Gordon Merchant founded Billabong in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast in 1973. Combining his passion for surfing with hard work, Gordon designed boardshorts, manufacturing them on the kitchen table and selling through local surf shops and markets.

Gordon developed his own stitching technique, which made the garments more durable, cost effective and less labor intensive. He employed machinists, moved the operation into a factory, set up a distribution network and sponsored a team of renowned Australian surfers. The business thrived.

Since those beginnings, Billabong has expanded its product range to include boardsport products such as wetsuits, watches, surfboards, snowboard outerwear and skateboarding apparel.