Boardshorts - Designed for surfing and performance
Boardshorts have become a mainstay of surf fashion and surf culture. Over the decades they have developed into the high performance versions you see now...water resistant, lightweight, 4 way stretch and many more features both obvious and subtle. Not only great for surfing but any water activity, physical performance activities and casual summer beach wear. Read on to find out more about the history of the boardshort.
If you are looking for boardshorts online NZ - at Blitz we keep them in stock year-round.
1. Origins & Early Evolution
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Long before boardshorts, surfers either wore nothing (in early Polynesian/Hawaiian surfing) or heavy knitted wool swimwear in the early 20th century—bulky, slow-drying, not ideal for serious wave riding.
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The breakthrough toward modern boardshorts is often traced to M. Nii, an Oahu tailor in the 1950s, who created twill shorts designed to stand up to surf use (sometimes called “drowners”)—durable, functional, cut for movement.
Image of some surfing shorts made by M.Nii in Hawaii. Image from chadsdrygoods.blogspot.com
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In the 1960s, surf brands like Hang Ten (in California) began making cotton trunks / shorts specifically for surfers. Hang Ten also experimented with nylon / quicker drying fabrics in the late ’60s.
Hang Ten advert from 1963. From Encyclopedia of Surfing https://www.eos.surf/encyclopedia/hang-ten-2
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In Australia, the surfwear revolution began in earnest: in 1969, Alan Green (initially a wetsuit maker) developed boardshorts at Rip Curl’s workshop in Torquay. These early prototypes introduced innovations like Velcro fly, snaps/press studs, and yoke waist shapes .
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The “snap + Velcro” fly combo, coupled with scalloped hems (to prevent catching on legs during turns), helped boardshorts evolve from mere swimwear to surf-specific performance garments.
In short: boardshorts evolved from heavy swim trunks into a dedicated surf garment, with functional design changes driven by real use in the lineup. Boardshorts continue to evolve to this day with new materials, design features and fits
2. The Surfwear Boom & Key Brand Pioneers
As surfing gained popularity and commercial potential, surfwear brands became key beach culture influencers. Here’s how a few of them shaped the boardshort space:
Quiksilver: The Boardshort Powerhouse
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Quiksilver was founded in 1969 in Torquay, Australia by Alan Green and John Law.
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The earliest Quiksilver boardshorts (early 1970s) featured a high-back / low-front yoke, two metal studs, Velcro fly, scalloped leg shaping, and bold two-tone designs that emphasized both function and style. They were revolutionary at the time.
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In the 1980s, Quiksilver’s “Echo Beach” aesthetic emerged—flashy colours, shorter fits, bold prints—and the brand became known not just for performance but also fashion identity in surf culture.
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Quiksilver shorts from the early 1980s (c. 1980–1985) designed by Simon Buttonshaw are held by museums as examples of early surf apparel.
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Over time, Quiksilver invested heavily in R&D, fabrics, stretch blends, performance fits, and surf team sponsorships to keep their boardshorts ahead of trends.
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Recently, the Quiksilver / Boardriders group has expanded its global reach, incorporating Billabong’s portfolio, though Quiksilver’s core heritage remains tied to boardshort innovation.
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In January 2025, the surfing community mourned the death of Alan “Greeny” Green, co-founder, credited with pushing many of the foundational innovations (Velcro/metal studs, yoke cuts) in boardshorts.
Quiksilver’s evolution shows how a surfwear brand can carry forward functional heritage while adapting to lifestyle and performance demands.
Billabong: Durability, Stitching & Global Expansion
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Billabong was founded in 1973 by Gordon and Rena Merchant in Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Australia. They began by hand-sewing (in their home) boardshorts and selling them from the back of their car to local surf shops.
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One of Billabong’s key differentiators early on was triple-stitching techniques (especially in high stress seams) to enhance durability—important given the ocean use.
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Billabong grew by sponsoring surf contests and athletes, expanding distribution internationally (Japan, New Zealand, US) and licensing. By the 1980s their boardshorts were widespread across Australia.
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Over the years Billabong diversified, acquiring brands like Kustom, Von Zipper, Nixon, Xcel, Tigerlily etc.
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In 2018, Billabong merged under the Boardriders / Quiksilver umbrella, consolidating brand operations.
Billabong’s story is one of grassroots beginnings, strong build quality, and strategic scaling.
Rip Curl: The Technical Performer
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Rip Curl was founded in Torquay in 1969 by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer.
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Interestingly, Alan Green (Quiksilver cofounder) worked at the Rip Curl factory in 1969 and developed early Quiksilver boardshorts there.
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Rip Curl is often recognized more for wetsuit and technical surfwear innovation—but it also competes strongly in boardshort / surfwear lines, integrating performance fabrics, stretch, and performance fitting. Their Mirage range of boardshorts is a key range of high performance, technical, surfing boardshorts
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Rip Curl has earned many awards for product innovation, especially in wetsuits, but their surf apparel divisions often leverage tech learned there. For instance the Mirage 3-2-one boardshorts which are made from Mirage stretch material, Cordura anti rip material and neoprene panels
Other brands like Hang Ten (classic surf trunk originator) played earlier roles, though less so in recent decades.
3. Key Innovations & Modern Boardshort Technology
Over time, boardshorts evolved from cotton-only, fixed styles to high-performance gear. Here are key innovations and features to highlight:
| Feature / Innovation | Purpose & Benefit |
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| Performance Fabrics & Stretch Blends | Use of polyester/nylon + elastane / spandex blends (4-way stretch) gives flexibility, quick drying, and comfort. |
| Seam Construction & Reinforcement | Flatlock seams, bartacks, reinforced stress areas reduce chafing and increase durability. Taped seams for superior sealing and less skin irritation |
| Multiple Panel Designs / Ergonomic Cuts | Tailored cuts to match body movement, articulated knees or curved panels, yoke waists for comfort while paddling. |
| Scalloped Hems / Leg Contours | Prevents fabric from catching the thigh during turns or maneuvers (a classic Quiksilver innovation). |
| Fly Systems & Closures | Modern shorts may use a combination of Velcro, internal drawcords, metal or plastic snaps, stretch gussets, and hidden micro-zips. |
| Water Drainage & Mesh Linings | To release water quickly and avoid ballooning or drag under water. |
| UV / Sun Protection / Quick-Dry Finishes | Fabrics with built-in UPF, hydrophobic coatings, and quick-dry treatments. |
| Lightweight & Minimal Designs | To reduce weight, bulk, and improve mobility—especially for high-performance or competitive use. |
| Anti-Slip Waistbands / Silicone Grips | To hold rashguards or prevent slippage when body surfing or paddling. |
In the modern surf and beachwear market, boardshorts are judged not just for style but also by their functional performance—flexibility, durability, quick drying, comfort in the lineup, and style coherence.
4. Lengths, Styles & Fit Trends
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Lengths: Classic “regular” boardshort lengths often hover around 18–20″ outseam (knee or just above). Longer lengths (21–22″ plus) still exist and have gained popularity throughout 2024 and 2025 (for more coverage / modesty). Shorter cuts (16–17″ or “mid-length”) are emerging for agility and modern aesthetic.
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Fits & Profiles: There are slim / athletic fits, relaxed fits, etc. Some cuts are “hybrid” (usable on surf or street), with side stretch or hybrid fabrics.
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Reversible / Re-engineered Styles: Some designs are reversible (two prints in one), giving more versatility.
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Boardshort / Walkshort Hybrids: Some shorts blur between boardshorts and casual shorts, combining surf performance with everyday styling. Called Amphibians, Boardwalks, Submersibles etc depending on the brand. Used primarly as walkshorts but in boardshort materials
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Women & Youth Variants: Tailored fits, shorter inseams, and design tweaks to suit female or youth proportions are common. The start of brands like Roxy and Billabong women's came about because women were buying up all the smaller sizes of men's boardshorts when they had no options themselves
5. Famous Surfers & Cultural Influence
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Surfers like Tom Carroll pushed tight, high-cut boardshort styles in the ’80s and ’90s, influencing the fashion (sometimes called “keg-huggers”) aesthetic.
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Surf icons wearing distinct boardshort styles (e.g. Wayne Bartholomew, Mark Richards, Jeff Hakman) helped popularize surfwear aesthetics.
Image of Jeff Hakman surfing from Surfing Walk of Fame
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Photos in surf magazines, surf films, and contest coverage drove aspirational adoption—boardshorts became as much a style statement as performance tool.
6. Māori & NZ-Focused Boardshorts: A Cultural Connection
Boardshorts aren’t just about performance and style — in New Zealand, they can also carry cultural significance in part of your clothing. At Blitz Surf Shop, we’re proud to offer a range that reflects both surf heritage and Māori design.
One of the most exciting releases is the Tai Kehu Signature Range with Quiksilver. Kehu Butler is one of Aotearoa’s brightest surf talents, and his boardshorts blend world-class performance with deep cultural storytelling. The prints are inspired by traditional Māori design elements such as kōwhaiwhai, mangōpare (hammerhead shark), and koru. We’ve already received some of the 2025 Tai Kehu Quiksilver boardshorts ahead of the official October 25th release date — making Blitz Surf Shop one of the first places you can grab them early.
We also stock the Wai-Tai Aotearoa boardshorts, including the bold Taniwha boardshorts and the sleek Piu boardshorts, heavily influenced and modelled off traditional Maori performing arts kakahu. These designs represent strength, identity, and connection to the ocean — perfect for surfers who want to carry culture into the lineup.
Both the Quiksilver Tai Kehu range and the Wai-Tai Aotearoa range are designed by local Gisborne Ta Moko artists Maia Gibbs and Henare Brooking.
For anyone searching boardshorts NZ, boardshorts New Zealand, or boardshorts Gisborne, Blitz Surf Shop is the place to find surfwear that combines performance with a uniquely Kiwi and Māori perspective.
7. Why Choose Blitz Surf Shop for Your Boardshorts
Blitz Surf Shop isn’t just another surf retailer — we’re based in Gisborne, at the heart of Aotearoa’s surf culture, and we live and breathe the lifestyle every day. Here’s why so many surfers choose us for their boardshorts:
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Exclusive releases: We have the new Quiksilver Tai Kehu boardshorts in 2025 earlier than the official launch date. Wai-Tai Aotearoa's home is Blitz Surf Shop, as the brand expands you will find them in more stores around the Motu but Blitz will have the largest offering
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Local brands with cultural roots: Our Māori-inspired collections from Wai-Tai bring something special you won’t find in big box surf shops.
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Performance and variety: From Quiksilver and Billabong to Rip Curl and Rusty, we stock high-performance, quick-dry, durable boardshorts for every style and need.
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Trusted surf knowledge: We’re surfers ourselves, so we know what works in the water and what lasts season after season.
Whether you’re chasing the latest pro-level designs, a cultural statement, or a simple everyday surf short, you’ll find it here.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Pair
From the early days of Hang Ten and Rip Curl through to Quiksilver’s pioneering designs and the modern performance shorts of today, boardshorts have always been at the core of surf culture. Now, with Māori-inspired ranges like the Tai Kehu Quiksilver collection and Wai-Tai Aotearoa boardshorts, the story of boardshorts in New Zealand is richer than ever.
Ready to find your next pair? Explore our full range of men’s boardshorts, women’s boardshorts, and kids’ boardshorts at Blitz Surf Shop and gear up with surfwear that performs as good as it looks.
