We’re still in the camp that can sit and listen to Greg Noll talk story all day long. And, that’s why we’re pretty stoked on these new “Da Bull” trunks from Billabong. They’re part of an exclusive collab between Noll Surfboards and Billabong.
The Noll Surfboards apparel line will be in stores in March and will feature a ten-piece collection including board shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, walk shorts and a special run of 200 Limited Edition signed and numbered “Jail House” striped trunks that will be auctioned exclusively online starting March 22 through to April 4. Opening bids will begin at $200 and consumers will be able to bid on board shorts based on their size and signing number.
Most mother’s know it’s never a good idea to dress fat kids in horizontal stripes, but the signed Da Bull’s shorts are reportedly “collectable.” Follow the jump for the official word.IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — (March 6, 2012) — Noll Surfboards, the surf brand founded on epic big-wave pioneering and transoceanic aloha, today announced an exclusive collaboration with Billabong for Summer 2012. The new line is based on the historic surf lifestyles surrounding the original big wave legend Greg “Da Bull” Noll and his son, acclaimed surfboard shaper Jed Noll.
“The collaboration with Billabong enables the Noll Surfboards legacy to reach a much broader range of surfers and customers across the US and internationally,” said Jed Noll, CEO of Noll Surfboards. “Billabong has done an outstanding job to create a line that is both classic and modern — a worthy tribute to the roots of surfing and those who pioneered the North Shore and beyond.”
Greg Noll’s unrivaled bravado in giant waves in the 1950s and 1960s along Oahu’s North Shore created one of the most powerful auras the sport has ever known. Noll was the first surfer to establish a “trademark” look by wearing black and white striped “Jail House” trunks which made him instantly recognizable as he boldly blazed a trail for generations of surfers yet to come at epic spots like Waimea Bay, Outside Pipeline and Makaha. The new line is designed to bring back the stoke of the Do-It-Yourself era when surfboards were carved by hand and California surfers created their own youthful look by blending Hawaiian Beach Boy style, Hot Rod culture and Beat Generation independence.
“When you think about it, it’s pretty damn cool that we’re working with an industry classic like Billabong, originating from Australia,” says Greg Noll. “I first visited Melbourne and Torquay for the 1956 Olympic Games. We brought the first modern-day Malibu-style boards with us, and I saw the beginnings of the surf industry there. Today, Billabong is one of the biggest names in surfing, created by a visionary team of surfers and pioneers who still have their feet in the sand and their roots in surfing. I couldn’t be happier with them as partners, spreading the Noll Ohana (family) spirit — plus the fact that Paul Naudé is not only a great surfer, he’s a bit chin’ guy.”
Greg Noll’s travels, filmmaking projects and XXL-sized personality helped spread to new regions the idea of what it meant to be a surfer — knowing and respecting the ocean, being part of a special global family and having all kinds of fun along the way. The Noll family has always stood for authenticity, and the styles, colors and cuts of the new surf wear line are all authentically shaped by the historic surf lifestyle that Greg Noll helped create.
While this partnership allows the Noll family to bring their ohana spirit to a much bigger hui of surfers, they will remain deeply rooted in the business of handcrafting one-of-a-kind wood and foam surfboards for both collectors and modern performers via their flagship store in San Clemente, California and online at www.NollSurfboards.com.
“I’ve always felt that surfboards are the cornerstone of surfing and the surf industry,” said Paul Naudé, President of Billabong North America. “We’re honored to be collaborating with Greg and Jed through Noll Surfboards, one of the most iconic surfboard brands in the history of surfing, in producing an eclectic line of cool product that will create a lot of excitement in the market this summer.”
The Noll Surfboards apparel line will be in stores in March and will feature a ten-piece collection including board shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, walk shorts and a special run of 200 Limited Edition signed and numbered “Jail House” striped trunks that will be auctioned exclusively online starting March 22 through to April 4. Opening bids will begin at $200 and consumers will be able to bid on board shorts based on their size and signing number.
