Billabong’s core identity and focus lies in creating quality surf gear for surfers. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Billabong to bring you their story. During the late 60’s and early 70’s, the surfing lifestyle meant getting in your kombi van packed to the rafters with surfboards, surfmaps, tents and sleeping bags and heading to the coast for classic surfing safari.
Where one ended up depended entirely on the waves. The weather map dictated which direction these free-spirited wave hunters would point their kombi, and nobody knew how to read weather map better than ex-Maroubra surfer Gordon Merchant. It was after one such magic surf-run up the coast, in search of that inevitable Pot of Gold, that Gordon found his surfing Utopia, a 20 miles stretch of golden beach and perfect point breaks.
As far as Gordon was concerned this was Mecca – averaging 300 days per year of good quality surf, where one could wear boardshorts for 9 months of the year. He settled in quickly and it was not long before Gordon was making a significant contribution to the Gold Coast’s infant surfing industry.
In 1973 Gordon and Rena Merchant began producing handmade boardshorts under their flat overlooking his beloved Burleigh. From those humble beginnings, Billabong was born.
Gordon buried himself in his North Burleigh factory for the next few years and Billabong gradually made ground on the more established labels. His no frills, practical approach to boardshort manufacturing paid dividends, as Billabong grew steadily until his little homespun factory literally burst at the seams.
It became obvious to the Australian Surfing Industry that here was a man, driven by the desire to produce the highest quality, best cut boardshort on the market, and by the early 80’s Billabong had achieved its primary objective.
During the 80’s Billabong went International, firstly exporting to California, Japan, New Zealand and Europe & South Africa, then finally licensing, but only after each international licensee had achieved Gordon’s benchmark of dedication, honesty and prudent business savvy.
Gordon surrounded himself with some of the finest minds in the industry, both in Australia and abroad, who helped steer the good ship Billabong on a course which would take Billabong to the helm of the world surfing.
Billabong is involved in many promotions, but one thing that underpins the respect the company enjoys in the marketplace, is Billabong’s commitment to pro boardsports and its team riders. Billabong sponsors many events around the world, with a heavy emphasis on Junior athlete development, but the Jewels in the Crown are The Billabong Pro contests held at Teahupoo, Tahiti and Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.
If you have heard enough about this awesome brand then shop the whole Billabong range here.
Billabong – Style Unrestricted
Billabong’s core identity and focus lies in creating quality surf gear for surfers. Beyond this, the brand has come to be known for its beautifully designed women’s swimwear and quality, contemporary beach clothing. Each item is designed to transcend trends, with a classic, timeless beach feel to it. The swimwear and clothing is designed for every beach lover and who doesn’t like the beach!
