This Month
The execs behind an equity sale to save Australia’s ‘surfing bible’
Tracks Magazine has been published since 1970, and was sold to three corporate surfing enthusiasts in 2021. Now they’re selling equity to raise $2 million.
- Sam Buckingham-Jones
April
Bankers try on a new alternative asset class – surfing
The risk is high, but Urbnsurf – now backed by Nomura and a special situations lender – is trying to prove wave parks can be serious business.
- Aaron Weinman
Surfing’s GOAT, Kelly Slater, hangs up his wetsuit
While the 11-time world champion did not officially announce his retirement, Slater said he was heading into a new chapter of his life.
- Lincoln Feast
February
Will Olympic surfing damage a remote Tahitian village?
In five months the world’s biggest sporting contest will come to a one-cafe village in the South Pacific. Will it survive undamaged?
- David Cole
KMD shares crumble to all-time low as weather wreaks havoc on sales
Unseasonably warm weather hurt sales of puffer jackets at Kathmandu, compounding an already weak consumer environment.
- Carrie LaFrenz
December 2023
Wave of productivity: How surfing adds billions to the economy
Board-riding CEOs Brooke Farris and Nick Nicolaides say hitting the water is good for their work, backing a study that estimates surfing contributes about $1.9 trillion to the global economy.
- Euan Black
KMD dives to lowest since 2020 after sales drop 12.5pc
The owner of Rip Curl and Kathmandu says orders from its wholesale customers have dried up, while sales of rainwear and puffer jackets were weak due to warmer weather in Australia.
- Carrie LaFrenz
August 2023
The day this CEO encountered his greatest fear in the ocean
Co-founder of The DOM, Justin Seskin, loves surfing off Bondi, the Central Coast and Lombok. But he’d rather not see a shark again.
- Life & Leisure
July 2023
What it’s really like to surf the world’s biggest, deadly waves
Big-wave surfers have a propensity to shake off the near disasters at Nazare – they have to, if they want to get back in the water.
- Matt Majendie
It’s marvellous what a difference this Milo makes
If you’re into the great outdoors, the Milo communicator from Loose Cannon Systems is beyond great. It’s a must-have.
- John Davidson
Chilling at sea is a lifestyle decision for this law firm exec
“I surf solely for fun – not because it might make me fitter or better in some way,” says James Abbott, partner in charge (Sydney) at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
- Life & Leisure
May 2023
Great outdoors: KMD Brands sales climb double-digits in third quarter
All three of its brands gained in the three months to April 30, but the key winter period lies ahead for Kathmandu and the northern hemisphere summer for Oboz and Rip Curl.
- Carrie LaFrenz
What to expect at this surfboard designer’s final paddle-out
Hayden Cox would like to be cremated in Tom Ford, along with a wetsuit just in case there’s one final break to something bigger that lies beyond.
- Hayden Cox
This exec loves surfing but decries what he sees in the ocean every day
Karl Page, co-founder and COO of social impact enterprise WOSUP, has suffered all kinds of injuries on the waves. But it’s “the scourge of plastic” that hurts the most.
- Life & Leisure
April 2023
Dion Lee has designed a wetsuit collection. Would you wear it?
Fashion designer Dion Lee and surfboard shaper Hayden Cox have produced their first fashion range to be worn in, and on, the sea.
- Horacio Silva
New owner of Billabong, Quiksilver plans for regional break-up
Authentic Brands Group will expand Boardriders branded shop-in-shops, retail stores, e-commerce and wholesale distribution as well as establish an online marketplace.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Big names back US group buying Billabong and Quiksilver parent
BlackRock, Shaquille O’Neal and David Beckham are among the powerful shareholders behind US giant Authentic Brands Group, which is poised to buy Boardriders.
- Carrie LaFrenz
March 2023
Record half for Rip Curl, Kathmandu owner
KMD boss Michael Daly says outlets are performing strongly which points to some consumer distress.
- Carrie LaFrenz
- Exclusive
- Emissions
Rip Curl, Kathmandu gain B Corp status in ESG push
One of the surf brand’s achievements is its wetsuit take back program, in which old wetsuits get repurposed into soft foam landing for kids’ playgrounds.
- Carrie LaFrenz
January 2023
Unique big wave surfing comp set to go ahead for first time since 2016
Big-wave riders have just 48 hours to travel to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay, Hawaii – and it’s set to go ahead on Monday.
- Talya Minsberg