We’re “SWELLelebrating” our birthday this week, marking 13 years of the core-est catalog and online selections of surf/coastal gear and apparel. Since 1999, the style and loyalty of our beach-minded customers keeps us carrying more than 300 of the best brands, and we couldn’t be more stoked.
So, like a typical teenager we’re dragging out the party for week and demanding that all our friends get hooked up! We are giving you money back for every year of our existence, totaling an ultra-rare 13% off site-wide discount. Then, as the week progresses some surprise brands will announce some surf swag up for grabs.
Look back at SWELL’s surf heritage of what inspired over a decade of surf and style
May 1999: SWELL established original website
Feb: 2000: Moves to location in Orange County, Ca
Sept 2000: Acquires Surfline.com
Nov 2000: First catalogs hits homes
Apr 2001: SWELL XXL (Now Billabong XXL) awards record cash prize to Mike Parson’s 64ft wave
July 2001: Wins Webby awards for “Best Sports Website” beating ESPN.com
Oct 2002: Acquires Laguna Surf & Sport surf shops
Jan 2003: Expands assortment into all core brands: Volcom, Hurley, Quik
Nov: 2007: Named top 100 hot retail websites
Feb 2008: Move into 40,000sq ft facility in San Clemente, Ca
Aug: 2006: Awards 3rd annual $5K Larry “Flame” Moore photography grant to Todd Glasser
Jan 2009: Brand selection expands to small brands, eventually breaking 300
Nov 2009: SWELL launches Surfrider Foundation Online Store
Nov 2009: SWELL joins the Billabong family of brands and retailers
June 2010: Legendary Surf Photographer, Art Brewer becomes SWELL’s on-location photographer
Sept 2010: Employee Bill Laity makes Guinness Book for “Longest Continuous Surf Session”
Nov 2010: Jeff Divine contributes his north shore portfolio to the holiday catalog
SWELL was destined to be the world’s best online surf retailer, ever since our first catalog cover featured future 2x World Champion Mick Fanning at 16 yrs old. But it was only the beginning of our catalog eye-candy bound for soo many coffee tables and dorm-room walls.
Our culture of world class surf photography started when SURFING Mag editor Larry “Flame” Moore worked with SWELL/Surfline to add premier action sport media content to the best apparel assortment in the business. Since Flame’s passing, we continued the tradition of featuring renowned photographers to contribute their surf inspired visions in every catalog. Guest lensmen include: Jeff Hornbaker, Jason Naude,Tom Blake, Jeff Divine, Art Brewer and the finalists for the Follow the Light photography grant.
Don’t forget to redeem your 13% off your entire order with code: 13yrs at checkout, and check the promotions page for more birthday surprises.
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