Surfing Fashion

What exactly is surfing fashion? Surfing may be a hobby or fun activity for some, but for others surfing is a lifestyle and the clothes represent the significance of this way of life. Here you will not only learn the lifestyle but also how to look the part!

Surfing is a water sport that has been around for quite some time! It has been dated back thousands of years however not until the late 19th century has it become widely well known. Three Hawaiian princes vacationed to none other than Santa Cruz, California and learned how to ride powerful Pacific Ocean surf, rapidly gaining its popularity. 

Not long after, two college students studying at John Wrightson’s college taught John Wrightson himself how to surf. This eventually led to an all-new modern surfing style being created by George Freeth, who is commonly credited as the Father of Modern Surfing. 

Not until the 50’s and 60’s did surfing and its subculture gained so much popularity that it is now widely recognized as a sport. Nowadays, surfing is popular worldwide however it’s not only the sport itself that is enticing people to join in on the lifestyle. Surfing fashion is considered very laid-back in nature with many fun colors and freedom is often associated with the styles. 

Surfing fashion has evolved from what it once was in the 1950’s. Then, the first few surfing hotspots were attracting many people to try out the up-and-coming water activity since it had not become a sport yet. There had been no surfing specific clothing created until this point. People were attracted to the ideology of surfing; the wind and salt water in their hair, freedom that comes with no boundaries or limits, and complete control of one’s self. Fast-forward to today, there is a whole fashion industry catering to surfers incorporating designs and styles that fit into the relaxed lifestyle. 

These designs and styles did not get created overnight. Many of the most popular surfing brands were created in a surfer’s garage. At first, designs were not exactly fashion-forward, more so focusing on comfort and functionality. 

One of the pioneers of surfing focused brands that is known for their innovative designs is O’Neill. Created and founded by Jack O’Neill, he made large strides in the surfing community. He is credited with the invention of the wetsuit, and his son, Pat O’Neill invented the leash. Not only have they made waves in the surfing world, but eventually branched out into other sports such as snowboarding and skateboarding. 

With O’Neill’s growing success and popularity, new brands began to emerge. Billabong, Quicksilver and Rip Curl were on their way to becoming what is now known as “The Big Three” of international surfing apparel brands. These brands along with countless others, offered surfers quality products that were not only fashionable but also comfortable, reliable and ready for the unforgiving sea. 

How does Ahab fit into the modern surfing culture? While Ahab is a relatively new company in the surf industry, the founder, Marlon Holden, has been immersed in this lifestyle from the beginning. Born on the Big Island of Hawaii, his father was a big game fisherman who taught Marlon at a young age what it meant to be a waterman. In his young developmental years, Marlon sailed around the world learning to spear-fish, surf and understand the ocean. This knowledge has stayed with him throughout his adult life. As this was a very defining aspect of his life, he aspired to create a brand that caters to those men and women who wish to take what’s theirs, without having to ask for permission, a pirate so to speak. Ahab offers Graphic Tees with modern and edgy designs along with an assortment of Hoodies and other accessories that embody the essence of freedom and self-expression without limitations of what is considered to be good or proper.