Iconic Brands: A retrospective

In the world of competitive surfing, few events have had as much impact as the Stubbies Surf Classic. First held in 1977 at Burleigh Heads in Queensland, Australia, the competition not only revolutionized how surf contests were structured but also launched a new era for professional surfers across the globe. The Stubbies Surf Classic was one of the first events to introduce the man-on-man format, a departure from the multi-surfer heats that had dominated competitions up until then. This change allowed for more direct competition and greater focus on individual performances, which soon became the gold standard for professional surfing contests. The format pushed surfers to new heights, offering the kind of one-on-one intensity that would help elevate surfing into a highly competitive sport. The event also garnered international attention, attracting surfers from around the world, including the likes of Mark Richards, Shaun Tomson, and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew. The competition became a proving ground for the top talents of the day, and winning the Stubbies was seen as a major achievement in the professional surfing world. By the 1980s, the Stubbies Surf Classic expanded beyond Australia, with events like the Stubbies Qantas California Surf Trials held at Lower Trestles in California, further cementing the event’s status as a globally recognized surf competition. The mix of international surfers and intense competition helped to foster a sense of camaraderie and respect among the surfers while also encouraging a healthy rivalry. Although the Stubbies competitions eventually came to an end, their legacy lives on. The man-on-man format is now a staple of the World Surf League (WSL) and other major contests, and the event itself is fondly remembered by surfers and fans as a critical moment in the evolution of competitive surfing. At Malibu Shirts, we honor the spirit of these legendary surf competitions and the athletes who shaped the sport. Our surf-inspired designs reflect the history and excitement of events like the Stubbies Surf Classic, celebrating the golden era of surfing and the culture that surrounds it.