History of Billabong
Billabong is an Australian surfwear brand founded in 1973 by Gordon and Rena Merchant on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The company started by producing handmade boardshorts, which quickly gained popularity among local surfers for their durability and design. By the 1980s, Billabong expanded internationally, becoming one of the leading brands in the surf and action sports industry. The company sponsored top surfers and major surfing events, solidifying its reputation in the global surf community.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Billabong continued to grow, acquiring other surf and skate brands like Element, Von Zipper, and RVCA. However, financial struggles in the 2010s led to restructuring and ownership changes. In 2018, Boardriders Inc., the parent company of Quiksilver, acquired Billabong, bringing together two of the biggest names in surfwear. Today, Billabong remains a well-known brand, offering surf-inspired apparel and accessories worldwide.