Today, Billabong is synonymous with surfing, but during the early ‘70s, founder Gordon Merchant had just settled into his own surf Meca along the Gold Coast of Australia. It was here that Gordon first conceived the idea for taking the production of quality gear into his own hands. His first contributions to the surfing community came as a board shaper when he introduced the world to boards with a tucked-under edge. Surfers also owe a huge thanks to Gordon as he developed the first leg-ropes. Finally, in 1973, Gordon and Rena Merchant teamed up, and began producing their inaugural boardshorts. From Billabong’s beginnings of handmade gear, the goal has always been tough, functional, performance surfwear.

After spending years hidden away in his Burleigh factory, Gordon had effectively blown up on the Australian surf scene by perfecting quality boardshorts like the rugged Vandal and All Day models which feature strategic paneling for maximum stretch and durability. Billabong’s dedication to sustainability is evident in all their swimwear that makes use of recycled materials. It didn’t take long for the world to notice the quality coming out of the land down under. Billabong exploded onto the international scene in the ‘80s by exporting to California, New Zealand, Japan, and Europe. This big move gave Billabong the wiggle room to truly begin diversifying their product line, and they have never looked back since.

Billabong is now the industry leader in everything surf related. Their lightweight wetsuits, like the SGX Xero, deliver everything you want while in the water. With intense durability, unreal flexibility, and unmatched warmth, Billabong wetsuits are a surfer’s best friend. Boots, hoods, gloves, jackets and rash guards are also employed in the Billabong army in the fight against all cold weather conditions.

A varied line of apparel and accessories keep you looking good off the beach as well. Guys can outfit themselves with any number of Billabong boardshorts, shirts, pants, hoodies, and hats. Items like the Timing thermal pullover blend quality materials to keep things fresh no matter the season.

Ladies have a good thing going as well. They have their pick from all kinds of stylish threads. From shirts and shorts, to pants and jackets, to dresses and swimwear, Billabong keeps women looking fly. They even give your wardrobe some depth with dresses like the Love Bucket Dress that echoes Billabong’s commitment to the surfing lifestyle.

Billabong has even burst onto the snowboarding scene by producing outerwear with so much pizzazz, you might be able to forget about surfing for a while..

Never losing touch with their roots, Billabong does everything to bind people together in the surfing world. From their entire line of apparel dedicated to Bob Marley, to their sponsorship of the world’s biggest surf competitions, Billabong is a truly unique company, dedicated to the purest of action sports.