Vissla
Vissla is an independent surf brand founded in 2013 by South African surfer and businessman Paul Naude. It makes boardshorts, wetsuits, walkshorts, tees and hats, sold widely through surf shops.
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Paul Naude |
| Ownership | Independent |
| Core products | Boardshorts, wetsuits, tees |
| Website | vissla.com |
What is Vissla?
Vissla is a surf apparel brand founded in 2013 by Paul Naude, a surfer and businessman born in Durban, South Africa, who previously ran Billabong's business in the United States. Naude set out to create a brand that was purely about surfing rather than street or skate culture.
Products and positioning
The range covers boardshorts, walkshorts, rashguards, wetsuits, tees and hats. Vissla has used novel materials such as Cocotex, a boardshort fabric partly made from recycled coconut husks that resists odour.
The brand is organised around a community it calls Creators and Innovators: surfboard shapers, filmmakers and artists who represent the brand. Names associated with it include shaper Danny Hess and artist Thomas Campbell.
Distribution
Vissla is an independent company and sells mainly through specialist surf shops, as well as its own online store.
Why it matters
Vissla is one of the newer independent players in a surf market long dominated by large groups, built by an industry veteran around authenticity, materials and a tight core audience.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Vissla?
Vissla was founded in 2013 by Paul Naude, a South African-born surfer and former head of Billabong's US business.
What does Vissla sell?
Vissla sells surf apparel including boardshorts, wetsuits, walkshorts, rashguards, tees and hats.