports enthusiasts such as wind surfers, snow boarders and mountain bikers the strap became a success and Animal was born.

Animal later began to make sports watches which were robust water resistant and stylish, these watches were also a huge success and became a household name.

Animal is now a design-led sports brand producing clothing, watches, eyewear, footwear, luggage and accessories.

Billabong

Founded by surfer and board shaper Gordon Merchant and his partner in 1973 who began by designing and producing board shorts at home to sell in the local surf shop. The board shorts were popular because of the triple-stitching technique developed by Gordon.

The brand grew with company sponsored contests and special events which helped establish the company in Australian surf culture, the brand was ready to go international in the 1980s when it had success in North America and other areas.

The logo which is still used today was created by its founder. The majority of Billabong is now owned by GSM operations with the founder Gordon Merchant owning around 20% of the company.

Billabong produces shirts, shorts, swim wear, surf and skate equipment which is sold to a global market.

Rip Curl

Rip curl was founded in 1969 by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer in Australia following the trend of short boards and surf design experimentation in 1967. Rip Curl began as a surf board manufacturer but later noticed a lack in availability of quality surfing wetsuits and in 1970 began producing wet suits based on diving technology adapted for surfing.

Rip Curl is now a leading surf wear brand in Australia, Europe and South America.

Quicksilver

Alan Green had been producing wet suits for Rip Curl but later formed Quicksilver in 1970 with John Law. They began by taking an existing pair of board shorts and removing anything they thought was not necessary for surfers such as front lace and buttons that hurt when you paddled, they came up with an anatomically based pattern designed specifically for the surfer.

These board shorts attracted interest in the surfing community and Quicksilver started to grow into what it is today. Quicksilver now has a diverse line of products to include clothing, accessories, eyewear, watches and wetsuits and is diversifying into winter sports.

Billabong 2008 Stock

We have just added a wide selection of Mens Billabong surf clothes to include 2008 t-shirt designs, shirts and boardshorts. Ladies Billabong surf clothes to include t-shirts, tops and hats. We have also expanded our range of 2008 Billabong hand bags, ruck sacks, wallets and accessories. All available to order online now!

A brief guide to surf boards

Different types of surf board

Softboard, Foam Surf Boards or Foamies

Constructed from soft foam these boards are very buoyant and usually shaped to be very stable in the water making it easier for the novice to catch waves. The advantage for the beginner is that a soft board will hurt less if it hits you while training.

Moulded Surf Boards

Mass produced surf boards made from thick epoxy fibreglass skin, heavier than softboards and custom boards of the same size the moulded boards are generally steadier in the water.

Custom Surf Boards – Glassed Surf Boards

Custom surf boards are shaped by hand rather than factory produced like moulded surf boards.

Common surf board designs

Shortboard – Thruster

The shortboard is not ideal for beginners – The shortboard is one of the most popular small surf boards. The shortboard has a pointy nose and is smaller in size to other boards. These surf boards are thinned down and create a high performance but less buoyant and harder to paddle board. These surf boards are not suitable for small surf, they are designed to offer performance in good surfing conditions.

Longboard – Malibu

The longboard is generally regarded as the best for beginners. Longboards have a rounded nose and are usually between 9 and 12 feet long. The Longboard has gained the nickname ‘Malibu’ because it is one of the most popular types of surf board used in Malibu.

Fish

The fish was created by Skip Frye in the 1970s, the fish surf boards are usually shorter than a short board and offer a tighter turning arc making it suitable for smaller waves.

Gun

The gun is usually between 7 and 12 feet long, it is similar to a short board in appearance but has the length of a long board. The Gun is popular in areas with big waves and is not suitable for beginners.

Characteristics to bear in mind when looking for a surf board

Length

Shorter boards offer a smaller turning circle, longer boards glide easily but turn slower. Small boards are good for quick aggressive manoeuvres. Longer boards are good for smooth controlled turns.

Width

Wider boards are sturdier on the waves.

Thickness

Thicker boards will be more buoyant and make it easier to paddle and catch waves.

You can get all your surf clothing delivered to your door from Roksport Surf to ensure you look good whenever you go out to hit the waves.

Roksport Surf 2008 New Year Sale

Our website has just been updated with the sale items for the 2008 surf stock clearance sales. There are many mens and ladies surfwear items on sale to include t-shirts, shorts, trousers, shirts, jumpers, hats and ladies tops.

All of our current Hurley surf clothing is now on sale with discounts up to 50% off, click on the link below to see our hurley surf clothing sale:

Sorry, this sale has now ended.

Hurley surf clothes sale

Roksport Surf Shop Starts Blogging

Roksport Surf have launched a new blog as part of the developments set for 2008.

Roksport Surf will now be using the new blog to tell all of our customers about any exciting new products or events.

Exclusive Newsletter offers will still be available to our Newsletter Subscribers, it is never too late to Become a Newsletter Subscriber

Roksport Surf look forward to 2008 and will keep you all up to date here.