Pack your bags and slather on some sunscreen – surfing season is just around the corner! If you want to surf in style, read on for our guide to the best surf stores and brands in Oz.
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How Do Australian Surf Brands Compare To International Brands?
With miles and miles of coast and waves for all skill levels, Australia is one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Boardsports are a huge part of Australian culture, with millions of Aussies surfing professionally or just for fun.
Because surfing is so integral to life down under, Australian surfing brands tend to outshine everything else. In fact, the three biggest surf brands in the world are all proudly Australian – Billabong, Rip Curl, and Quiksilver. Plus, Aussie board makers are some of the best in the business and have been leading innovations in the industry for decades.
What Do Surf Brands In Australia Offer?
Surf brands may have a wide variety of items up for sale. Of course, there’s surfboards, swimsuits, rash vests, wetsuits, and other kinds of surfwear. Then, there’s men’s, women’s, and kids’ apparel like t-shirts, shorts, and caps. Some brands may cater to everyone, while others may specialise in women’s or kids’ surf products.
The Best Surf Shops In Australia
Billabong
Established: 1973
Products: Surf clothes, swimwear, wetsuits, surf accessories
Billabong is one of the biggest surf brands in Australia with a gargantuan international following. Aside from surf-related items, the brand also caters to other boardsports like skateboarding or snowboarding. Billabong also owns other sports and surf brands such as Tigerlily, Von Zipper, and Kustom.
Check out Billabong’s website here.
Rip Curl
Established: 1969
Products: Surf clothes, swimwear, wetsuits, surf accessories
The first major Australian surf brand, Rip Curl set the standard for everyone else that followed. Quicksilver, the other one of the ‘Big Three’ brands, was actually founded by a former Rip Curl employee! The brand has hundreds of retailers around the world, including 61 stores in Australia alone.
Check out Rip Curl’s website here.
Quiksilver
Established: 1969
Products: Surf clothing, swimwear, wetsuits, boardshorts, surf accessories
Quiksilver is a surf brand GIANT. Not only did they quickly become one of the go-to surf brands in the world, but they also gained enough money and influence to buy out Billabong. Yes, Quiksilver and Billabong are both owned by the same parent company, Boardriders, Inc.
Check out Quicksilver’s website here.
Roxy
Established: 1990
Products: Women’s surf clothes, swimwear, wetsuits, surf accessories
So as not to “damage the men’s brand”, according to SVP of marketing Randy Hild, Quiksilver created the Roxy brand for women and girls. Roxy focuses on surf apparel and accessories, but they also peddle books, perfume, and home decor.
Check out Roxy’s website here.
Seafolly
Established: 1975
Products: Women’s swimwear, beach essentials
Seafolly is a great brand for female surfers who want to look chic while catching a wave. You can buy bikinis, one-pieces, and other beach must-haves. Seafolly usually gets big names to be their brand ambassadors, such as Gigi Hadid, Miranda Kerr, and Behati Prinsloo.
Check out Seafolly’s website here.
Ocean & Earth
Established: 1978
Products: Surfboards, surf clothing, wetsuits, surf accessories
For surfboards, surf covers, tail pads, and leashes, check out Ocean & Earth. The company even introduced the ‘world’s strongest leash’ in 2010 – perfect for riding those huge waves. You can also find surf apparel like wetsuits, hats, swimwear, and more.
Check out Ocean & Earth’s website here.
Tigerlily
Established: 2000
Products: Women’s swimwear, beach essentials
Originally founded by Jodhi Meares but now bought by Billabong, Tigerlily is undergoing a brand ‘reboot’ at the moment. Despite the change of ownership, Tigerlily’s swimwear remains to be unique, chic, and super affordable.
Check out Tigerlily’s website here.
The Critical Slide Society
Established: 2009
Products: Surf clothing, wetsuits, surf accessories
The Critical Slide Society caters to skaters and surfers alike, so you’ll find a nice variety of items up for sale. They’ve got some pretty great boardshorts and wetsuits, too!
Check out The Critical Slide Society’s website here.
Maywood
Products: Surfboards
For artistic, handcrafted, and vintage-inspired boards, look no further than Maywood. The brand even has sustainable, eco-friendly boards made out of recycled or reclaimed wood.
Check out Maywood’s website here.
Surf Stitch
Established: 2007
Products: Surfboards, surf clothing, swimwear, wetsuits, boardshorts, surf accessories
Technically, Surf Stitch isn’t a designer or manufacturer, they’re a retailer. But you’ll find every Australian surf brand imaginable (and beyond) on the site, so it’s a great place to start shopping.
Check out Surf Stitch’s website here.
A Surfer’s Paradise
We may be a bit biased, but Australia has some of the best surfing spots in the world. It’s also home to some of the best surf brands in the world, so make sure to stock up on swimwear, accessories, and other surfing essentials before your next surf trip!
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