Let’s take a little trip back in time. Long before he created the (5x) Boardshort Of The Year, Bob Hurley was shaping surfboards in Costa Mesa. Hurley Surfboards was founded in 1979 and thru the early 80’s, Bob was shaping boards for some of the best surfers in the world. In early 82, Bob and his business manager discovered an up and coming Australian clothing company called Billabong and wanted to bring their punk-rock inspired super long boardshorts styles to the US. With funding from family and friends, Billabong USA was founded and Bob and his crew took complete responsibility for everything from design to funding and by the mid-80’s the brand was crushing the surf culture in America.
Fast forward to 1998 and like any good relationship, people (and brands) can change and over the years, Hurley and Billabong began to move in separate directions. The two brands finally split from each other and the Hurley brand became it own entity and that allowed Hurley to grow into the amazing brand it is today. At the heart of this great brand is one of their biggest technological achievements to date – the Hurley Phantom.
Phantom Technology
With feedback directly from their team, who happens to be some of the best surfers in the world, Hurley was on a mission to create the best boardshort ever. A boardshort that would be lighter, more flexible and faster in the water than any other boardshort on the market.
They would eliminate seams at key rash zones, completely remove velcro in the fly (for obvious reasons) and offer a 4-way stretch in all versions of the Phantom – up to 120% stretch in some of the higher end models. Hurley also used a water-repellant treatment that was originally designed for the Olympic swim team. This material would not weigh down the swimmer (or surfer) and allow you to move faster thru the water – and dry almost immediately after getting out of the water. Finally, to keep it green, 12 recycled water bottles go into EVERY pair of phantoms.
Unmatched Style and Options Galore
Not only are these the most technically advanced boardshorts on the market, Hurley now offers them in a slew of colors, patterns and even give you the opportunity to design your very own Phantoms. Each style of the Phantoms will tell you how much stretch is offered right there in the name. For example, the Phantom 60 Block Party shorts offer a 60% stretch. This technology has been such a hit, they’ve put the same thought into a brand new Phantom Sandal line as well.
Hybrid Phantom Shorts – The Best Of Both Worlds
For the guy who is in and out of the water all day long, the answer to all of your prayers is the hybrid awesomeness that is the Phantom Walker. Styled just like your favorite pair of walk shorts but made of the high tech Phantom fabrics that you know and love, if you only buy one pair of shorts this summer, this should be them. Mesh pockets, belt loops, and a classic chino look means you can wear these shorts directly from the beach to the bar and nobody will know you just got out of the water.
A Little Something For The Ladies
Don’t worry girls, Hurley did not forget about you! With lady shredders Carissa Moore and Lakey Peterson on the team, you know the design team at Hurley is going to have something extra special just for the female surfers. Offered in several lengths – the girls can get all the tech packed into the mens Phantom in a cut made just for us. From the extra cute Beach Rider stretch waist boardie to the traditional tie waist – available in lengths between 2″ and 9″, there is truly a style for every girl rider. And new for this season – a hybrid for the girls too! The Phantom Lowrider Walkshort comes in at a killer 2.5″ length and is perfect with your bikini top or favorite summer tank. From the sand to an afternoon of shopping, the Lowrider Walkshort is ready for all your summery activities.
Now that you know all about Hurley Phantoms, feel free to take a look at more from Hurle here or browse our current selection of Phantom Boardshorts.