Quicksilver, Billabong and Volcom close all stores: How Driftline Is Scaling in an Industry at a Crossroads

The surf industry is facing a moment of uncertainty. With giants like Billabong, Quicksilver & Volcom closing stores and consolidating their presence, the landscape is shifting in ways that no one fully understands yet. What was once a tightly held market by a few legacy brands is now open for new players—brands that are agile, authentic, and deeply connected to their customers.

At Driftline, we see this as an opportunity. We’re not just another surf brand; we’re a company built from the water up, created by people who live and breathe this lifestyle. As a San Diego-based surf apparel brand, we’ve grown steadily by staying true to what we believe in: premium quality wetsuit-lined boardshorts, innovation in surf gear, and a commitment to our community.

The Surf Industry Is Changing—And That’s a Good Thing

For years, the surf industry has been controlled by a handful of major brands that dominated retail space and surf culture. But as big corporations struggle with surf shop closures, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer habits, the market is opening up for new surf brands to define the future.

Surfing isn’t going anywhere. The passion, the culture, and the need for high-quality surf gear remain as strong as ever. What’s changing is how surfers—whether hardcore or casual—engage with the brands they trust. They want more than a logo on a T-shirt. They want technical surfwear, gear that performs in and out of the water, and brands that actually listen to them. That’s where Driftline comes in.

Driftline’s Growth Mindset: Quality Over Everything

We aren’t scaling just for the sake of growth—we’re doing it strategically, methodically, and with intention.

• Product First: We don’t cut corners. Our wetsuit-lined boardshorts aren’t just another pair of trunks; they’re a technical solution to chafing, warmth, and comfort. That’s why our customers keep coming back.

• Loyal Surf Community: We’ve built a dedicated following that believes in what we’re doing. They support us because they know we’re making surf gear for real watermen and waterwomen—not just for fashion.

• Scalability Done Right: Instead of overextending, we’re growing in a way that ensures we continue delivering the premium quality and top-tier service our customers expect. We’re investing in cutting-edge surf innovation, expanding smartly, and keeping our pulse on what the surf community actually needs.

The Future of Surf Belongs to Those Who Innovate

The news of Billabong, Quicksilver and Volcom scaling back is just the beginning. The brands that will thrive in the next era of surf aren’t necessarily the biggest—they’re the ones that are the most nimble, creative, and committed to their customers.

Driftline is here for that future. We’re not just trying to fill a void left by legacy brands—we’re redefining what a modern surf brand can be. The industry is changing, and we’re ready to lead it into the next chapter.

Why Driftline Is the Future of Surf Apparel

• Innovative surf gear: Wetsuit-lined boardshorts for optimal performance in and out of the water.

• Made for surfers, by surfers: Built from real water experience, not just fashion trends.

• A brand that listens: We engage with our loyal customer base to evolve and improve our products.

• San Diego-based and growing: Committed to scaling the right way while staying true to our core values.

The future of surf is up for grabs. We’re here to claim our place.