Quiksilver: What You Should Know About This Surf and Lifestyle Brand
Quiksilver is one of the largest action sports companies in the world, with a significant presence in surf shops, retail locations, and online. If you're shopping for surfboards, wetsuits, apparel, or accessories—or you're curious about what Quiksilver actually is—understanding the brand, its product range, and how it fits into the broader surf retail landscape will help you make informed choices.
What Is Quiksilver? 🏄
Quiksilver started in 1969 as a boardshorts manufacturer in Torquay, Australia, and has since grown into a global corporation that designs and sells clothing, footwear, and equipment aimed at surfers, skateboarders, snowboarders, and action sports enthusiasts. The company operates through its own branded stores, department stores, specialty surf shops, and direct-to-consumer channels (website and app).
The brand is best known for surfwear and boardshorts, but its product portfolio has expanded significantly over the decades to include:
- Wetsuits and water-sport protective gear
- Apparel (shirts, jackets, hoodies, pants)
- Footwear (sandals, shoes, boots)
- Accessories (hats, bags, eyewear)
- Surfboards and related equipment (though board manufacturing and design varies by region)
Quiksilver is also the parent company of several other action sports brands, which means when you shop at certain retailers, you may encounter multiple related brands under the same corporate umbrella.
Quiksilver's Role in Surf Shops and Retail 🛍️
Quiksilver products appear in three main retail environments:
Company-Owned Stores
Quiksilver operates its own branded retail locations in major cities and coastal areas. These stores typically stock the full range of Quiksilver products, and staff are generally trained in the brand's offerings. Availability varies by location and region.
Independent and Chain Surf Shops
This is where many surfers encounter Quiksilver. Local and regional surf shops carry Quiksilver products alongside other brands. The depth of selection depends on the shop's size, location, and purchasing relationships. A small local shop might stock only Quiksilver boardshorts and wetsuits, while a larger regional chain might dedicate significant shelf space to multiple product categories.
Department Stores and General Retailers
Mainstream retailers like department stores and sporting goods chains also carry Quiksilver apparel and some accessories. These environments are less specialized, so the selection is typically narrower and staff expertise varies.
Online and Direct-to-Consumer
Quiksilver sells directly through its website and app, allowing you to browse the full catalog. Online shopping offers broader selection but removes the ability to try items on or get in-person advice.
Quality, Pricing, and Product Range
Quiksilver occupies a mid-to-upper-range position in the action sports market. Here's what that means in practice:
Pricing: Quiksilver products generally cost more than budget-friendly generic brands but less than ultra-premium or boutique labels. A Quiksilver boardshort typically falls in a moderate to higher price band compared to basic alternatives, but you're paying for brand recognition, design, and established manufacturing standards—not necessarily for features you couldn't find elsewhere.
Quality Variation: Like most large manufacturers, Quiksilver's quality depends on which product line and specific item you're buying. Their core wetsuits and boardshorts are generally considered reliable by surfers, but higher-end products in their portfolio command higher prices with corresponding expectations around durability and performance.
Design and Function: Quiksilver products are designed with active use in mind. Features like reinforced seams, quick-dry fabrics, and ergonomic cuts reflect their heritage in action sports. However, whether these features justify the price for your specific needs is a personal decision.
Key Variables That Affect Your Experience
Several factors shape whether Quiksilver is the right choice for you:
What you're buying: Quiksilver boardshorts have a strong reputation among surfers, while some other product categories (like apparel) are valued more for style and brand identity than specialized function.
Your local availability: The breadth of Quiksilver selection in your area depends on which retailers stock the brand. Coastal regions with established surf culture typically have better Quiksilver availability than inland areas.
Your budget: Quiksilver pricing is moderate to premium. If you prioritize affordability, you'll find cheaper options. If you prioritize boutique or luxury brands, you may view Quiksilver as mainstream.
Your fit and preference: Sizing and fit vary by product and region of manufacturing. Wetsuits in particular are highly personal, and a suit that works for one person may not work for another based on body shape, water temperature, and flexibility needs.
Your values: Quiksilver is a large, publicly traded company with supply chain, sustainability, and labor practices typical of major manufacturers. If you prioritize shopping with locally owned brands or companies with specific environmental certifications, that's a relevant consideration.
How Quiksilver Compares in the Surf Shop Landscape
Quiksilver is one of several major players in surf retail, though the competitive landscape varies by product category and region:
| Category | Quiksilver's Position |
|---|---|
| Boardshorts | Established, widely recognized, solid reputation |
| Wetsuits | Competitive but not the only option—specialized brands also dominate |
| General Apparel | Strong lifestyle brand presence; competes with other action sports labels |
| Availability | Broad distribution through multiple retail channels |
| Price Point | Middle to upper-middle range for action sports retail |
Other brands occupy different niches: some focus exclusively on wetsuits with specialized expertise, some emphasize sustainability or local manufacturing, and others target budget-conscious consumers or premium luxury segments.
What to Evaluate Before Buying
Since the right choice depends on your individual situation, consider:
- What specific product are you buying? (Boardshort, wetsuit, apparel—each has different decision factors)
- What is your budget, and how does Quiksilver's typical price point compare to alternatives you're considering?
- Where will you shop? (Company store, local surf shop, online, department store)—availability and return policies differ by channel
- What are your fit and feature priorities? (For example: wetsuit thickness, boardshort style, apparel function versus fashion)
- Do you value brand heritage and recognition, or do you prioritize other factors like local business support or specialized expertise?
Quiksilver products are legitimate choices found in most surf shops, and many surfers use them regularly without issue. That said, being a large, established brand doesn't mean it's automatically the right choice for your specific needs and preferences.