After the gold rush

There is just something cool about surfing. Well, most surfers love the sport because of the Zen-like experience, and the ocean is just so magnificent. With the perfect wave, the rest of the world just sort of disappears. And you’re left with that stoked feeling.  

But hey, looking like a surfer dude or chick is easy. Just dig the celebrity style. All you need is a bikini like Cameron Diaz or board shorts like Owen Wilson. Plus the surfboard, of course, and you are set to go and ride the waves until the sun goes down.

For original surf style with a heritage that goes back to the ’60s, Golden Breed has finally reached our shores. An authentic surfing brand from the Land of Oz, Golden Breed is all about keeping the original spirit of surfing and the surf adventure alive.

 “Golden Breed was an American brand in the ’60s but was reintroduced in 1999 after I bought the company,” says Nick Van de Merwe, managing director of Golden Breed. “In many ways, it was the brand that led to the popularization of surf apparel, not only in Australia but worldwide pure.”

A culture of good times from sand, sun and sea, Golden Breed lives and breathes a liberated and relaxed philosophy of “ride ’em all.” It is all about enjoying the waves because surfing is all about fun. 

“An old-school brand, it has become iconic and legendary and is worn by the world’s best board riders. Some surfers even have tattoos of the intertwined male-female logo,” enthuses Van de Merwe. “It is Australia’s most influential, aspirational and significant apparel brand of its era, focusing on the simple love of riding the waves.”

If you are new to surfing, you can get yourself the right gear to dress the part. And Golden Breed has the stuff every surfer needs. With the quintessential Australian, laid-back lifestyle, expect a full range of printed T-shirts, board shorts and accessories like hats and flip-flops for men and women, exuding a classic island feel.

The vibe of the surf lifestyle is based on respecting all forms of surfing and other surfers. Board shorts for men come in solid colors with striped details or funky prints. The tees come in plain colors and graffiti-inspired prints that include the brand name. Other items include polo shirts, sleeveless and surfer wet tees.

Beach bunnies will definitely go for board shorts with simple designs and surf tees that ooze flower power. Plus, there are short shorts, cargo shorts and even tank tops. For the headgear, there are caps and hats to complete the surf vibe.

You can’t complete the look without a board. The hardware features performance-driven custom boards ranging from six feet, seven inches to 10 feet — the most difficult of long boards, body boards and skateboards as well.

As the soul of surfing, Golden Breed is also a major supporter of the Australian surfing scene and has a nice list of team riders that include Dave Wilson, Ray Gleave, Harley Ingelby, Ian Bell, Jeff Hackman and Sam Danton — all of whom have amazingly fit and fab bodies thanks to surfing.

“When it comes to surfing, it isn’t about peer pressure because you should be free,” concludes Van de Merwe. “Each wave brings good experiences. Just enjoy the ocean because it is a pretty cool feeling.”

So remember, whether you are in La Union, Daet, Lanuza, Zambales, Siargao or any other favorite “surfari” spot, you definitely won’t have trouble carving a wave nearby or looking like a surf star.

Because there is just nothing like riding ’em all.

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Golden Breed is available at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, SM North Edsa, SM Makati, SM Cebu; Olympic Village; Olympic World TriNoma, Alabang, Filinvest and Robinsons Place Manila, Planet Sports and Lonely Planet Boracay. For inquiries, e-mail ruby_palma.pgii@primergrp.com.

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