Foundation (1969)

Quiksilver was founded by Australian surfers Alan Green and John Law in Torquay, a coastal town famous for its surfing beaches such as Bells Beach. [2]

Alan Green initially produced wetsuits before developing a revolutionary pair of boardshorts specifically designed for surfing. At the time, surfers often wore uncomfortable swim trunks that restricted movement. Green introduced several innovations that quickly became industry standards, including:

• Durable lightweight fabric

• Velcro fly closure

• Strong metal snap fasteners

• Scalloped leg openings for improved flexibility

• Better waistband construction

These improvements made Quiksilver boardshorts far more comfortable and practical for surfing, helping the company rapidly gain popularity throughout Australia. [2]

Expansion

During the 1970s, Quiksilver expanded beyond Australia.

• 1976: Legendary surfer Jeff Hakman brought Quiksilver to the United States together with Bob McKnight, establishing Quiksilver USA.

• The company later expanded into Europe, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, and many other surfing regions.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Quiksilver had become one of the largest surfwear brands in the world. [2]

Quiksilver’s logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in action sports.

It features:

• A large ocean wave

• A snow-covered mountain

The design was inspired by the famous Japanese woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai, which depicts a massive wave with Mount Fuji in the background.

The logo symbolizes Quiksilver’s connection to both:

• Ocean sports (surfing)

• Mountain sports (snowboarding and skiing)

It reflects the brand’s philosophy of adventure across land, sea, and snow. [2]

Quiksilver promotes a lifestyle centered on:

• Adventure

• Freedom

• Creativity

• Outdoor exploration

• Boardriding culture

Rather than focusing solely on fashion, the company emphasizes performance products inspired by surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. [3]

Its slogan and marketing have consistently celebrated people who seek excitement in nature and action sports. [3]

Quiksilver manufactures a wide range of products including:

Surf

• Boardshorts

• Rash guards

• Wetsuits

• Surf apparel

• Surf accessories

Snow

• Snow jackets

• Snow pants

• Gloves

• Thermal layers

• Snowboard apparel

Casual Clothing

• T-shirts

• Hoodies

• Shirts

• Shorts

• Jeans

• Jackets

Footwear

• Sandals

• Flip-flops

• Sneakers

• Casual shoes

Accessories

• Backpacks

• Hats

• Wallets

• Sunglasses

• Watches

• Travel bags

[3]

In 1990, Quiksilver introduced Roxy, initially as a women’s swimwear line.

The brand quickly evolved into a standalone company specializing in:

• Women’s surfwear

• Snow apparel

• Swimwear

• Lifestyle clothing

Today, Roxy is one of the world’s leading women’s action sports brands. Its heart-shaped logo is created by mirroring two Quiksilver wave-and-mountain logos. [2]

Quiksilver has sponsored many legendary athletes across surfing and snowboarding.

Notable athletes include:

• Kelly Slater

• Lisa Andersen

• Tony Hawk (early partnerships)

• Travis Rice

• Dane Reynolds

• Stephanie Gilmore (various collaborations and events)

The company has also sponsored numerous international surf competitions and grassroots community events. [2]

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Quiksilver became one of the defining brands of youth culture.

Its influence extended beyond surfing into:

• Skateboarding

• Snowboarding

• Streetwear

• Beach fashion

• Music festivals

• Outdoor lifestyle

The brand’s distinctive mountain-and-wave logo became a globally recognized symbol of surf culture. [4]

Quiksilver grew into a billion-dollar company through international expansion and acquisitions.

Over time, the company acquired or developed several well-known brands, including:

• Roxy

• DC Shoes

Financial difficulties in the mid-2010s led to restructuring. The company became Boardriders, Inc., and in 2023, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) acquired Boardriders, making Quiksilver part of ABG’s portfolio. In 2025, after the bankruptcy of U.S. retail operator Liberated Brands, North American licensing for Quiksilver products was reassigned while the brand itself continued under new partners. [1]

In recent years, Quiksilver has increased its focus on environmental responsibility through initiatives aimed at:

• Reducing environmental impact

• Using more sustainable materials

• Supporting ocean conservation

• Improving supply chain transparency

The company highlights commitments to protecting natural environments and promoting responsible manufacturing. [3]

More than five decades after its founding, Quiksilver remains one of the most influential brands in the history of action sports. Its innovations in boardshort design helped shape modern surfwear, while its expansion into snowboarding, skateboarding, and lifestyle apparel made it a global symbol of adventure and outdoor culture. Although ownership has changed over the years, Quiksilver continues to produce apparel and equipment inspired by its original mission: creating products for people who embrace life on the waves, mountains, and beyond. [3]

1. Quiksilver

2. About Us – Quiksilver Philippines

3. Quiksilver History | 50 Years of Boardriding

4. https://www.sec.gov