Billabong apparel and accessories

Billabong: From Gold Coast Origins to Global Commercial Giant

Billabong was founded in 1973 on Australia's Gold Coast by Gordon Merchant and Rena Merchant. Originally, the business began on a kitchen table where the founders designed and handmade boardshorts specifically built to withstand the rigorous demands of surfing. The brand quickly became an iconic symbol of the global surf culture, expanding from its humble Australian roots into a worldwide lifestyle brand that defines coastal fashion.

Over the decades, manufacturing has shifted from local Australian production to a global network. Today, Billabong products are manufactured in multiple countries across Asia and South America, including China, Vietnam, and India, to meet international demand for their technical wetsuits and casual apparel.

In recent years, the ownership of Billabong has undergone significant consolidation in the action sports industry. After being acquired by Boardriders, Inc. (formerly Quiksilver), the brand is now part of the Authentic Brands Group (ABG) portfolio. ABG, an American brand management company, finalized its acquisition of Boardriders in 2023, bringing Billabong under the same corporate umbrella as other major lifestyle brands like Quiksilver, Roxy, and RVCA.