What are the best surfboard and clothing brands?
The last few decades have seen a revolution in the design of sportswear and sports equipment brands.
Many of these large companies are involved in promoting surfing events so you can see their branding when you attend one of these sporting events.
Are you passionate about this sport and want to learn how to surf? To get started you need the right clothes and equipment. But if you are an expert, you might want to renew your surf clothes and try a different type of board.
For you we have prepared the following post so that you know the best brands of clothing and surfboards that you need to feel comfortable, fashionable and well equipped.
The most popular surfwear brands
Along the beaches and during the big surfing competitions, the most popular brands of clothing designed to make your surfing experience the most chic and comfortable.
We start with the most emblematic brands, then we will expand the information with recognised brands that not only make clothes, but also combinable and useful accessories so that you can surf without limitations.
Op
Don’t be confused when you hear that this brand is one of the oldest surfwear manufacturers. Their range puts everything from swimming costumes and shorts, all available in lycra and neoprene, within reach of your whole family.
Billabong
Founded in Australia in 1973 by the famous surfer Gordon Merchant, when in agreement with his partner they manufactured the first innovative swimming costumes that used triple stitching and were able to withstand surfing sessions.
Almost ten years later it began its international recognition establishing itself as the surf brand of reference and you can recognise the brand by its logo of four waves in black and white. Its emblem can be seen in surfing events, films and on beaches all over the world.
Under the Billabong brand you can find clothing (T-shirts, shorts, shirts, swimming costumes), accessories and backpacks.
O’Neill
This American surfwear brand has over 50 years of history and its founder is credited with creating the first wetsuit, a legacy of innovation that he passed on to his son who designed the leash. He is currently one of our sponsors for the supply of wetsuits at the Lanzarote surf school.
The great trajectory of this brand gives you the opportunity to acquire quality products and innovative designs because they are always looking to improve and use the best materials.
You can recognise their products because they use a wave-shaped logo in black and white.
Volcom
If you are looking for a brand that only produces surf clothing then we recommend the American company VOLCOM, where they produce the “purest style” for skateboarding and snowboarding.
Their designs are bold and the prints can make you stand out.
When you buy a VOLCOM garment, whether it is clothing, shoes and/or accessories, you are guaranteed that they will be of very good quality. You can also use Volcom sweatshirts or t-shirts to go to the beach or combine them with jeans for a casual meeting.
Rip Curl
If you’re looking for quality surfwear but want something different to the big brands like Quicksiler and Billabong, then we recommend you start using Rip Curl.
This Australian brand was one of the first to make wetsuits that were actually useful for surfing. Their pieces are made from recycled organic materials and their designs are inspired by warm beach colours.
You can find their shops in Australia, Europe, South and North America, even in South Africa but you have to be very careful to locate the garments because they have changed their logo regularly. The most iconic one is marked with the number 1 but in 2004 they created one with the number 10, while in the latest update their image is a red wave and the brand name in black.
Quiksilver
It’s impossible to start a surfing life and not hear about Quiksilver because their colours and designs are unique to the surfing style.
Its founder (Alan Green) had the great idea to create the short wetsuit.
The Australian-based company is the ultimate men’s brand for high-performance athletes, which is why they are practically obliged to use the best materials to make their garments.
Quisksilver also owns well-known brands such as Hawk, DC Shoes, Raisins, Leilani and Radio Fiji. Its logo is an image of a wave crest next to a snow-capped mountain and was inspired by a Japanese landscape.
Vans
The importance of surfing motivated large US companies to diversify and start designing, producing and marketing clothing and accessories for the sport.
For example, the renowned American shoe manufacturer (VANS) produces everything from clothing to backpacks, which you will recognise by their high-quality designs and materials.
Hurley
Its founder (Bob Harley) was only 23 years old when he decided to start the company in the United States in 1970.
It’s a great brand because their designs show a passion for the ocean, so you’ll quickly identify with their products.
The demand for Hurley’s clothing and accessories became so great that it was acquired by the major sports fashion company Nike in 2002, increasing the prestige of its brand.
Roxy
For girls you will find this brand that has been on the market for 20 years now, some opinions point to it as a “fitness revolution” that describes you as a free and daring athlete. The colours and designs selected are ideal for the ladies.
Roxy also designs accessories, articles, footwear and even perfumes inspired by sportswomen such as Lisa Andersen or Sofia Mulanovich.
RVCA
If you are looking for a different style of clothing for surfing we recommend the brand RVCA. Their style can be summed up in one phrase: “cool”, because they have managed to mix the everyday and the urban in a unique style of designs where you can feel the art, music and surf, also their garments seek inspiration from local artists.
Vissla
Vissla is the ultimate youth surfwear brand. Their outfits express freedom and progress. Among their designs you will find innovation and ecological passion.
Xcel Wetsuits
A professional and high-tech approach is what we recommend when buying your first wetsuit.
The Xcel brand offers the best quality, accessories and sun protection based on almost 50 years of experience in surf clothing.
Lightning Bolt
Many believe that Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing and Lightning Bolt could be the brand that represents the soul of the sport.
When you wear a garment from this brand you will recognise it anywhere in the world for its quality and designs.
Loreak Mendian
Impossible to close the list of the best surfwear brands without mentioning Loreak Mendian. This Spanish brand is one of the most recognised on the market.
You will find it in its urban clothing versions that you can wear all year round for its style and elegance.
The most popular surfboard brands
The first surfboards were manufactured more than 500 years ago and in different parts of the world, however, it was only at the beginning of the last century that they began to develop as an industry following at first the classic Hawaiian patterns made of water resistant but very heavy woods and when someone tried to make them light they were practically ridiculed in different Hawaiian places.
The company known as “Pacific Systems Homes” is one of the first historical references you will find in relation to the origin of surfboard factories. Their first model was known as “Swastika” and they were sold for as little as $25.
The company’s symbol was an image of Hindu origin and represented good luck, well-being and harmony.
Nowadays you can find a large number of well-known brands that are dedicated to the manufacture of surfboards and in an interesting tour we highlight the most important ones:
TorQ Surfboards
When you find a board with the symbol of this brand you are about to buy the most advanced technology and the best quality, you even find some of the best deals.
Lost Surfoboards
Company specialised in building boards and accessories.
It is based in California and you will recognise its products because they use some of the most cutting-edge technologies and among its exclusives is the collaboration with Elon Musk in the launch of the Tesla Surfboard made with a special carbon fibre and highly sought after by collectors.
It is also one of the world’s most prestigious brands and has a number of boards in the top 10 best sellers, for example the Puddle Jumper and the Lost V3 Rocket.
In his team you will find great surfers like Tag Barrow, Mason Ho, Carissa More and Tyler Wright.
Pysel Surfboards
This award-winning company is based in California but has become an international business.
The surfboards they manufacture are used by top surfers all over the world and also receive awards on various occasions.
Pukas Surfboards
This Spanish surfboard brand is internationally recognised with one of the best positions in the European market, because their boards are made by the most experienced shapers.
Pukas boards are considered high performance boards.
Its reputation places it among the top brands. For example, the Pukas Tasty Treat model was voted the second best surfboard of the year.
JS Industries
The famous Jason Stevenson decided to create his own brand of surfboards and his products have the touch of other professional surfers.
The type of boards they make are high performance boards and that’s why you can see them recently holding the feet of the best surfers.
JS Industries boards can be distinguished by their Tractor logo, maybe you have already seen it on the boards of the most popular surfers of the last years.
FireWire Surfboards
Some of the most experienced shapers in surfing decided to join forces to make the best boards, don’t miss the opportunity to buy one of the FireWire boards because the combination of high-end materials you will hardly find in other brands.
The boards of this brand are light, flexible but also tough because they combine EPS and Epoxy with other high-end materials.
Among his most famous boards are: FST, LFT, Timbertek and Helium.
In addition, they stand out for their innovative designs such as the Evo model, which is currently ranked as the number one selling surfboard.
One aspect that distinguishes this brand is that they promote environmental care and their materials are 100% eco-friendly.
Channel Islands
This is the brand of the famous surfer Al Merrick, but also some of the most experienced surf shapers decided to join him to manufacture a wide range of board models for all styles.
I assure you that one of these boards is the right one for your needs, also this company is characterized by its rapid growth because they dedicate all their effort to manufacture the best boards… they are always looking to innovate and create original products.
Aloha Surfboards
This Australian surf brand has the boards to surf all the waves you’ll ever encounter.
His brand promotes some of the best surfers in the world.
The collection includes longboards, shortboards and twins, while the most popular models are the Aloha Black Bean, ideal for waves that form on the Mediterranean coast.
DHD Surfboards
Another renowned Australian brand that stands out for combining the best properties of two materials that you can find in most surfboards: fibreglass and epoxy.
This surfboard brand is at the top of the Twinfins market. One of its star models is the Mini Twin Fins DHD, and it also has great surfers such as Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore and Jack Freestone as part of its team.
Hayden Shapes
These boards are benchmarks in surf brands because they have won surfboard of the year awards up to three times in a row.
The famous Hypto Krypto model is one of their products that you will find in sports shops. They are also innovators in Future Flex technology, offering innovation and functionality in their products.
Among the most recognised models you will find in Europe are the Holy Grail, Hypto Krypto, White Noiz and the Plunder.
Mick Fanning Softboards
If you need to improve your surfing it is best to buy one of these boards because they are designed for beginners and advanced surfers.
Their line of soft boards has a FCS fin system, which is why it is so versatile. The material used for its production is epoxy, it also has a sponge-like material coating (foam).
NSP Surfboards
If you are interested in a surfboard that can meet your needs and also last as long as possible we recommend the ones made by New Surf Project (NSP) Surfboards, their quality and price are excellent.
NSP designs and produces hybrid surfboards, beginner surfboards and paddle surfboards, all with the same quality and the most innovative materials on the market.
Among its “star” board models we present the expoy hybrid, which is ideal if you are an expert and are looking for a relatively inexpensive shortboard.
The prices of this company’s surfboards are the most popular on the market.
Lib Tech
One of the most recognised surfboard models by this American brand is the Ramp.
This company also has over 30 years of experience manufacturing surfboards and boasts the strongest surfboards you can find anywhere in the world.
Clayton Surfboards
This company is backed by the international prestige of its creator Clayton Nienaber, and is a pioneer in SPINE-TEK technology.
SPINE-TEK technology is a fibre reinforcement designed to ensure that the board has greater strength and durability, as well as increased flex performance.
You can find their factory right on the beach in Durban and they offer a wide variety of surfboards ideal for all types of surfers, ranging from high performance, traditional short boards, single fin or twin fins. Also their epoxy boards are very light and float very well during the paddle.
Creative Army
If you are a lover of handmade things, Creative Army boards will give you the guarantee of durability and exclusivity of their surfboards which are considered a unique work of art.
All boards are designed so that you can learn to surf if you are just starting out, but if you are an advanced surfer you can also find in these boards a tool that will allow you to stand out.
DVS Surfboards
Its creator is Dick Van Straalen, an innovative shaper who started surfing when he was just a teenager and since then has made it his business to shape his own boards.
Now you can classify him as a true master with more than 50 years of experience making surfboards from paddleboards, longboards, guns, fishes, among others.
Among its best products is the DVS Skate made of EPS, carbon fibre and expoxy resin.
Vampirate Surfboards
This brand stands out because their boards are designed so that you can surf fast, radical and a bit wild. They are the perfect boards if you want to dedicate yourself to progressive surfing.
Among their most popular models you will find in the shops the Rainbow or the retro fish Evil Twin.
In our school you can rent the equipment and try the different brands before making the decision to buy, you rent the board for a week and you can change the board every day depending on the conditions of the waves, check out our surfboard rental in Lanzarote (Canary Islands).
