Ocean & Earth, the iconic surf brand growing its Softboard Category

Ocean & Earth, the iconic surf brand born in 1979 on Australia’s east coast, is known for its reliable, high-quality gear. From leashes to softboards, they’ve grown into a global name while staying true to their surfing roots

What Inspired the founding of Ocean and Earth, and how has the brand evolved?

Ocean & Earth was born out of the pure love for surfing and the ocean lifestyle. Founded on the east coast of Australia in 1979 by friends deeply connected to the waves, the brand started with a simple mission: to create high-quality, functional gear that surfers could trust in any condition. In the early days, it was about crafting products by surfers, for surfers — focusing on durability, performance, and innovation.

Over the decades, Ocean & Earth has evolved from a small, local operation into a globally recognised surf brand. While our product range has expanded far beyond leashes and board covers to include apparel, accessories, and technical equipment, our core values remain the same: performance-driven design, premium materials, and a deep respect for the ocean.

Today, we continue to push innovation — from developing the world’s strongest leash to creating eco-conscious product lines — while staying true to our roots and the surf community that inspires us.

How do you stay connected with core surfers while also appealing to beginners and the broader surf lifestyle market?

We stay connected to core surfers by never losing sight of performance and authenticity. Our products are tested and refined with the help of experienced surfers and our team riders, ensuring they perform at the highest level in real-world conditions. That constant feedback loop keeps us grounded in the needs of those who live and breathe surfing.

At the same time, we design gear and apparel that’s accessible and inviting for beginners and those who embrace the surf lifestyle. We focus on education, easy-to-use products, and styles that carry the spirit of surfing beyond the beach.

By blending technical credibility with inclusive design, we bridge the gap — making sure pros trust our equipment, while newcomers feel welcome and inspired to join the journey.

What are Ocean and Earth’s key brand values?

Performance & Innovation – Every product is designed to perform in the harshest ocean conditions, using cutting-edge materials and technology to push boundaries.

Authenticity – Born from the surf, we remain true to our roots, creating gear by surfers, for surfers.

Quality & Durability – We build products to last, so surfers can trust them session after session.

Respect for the Ocean – The sea is our playground and our responsibility; we strive to minimise our environmental footprint and support sustainability.

Community & Connection – We support the surf community worldwide, from grassroots events to pro athletes, fostering a culture that shares the stoke.

These values guide every decision we make, keeping Ocean & Earth both grounded in tradition and committed to the future of surfing

How has Ocean and Earth contributed to the surfing community?

Ocean & Earth has always believed that a strong surfing community is the heart of the sport. From the very beginning, we’ve supported grassroots surf events, local boardriders clubs, and junior competitions, giving young surfers a platform to grow. We also sponsor surf championships at all levels — from local contests to major international events — helping to keep the competitive spirit thriving.

We work closely with our team riders — from world champions to up-and-coming talents — not only to refine our products but also to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation. We actively support surf shops and schools, providing reliable gear and collaborating to make surfing more accessible to all.

Beyond competition, we back initiatives that promote ocean safety, environmental awareness, and coastal conservation. In short, our role goes beyond making equipment — it’s about nurturing talent, protecting our playground, and keeping the stoke alive for surfers of all levels.

Can you explain the materials and construction process in your soft top surfboards?

Our soft top surfboards are built to combine safety, durability, and performance — making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned surfers looking for a fun, forgiving ride.

· Core: At the heart of each board is a high-density, water-resistant EPS foam core. This keeps the board lightweight while providing excellent buoyancy and stability in the water.

· Stringers: We add one or more laminated wooden or composite stringers for extra strength and flex control, ensuring the board holds its shape over time.

· Deck: The top layer features a soft, textured EVA foam skin. This provides grip without the need for wax and offers a cushioned surface to reduce the risk of injury.

· Bottom: The underside is made from a slick HDPE (high-density polyethylene) sheet, designed for speed and glide across the wave face.

· Rails: The rails are heat-laminated to seal the layers together, preventing water entry and increasing durability, while maintaining a smooth outline for better handling.

· Lamination: The soft tops are laminated with 2 layers of E-Glass 6oz and epoxy resin for added strength

This construction process allows our soft tops to be tough enough for daily use in surf schools, yet responsive and fun enough for free-surfing in a variety of conditions.

Who do you see as the target audience for your soft top surfboards?

Our soft top surfboards are designed for a wide spectrum of surfers, but with a clear focus on accessibility, performance, and fun.

· Beginners & Surf Schools: The soft, forgiving deck and stable shapes make them ideal for those learning to surf. They build confidence quickly and reduce the risk of injury — a big reason they’re a favourite among surf schools worldwide.

· Families & Casual Surfers: Perfect for shared sessions, safe for kids, and great for carefree days at the beach.

· Intermediate Surfers: Many riders keep a soft top in their quiver for smaller, messy days when they just want to catch more waves and enjoy themselves.

· Experienced Surfers: More and more advanced surfers are recognising the fun of riding a performance-oriented softboard, especially shortboards, on summer days. We’ve developed models with refined outlines, rocker profiles, and fin setups that deliver real performance without losing the forgiving feel of a soft deck.

· Rental Businesses: Their durability and low maintenance make them a smart choice for surf rentals and camps.

In short, our softboards are for anyone who values safety, durability, and wave-catching fun — from first-timers to pros looking for a playful yet capable board.

Are there any upcoming innovations or changes to your softboard products that you’re excited about?

Absolutely — we’re constantly refining our softboard range to push the balance between fun, safety, and real surf performance.

In the upcoming season, our product development team continues to focus on key areas such as new performance shapes, enhanced construction, eco-conscious materials, upgraded fin systems, and fresh designs — themes that are always at the core of our innovation process.

We see the future of softboards as bridging the gap between entry-level safety and high-performance surfing, and these updates are a big step in that direction. Some of the innovations currently in development at Ocean & Earth will be revealed over the coming seasons — but for now, we’ll keep a few surprises up our sleeve.

What’s new in your softboard range for next season?

What we can say is that some exciting updates are already in the works — innovations that will push our softboard range further than ever, bridging the gap between entry-level safety and true high-performance surfing. From the shape of the rails to the feel underfoot, every detail is being considered to deliver boards that are as fun as they are capable.

For now, it’s still too early to unveil the full picture, but one thing is certain: when the time comes, our partners will be the very first to see, touch, and test what’s next. Until then, we’ll just say… the future of softboard surfing is going to be even more exciting than you imagine.