What is Quiksilver?
Quiksilver is a surfwear brand founded in Torquay, Victoria, in 1969 by Alan Green and John Law. It became famous for its boardshorts and grew into one of the world's largest surf companies.
Alan Green and John Law started making boardshorts with a special design featuring a scalloped leg and a velcro fly. These shorts suited surfers who needed comfortable, durable clothing.
The brand's logo, featuring a wave and a mountain, was inspired by a famous Japanese woodblock print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai.
Global expansion
Quiksilver expanded to the United States, Europe and other markets. The company became especially strong in America, where it was eventually headquartered.
The Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast was one of the most famous events in professional surfing. The brand sponsored many leading surfers, including Kelly Slater.
Quiksilver's parent company filed for bankruptcy in the United States in 2015 and was restructured as Boardriders. In 2023, Boardriders was acquired by Authentic Brands Group. Quiksilver and its sister brand Roxy remain popular around the world.
Did You Know?
Roxy, Quiksilver's women's brand, was launched in 1990.