PUKAS
PUKAS is a Basque surf brand founded in 1979 by Iñigo Letamendia. It makes surfboards and surfwear, and grew into the largest surfboard factory in Europe.
| Founded | 1979 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Iñigo Letamendia |
| Region | Basque Country, Spain |
| Products | Surfboards and surfwear |
| Website | pukassurf.com |
What is PUKAS?
PUKAS is a surf brand from the Basque Country in northern Spain. Iñigo Letamendia, a pioneer of Basque surfing, began making surfboards with three friends in the early 1970s and founded Pukas Surf in 1979. The company grew into the largest surfboard factory in Europe.
History
Surfwear developed alongside the boards. Letamendia's wife, Marian Azpiroz, began making bikinis and then boardshorts and boardbags, which laid the foundations of the Pukas clothing business. She is a partner in the company and their children, Tala and Adur, are involved in its operations. Letamendia died at the age of 77. The company has also rebuilt after a serious fire at its factory.
Products and positioning
- Surfboards
- Boardshorts and swimwear
- Surf clothing for men and women
- Boardbags and accessories
Distribution
PUKAS sells through surf retailers and its own online store.
Why it matters
PUKAS is one of the founding brands of European surf culture and an example of a family business that combines board manufacturing with an apparel line.
Frequently asked questions
Where is PUKAS from?
PUKAS is a surf brand from the Basque Country in northern Spain.
Who founded PUKAS?
PUKAS was founded in 1979 by Iñigo Letamendia, who had been making surfboards since the early 1970s.