When it comes to heritage surf brands, few names carry as much weight as Town and Country Surf Designs (T&C). Born in Hawaii during the golden age of surfing, T&C has become a worldwide symbol of surf culture with its bold graphics, high-performance surfboards, and the instantly recognisable Yin and Yang logo. At Blitz Surf Shop in Gisborne, New Zealand, we’re proud to stock a fresh range of Town and Country surfwear, keeping this legendary brand alive for today’s surfers.
The Origins of Town & Country
Town & Country Surf Designs was founded in 1971 in Pearl City, Hawaii, by surfboard shaper Craig Sugihara. Nicknamed “The Governor,” Sugihara started the company with a simple mission: to build surfboards that could handle the powerful Hawaiian waves. His shaping skills and forward-thinking approach quickly attracted attention, and T&C grew from a small surfboard shop into one of the most influential surf brands in the world.
The name Town & Country came from Sugihara’s belief that surfers needed boards that performed in both urban “Town” breaks (like Ala Moana in Honolulu) and rural “Country” breaks (like Sunset Beach and Pipeline on the North Shore). This balance was perfectly captured in the now-iconic black and white Yin and Yang logo — symbolising harmony, balance, and the dual nature of surfing.
The Rise of the Yin & Yang Logo
Ask any surfer who grew up in the 80s or 90s, and they’ll tell you the T&C Yin and Yang was everywhere — from surfboards and stickers to T-shirts and boardshorts. The logo itself became a cultural phenomenon, instantly recognised around the globe.
It wasn’t just a fashion statement; the Yin & Yang represented the soul of surfing. For many, wearing T&C was a badge of belonging to the surf lifestyle. Even today, the retro T&C logo tees remain highly sought after, bringing nostalgia and authenticity to a new generation of surfers.
Sponsored Surfers and Influence on the Sport
Over the years, Town & Country has been home to some of the biggest names in surfing. In the 1980s and 90s, legends like Martin Potter, Sunny Garcia, Makua Rothman, and Johnny Boy Gomes helped put T&C on the map in competitive surfing.
The brand became synonymous with power surfing — big turns, Hawaiian powerhouses, and no-nonsense performance gear. T&C’s connection to world-class talent cemented its reputation as a core surf company, not just a clothing label.
T&C Surfwear – From Retro to Revival
Like many classic surf brands, Town & Country experienced waves of popularity. Its bold 80s neon designs, checkerboard prints, and oversized logo tees became streetwear icons in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. After a quieter period in the 2000s, T&C has made a strong comeback, with modern surfwear inspired by its roots.
Today, you’ll find a mix of retro-inspired T-shirts, hoodies, boardshorts, caps, and women’s surfwear, all carrying that unmistakable Yin and Yang DNA. This revival isn’t just about nostalgia — T&C is once again producing quality surf gear that resonates with both older surfers who remember the brand’s heyday and younger groms discovering it for the first time.
T&C at Blitz Surf Shop, Gisborne NZ
At Blitz Surf Shop, we’re stoked to stock a wide range of Town & Country surfwear in New Zealand. Whether you’re chasing that old-school retro T&C tee, a pair of boardshorts built for the beach and street, or a cap with the classic logo, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Check out our full collection here: Town & Country Surfwear at Blitz Surf Shop
Some of our current T&C favourites include:
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Town and Country OG Logo T-Shirts – timeless, bold, and instantly recognisable.
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Town and Country Women’s Beach Shorts and Tees – relaxed fits with a coastal vibe.
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T&C Caps and Dad Hats – the perfect everyday accessory for surf and street.
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Retro-style boardshorts – durable, functional, and made for summer sessions.
Why T&C Still Matters
What makes Town and Country unique is its authenticity. Unlike newer fashion-first surf labels, T&C has decades of heritage, credibility, and connection to surfing’s roots. The brand continues to stand for balance, creativity, and stoke — values that resonate with surfers everywhere, from Hawaii to New Zealand.
For Kiwis, T&C represents more than just surfwear. It’s a link back to the golden era of surfing when logos, stickers, and bright graphics ruled. It’s a piece of surf history you can wear, ride, and live every day.
Ride the Yin & Yang with Blitz Surf Shop
If you’re looking for authentic surfwear in New Zealand, Town & Country is a must-have brand. Whether you’re hitting the waves at Wainui Beach, cruising around town, or just chasing that vintage surf vibe, T&C brings the perfect blend of heritage and style.
Browse our latest Town & Country collection online at Blitz Surf Shop or drop into our store in Gisborne to check it out in person.
⚡ Shop now: Town & Country Surfwear – Blitz Surf Shop
