Underground Surf Brands You May Not Know
Surfing is a sport dominated by three major brands: Quicksilver, Ripcurl, and Billabong. Virtually every surfer on the WSL Championship Tour is sponsored by one of these brands, they sponsor every event, and they can be found in every surf shop. Now, there’s nothing wrong with these brands or their products, but sometimes, you may want to try something new and different. So, here is a list of alternative brands that have flown under the radar for surfing that you may enjoy.
Mami Wata
This is the brand you didn’t know you loved. Mami Wata is an African Surf brand featuring bright textiles and patterns. All products are manufactured in Africa and a percentage of the proceeds go to African youth surf therapy organizations. They are starting to do projects like Roark and Noah and were just written about on by Stab, so check them out before they become everyone else’s favorite surf brand.
Thalia Surf Shop
An unique combination of class and modernism come together at Thalia Surf Shop. Since 2001 they have proudly served the Laguna Beach community by bringing alternative to surfing. They have a long-standing partnership with Vans to create surf-specific products. However, with their focus being on their community first, it’s a brand that continuously is unfamiliar to many.
Sympl
Sympl produces eco-friendly surf products like board bags, leashes, and traction pads. As an Australian-born, Southern California based brand, they value sustainability, elemental protection, mobility, and durability. If you’re looking for ways to be more sustainable as a surfer, this may be the company for you.
Feral
Feral is a wetsuit manufacturer that uses what is widely regarded as the highest-level neoprene available: Yamamoto Japanese rubber. Feral has come more into the lime light in recent years from things like Stab’s wetsuit test and some pro surfers beginning to sport the brand, but you’ll still be the first in your circle to wear one of these.
Roark
Born out of the spirit of adventure and discovery, Roark seeks to create the apparel and accessories needed to get you anywhere. Recently, Roark has forged a way into the world of surfing, sponsoring the likes of Parker Coffin and Harrison Roach. Their board shorts and surf accessories are stylish while durable and are an exciting new brand.
Captain Fin
Captain Fin Company isn’t as under the radar as they used to be; they sponsor big names like Dane Reynolds and Mike February and were just bought by Volcom. However, compared to FCS and Futures, they’re small. Captain Fin creates high-performance fins that get experimental from time-to-time. They’ve positioned themselves as a fun, cutting edge brand, which is reflected in their product.
Former
Speaking of Dane Reynolds, if you’re a fan of his (let’s be honest, who isn’t?) you’re familiar with Former. Owned, operated, and crafted from the creative mind of Dane himself, Former provides quality surf and skate apparel that opposes mainstream corporatism.
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