Billabong was founded in 1973 on Australia’s Gold Coast. Surfer and surfboard shaper Gordon Merchant and his partner Rena started designing the boardshorts at their hone and selling them at local surf shops.
The business started to flourish with the surfers drawn to the functionality and durability of the unique triple sticking technique developed by Gordon.
By the 1980’s the company was firmly established within the surf culture in Australia, and expanding to North America, which quickly gained momentum. Through the 1990’s the surf industry was booming and Billabong was right there to be a model company for the sport and culture.
Now Billabong is involved in every aspect of the industry, from clothing to team riders and sponsoring some of the biggest events around the world.