🌊 10+ Brands Quiksilver Owns in 2026: The Full List

Remember the first time you stepped into a surf shop and felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of logos? You’d spot the classic wave, the heart, the “DC” letters, and the “RVCA” text, wondering if they were all part of the same tribe. The answer is a resounding yes, but the story behind who actually owns the ship is a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood script. For decades, Quiksilver Inc. was the undisputed king of the action sports world, acquiring rivals and expanding until it nearly capsized under its own weight. Today, the landscape has shifted dramatically. The corporate giant has been restructured, and the family tree has been pruned and replanted under the umbrella of Authentic Brands Group (ABG).

In this deep dive, we’re not just listing names; we’re unpacking the legacy of the Boardriders era and revealing exactly which brands are still riding the wave in 2026. From the performance-driven XCEL wetsuits to the street-smart DC Shoes and the eco-conscious Element, we’ll break down who owns what, how the licensing model works, and which brands are actually worth your hard-earned cash. We’ll also settle the debate once and for all: Is Billabong part of Quiksilver? (Spoiler: It’s complicated, but yes). Whether you’re a vintage collector hunting for a Pacifico tee or a pro surfer looking for the next big thing, this guide covers every corner of the empire.

Key Takeaways

  • The New Owner: Authentic Brands Group (ABG) now owns the entire portfolio, including Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, DC Shoes, and Element, operating them through a licensing model.
  • The Core Family: The “Quiksilver family” officially includes 10+ major brands spanning surf, skate, snow, and lifestyle, with Billabong and Roxy being the most significant sister brands.
  • Operational Shift: While the brands remain distinct, their U.S. operations are now managed by new licenses like O5 Apparel and Velocity Global Brands following the collapse of the previous operator.
  • Brand Distinction: Volcom is owned by ABG but operates separately from the Quiksilver portfolio, while Pacifico has largely been discontinued as a standalone brand.
  • Shopping Guide: For the best gear, prioritize XCEL for wetsuits, Billabong for premium surfwear, and Element for sustainable skate fashion.

👉 Shop the Quiksilver Family:

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the corporate deep end, let’s hit the surface with some crucial takeaways for the surf-obsessed and the brand-curious. If you’re wondering who actually owns the logos on your favorite boardshorts, here’s the scoop:

  • The Big Boss: As of 2023, Quiksilver (along with its entire family of brands) is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG).
  • The Middleman: The operating entity that used to run the show was Boardriders, Inc. (formerly Quiksilver, Inc.), which ABG acquired for a cool $1.25 billion.
  • The Current Operator: In 2025, the U.S. retail license shifted to Liberated Brands (until their recent Chapter 1 filing) and is now being managed by new partners like O5 Apparel and Velocity Global Brands.
  • The Family Tree: Quiksilver doesn’t just own itself. It’s the big brother to Roxy, DC Shoes, Billabong, RVCA, Element, Von Ziper, XCEL, and Honolua.
  • The Twist: You might think Volcom is part of this crew (it fits the vibe perfectly), but it’s actually owned by ABG separately, though often operated alongside the Quiksilver family.

For a deeper dive into the current state of the flagship brand, check out our latest analysis: Is Quiksilver Still Riding the Wave? 🌊 (2025).

🌊 The Quiksilver Empire: A Deep Dive into Brand Ownership


Video: Billabong and Quiksilver’s US Bankruptcy: What Went Wrong?








Let’s be real for a second. Walking into a surf shop today feels a bit like walking into a corporate boardroom disguised as a beach shack. You see the wave logo, the heart logo, the “DC” letters, and the “RVCA” text, and you might wonder: Are these all the same company?

The short answer? Yes, but with a twist.

The long answer involves a rollercoaster of acquisitions, bankruptcies, and a massive corporate reshuffle that changed the landscape of action sports forever. At Surf Brands™, we’ve spent decades paddling out to these brands, testing their gear, and watching their corporate tides shift.

Historically, Quiksilver Inc. was the holding company. They didn’t just sell boardshorts; they bought entire cultures. From the gritty skate parks of California to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, they expanded aggressively. But as we’ll see in the history section, that expansion nearly sank the ship.

Today, the narrative is different. Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is the new captain of the ship. ABG is a brand management company that doesn’t make the products; they license the names to operators who do. It’s a “brand as a service” model. This means while the Quiksilver logo is still on the tag, the soul of the brand is being managed by a complex web of licenses.

Did you know? The Roxy brand was created specifically because the founders feared that putting women’s surf gear under the “Quiksilver” name would dilute the “men’s brand.” It was a bold move that paid off, eventually accounting for 30% of the company’s total sales.

📜 From Surf Shop to Global Giant: The History of Quiksilver Acquisitions


Video: The Rise And Fall Of Quiksilver.








To understand who owns what, you have to understand how the empire was built. It wasn’t a straight line; it was a series of high-stakes gambles.

The Early Days: Alan Green and the Doily

It all started in 1969 in Australia. Alan Green and John Law were surfing in the cold waters of Torquay. They needed better boardshorts. They cut up a sheepskin rug and sewed it into shorts that wouldn’t ride up. The name “Quiksilver” came later, inspired by the famous Hokusai woodcut The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

In 1973, they partnered with American surfers Jeff Hakman and Robert McKnight to bring the brand to the U.S. The story goes that Hakman had to eat a paper doily to prove his commitment to the brand’s ethos. It’s a great story, but the real magic happened when they started acquiring other brands.

The Acquisition Blitz (20s)

By the early 20s, Quiksilver Inc. realized that to dominate, they needed to own the entire lifestyle.

  • 204: They acquired DC Shoes, a brand that was already a titan in the skate world. This was a game-changer, moving them from just surf to a full action-sport conglomerate.
  • 205: They bought Rossignol (sking) and Dynastar (snowboards) for $560 million. This was the peak of their ambition. They wanted to be the “Nike of the Snow.”
  • 2010: They acquired Roxy (which they had actually launched in 190) and Element (skate culture).

The Crash and the Rebirth

But here’s the plot twist: Over-diversification killed the golden goose.
By 2014, the company was bleeding cash. They had too many brands, too much overhead, and their core surf business was losing relevance to newer, cooler startups. In 2015, Quiksilver Inc. filed for Chapter 1 bankruptcy.

They emerged in 2016 as Boardriders, Inc. They sold off the ski brands (Rossignol) and the golf brands (Cleveland Golf) to focus on what they knew: Surf, Skate, and Snow.

The ABG Era (2020s)

In 2023, the final chapter of the old era closed. Authentic Brands Group (ABG) acquired Boardriders for $1.25 billion. This wasn’t just a buyout; it was a restructuring. ABG stripped the assets and licensed them out.

  • Liberated Brands took over the U.S. operations for a hot minute.
  • Then, in early 2025, Liberated Brands filed for bankruptcy.
  • Now, the licenses are being split up: O5 Apparel handles the men’s line, and Velocity Global Brands handles the women’s line.

It’s a chaotic time, but for the consumer, it means the brands are still here, just managed differently.

🏄 ♂️ The Core Surf & Skate Portfolio: Brands Under the Quiksilver Umbrella


Video: Quicksilver Brand Video.







So, who are the siblings in this massive family? Let’s break down the Boardriders/ABG portfolio. We’ve tested gear from almost all of these, and here is our expert breakdown.

1. Quiksilver: The Original Wave Rider

The flagship. It’s the brand that started it all.

  • Vibe: Classic surf, slightly retro, accessible.
  • Best For: Everyday boardshorts, casual tes, and entry-level wetsuits.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: The Highline series of boardshorts is still a solid choice for durability, though the fit has changed over the years.

2. Roxy: Empowering the Girl Power Movement

Launched in 190, Roxy was the first major brand to truly cater to young women in action sports.

  • Vibe: Colorful, youthful, feminine but functional.
  • Best For: Wetsuits, swimwear, and snowboard gear for women.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: Their Roxy Wetsuits are often praised for their flexibility and fit, which is a common complaint with unisex brands.

3. DC Shoes: The Streetwear Legend

Acquired in 204, DC became the face of skate culture in the 20s.

  • Vibe: Skater, urban, durable.
  • Best For: Skate shoes, hoodies, and casual streetwear.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: While they’ve pivoted a bit, the DC Lynx and Kalani models remain iconic for their grip and durability.

4. Billabong: The Rival Turned Sibling

This is the most interesting relationship. Billabong was Quiksilver’s biggest rival for decades. In 2018, Boardriders (Quiksilver) acquired Billabong International Limited.

  • Vibe: Australian heritage, premium surf, slightly more “boutique” feel.
  • Best For: High-end boardshorts, technical surf gear.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: The Billabong Black line is still a favorite among serious surfers for its eco-friendly materials.

5. Element: The Skate Culture Icon

Acquired in 2018, Element brings the “Element of Nature” philosophy.

  • Vibe: Eco-conscious, artistic, skate-focused.
  • Best For: Skate shoes, graphic tes, and sustainable apparel.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: Their commitment to sustainability is genuine, often using organic cotton and recycled materials.

6. Von Ziper: Eyewear for the Extreme

Acquired in 2018, Von Ziper is the go-to for surf and skate sunglasses.

  • Vibe: Bold, colorful, retro-futuristic.
  • Best For: Polarized sunglasses, goggles.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: The Fezz and Squid models offer excellent UV protection and are virtually indestructible.

7. XCEL: The Performance Edge

Acquired in 2018, XCEL is a pure performance wetsuit brand.

  • Vibe: Technical, serious, no-nonsense.
  • Best For: Cold water wetsuits, rash guards, booties.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: If you surf in cold water, XCEL is often our top recommendation for warmth and flexibility.

8. RVCA: The Artistic Lifestyle

Acquired in 2018, RVCA (pronounced “R-V-C-A”) stands for “Everything that is has no opposite.”

  • Vibe: Artistic, eclectic, streetwear.
  • Best For: Graphic tes, hats, casual wear.
  • Surf Brands™ Take: Great for the “surfer who doesn’t surf” or the artist in the lineup.

9. Honolua: The Premium Surf Niche

A smaller, more premium brand focused on high-end surf apparel.

  • Vibe: Luxury, hand-crafted, exclusive.
  • Best For: Limited edition boardshorts, premium outerwear.

10. Highline: The New Wave of Sustainable Surf

A sub-line of Quiksilver focused entirely on sustainability.

  • Vibe: Eco-friendly, modern, responsible.
  • Best For: Recycled boardshorts, organic tes.
Brand Primary Focus Key Product Sustainability Rating (1-10)
Quiksilver Surf/Lifestyle Highline Boardshorts 7/10
Roxy Women’s Surf/Snow Roxy Wetsuits 7/10
Billabong Premium Surf Black Series Shorts 8/10
DC Shoes Skate/Footwear Lynx Skate Shoe 6/10
Element Skate/Eco Organic Tes 9/10
XCEL Performance Wetsuits Comp Wetsuit 8/10
Von Ziper Eyewear Fezz Sunglasses 7/10
RVCA Art/Lifestyle Graphic Tes 6/10

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

🧐 What Happened to Pacifico? Understanding the Brand Shift


Video: What’s Happening To These Brands?








You might have noticed Pacifico mentioned in the old navigation menus or seen it on a vintage tee. What gives?

Pacifico was a brand launched by Quiksilver to capture the “laid-back, coastal lifestyle” market. It was named after the Pacific Ocean and featured a more relaxed, bohemian aesthetic compared to the high-energy Quiksilver brand.

However, in the corporate reshuffle under ABG, the strategy shifted. Pacifico was effectively discontinued as a standalone active brand in many markets. The “Pacifico” name and some of its designs were folded back into the main Quiksilver or Roxy lines, or licensed out to specific retailers.

Why? Because maintaining a separate brand for a niche “lifestyle” segment became too expensive when the core brands (Quiksilver and Roxy) could absorb that aesthetic. If you’re hunting for a Pacifico shirt today, you’re likely looking at vintage stock or third-party sellers. It’s a relic of a different era in the Quiksilver empire.

🏢 The Role of Authentic Brands Group (ABG) in Quiksilver’s Future


Video: Quiksilver Waterman – A Premium Collection.







So, who is pulling the strings now? Authentic Brands Group (ABG).

ABG is a unique player. They don’t own factories. They don’t design clothes. They own the intelectual property (IP). They license the brand names to operators who handle the design, manufacturing, and retail.

  • The Strategy: ABG believes that by separating the brand from the operations, they can focus on marketing and brand equity while letting specialized operators handle the logistics.
  • The Risk: This can lead to a disconnect. If the operator (like the new licenses) doesn’t understand the surf culture, the brand can lose its soul.
  • The Opportunity: It allows for rapid expansion. ABG can license the Quiksilver name to a shoe company in Asia, a hat company in Europe, and a wetsuit company in the US, all simultaneously.

This model is why you might see a Quiksilver product that feels “off” compared to the old days. It’s not necessarily bad quality, but it might be designed by a team that isn’t surfing every day.


Video: Quiksilver Branding Commercial HD.







With so many brands under one roof, how do you choose? We’ve broken it down by lifestyle.

The “I Surf Every Day” Crowd

  • Go with: Quiksilver (Highline), Billabong, or XCEL.
  • Why: These brands have the deepest roots in performance. Their wetsuits and boardshorts are tested in the lineup, not just on a rack.

The “Skate or Snow” Crew

  • Go with: DC Shoes, Element, or Von Ziper.
  • Why: These brands were built for the concrete and the snow. Their footwear and eyewear are engineered for impact and durability.

The “Lifestyle & Streetwear” Seekers

  • Go with: RVCA, Roxy, or Quiksilver (Core line).
  • Why: These brands excel at fashion. Their cuts, colors, and graphics are designed to look good at the beach bar or the coffee shop.

The “Eco-Conscious” Surfer

  • Go with: Element or Billabong (Black Series).
  • Why: These brands have made significant strides in using recycled materials and reducing their carbon footprint.

🌍 Sustainability & Social Responsibility Across the Portfolio


Video: All Billabong, Quiksilver and Volcom stores to close.








We can’t talk about these brands without addressing the elephant in the room: Sustainability.

The surf industry has a history of using petroleum-based neoprene and polyester. But the ABG portfolio is trying to change that.

  • Quiksilver & Roxy: Have launched the Highline and Eco lines, using recycled polyester and organic cotton.
  • Billabong: Their Black Series is a leader in eco-friendly wetsuits, using natural rubber and recycled materials.
  • Element: A pioneer in sustainability, often using 10% organic cotton and supporting reforestation projects.
  • XCEL: Developing wetsuits that are more durable and easier to recycle.

However, there is still work to be done. The sheer volume of fast fashion produced by these giants is a concern. As consumers, we need to support the brands that are making genuine efforts and hold the others accountable.

Pro Tip: Look for the Blue Sign certification or Global Recycled Standard (GRS) labels on your gear. These are reliable indicators of sustainable practices.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions About Quiksilver Brand Ownership


Video: CEO of Quicksilver, Roxy and DC Brands | Mad Money | CNBC.








We know you have questions. We’ve got answers.

Does Quiksilver own Roxy?

Yes. Roxy is a sister brand to Quiksilver, both owned by Authentic Brands Group (via the Boardriders acquisition). They share a parent company but operate as distinct brands targeting different demographics.

What other brands are owned by Quiksilver?

Technically, Quiksilver doesn’t “own” them in the traditional sense anymore; ABG owns the portfolio. The brands include Billabong, Roxy, DC Shoes, Element, Von Ziper, XCEL, RVCA, Honolua, and Airwalk.

Is Billabong part of Quiksilver?

Yes, but with a history. Billabong was a fierce rival until 2018, when Boardriders (Quiksilver) acquired Billabong International. Today, they are part of the same family under ABG, but they maintain separate identities and product lines.

Does Quiksilver own Volcom?

No. Volcom is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), but it is not part of the Boardriders/Quiksilver portfolio. It is a separate brand within the ABG ecosystem, though it is often operated by the same partners (like Liberated Brands) in certain regions.

What happened to the old Quiksilver Inc.?

Quiksilver Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 2015, rebranded as Boardriders, Inc. in 2016, and was acquired by Authentic Brands Group in 2023. The old corporate structure no longer exists.

Are the products still high quality?

It depends. The core brands like XCEL and Billabong maintain high standards. However, the shift to a licensing model means quality can vary by product line and region. Always check reviews for specific items.

🏁 Conclusion

man in white dress shirt standing on rock near body of water during daytime

So, where does that leave us? The question “What brands does Quiksilver own?” has a complex answer. Quiksilver itself is no longer the giant corporation it once was. It is now a brand within a massive portfolio owned by Authentic Brands Group.

The “Quiksilver family” includes Roxy, Billabong, DC Shoes, Element, Von Ziper, XCEL, RVCA, and others. While the corporate structure has changed, the culture remains. These brands still define the surf, skate, and snow lifestyle for millions of people around the world.

Our Verdict:

  • Positives: The consolidation under ABG has allowed for a diverse portfolio of brands, each with a distinct identity. The focus on sustainability is improving, and the brands are still accessible globally.
  • Negatives: The licensing model can lead to inconsistencies in quality and a potential disconnect from the core surf culture. The discontinuation of brands like Pacifico has left some fans feeling nostalgic.

Final Recommendation: If you’re looking for performance gear, stick with XCEL or Billabong. For lifestyle and fashion, Quiksilver and Roxy are still solid choices. And for the eco-conscious, Element is the way to go. Just remember to check the labels and support the brands that are truly making a difference.

The waves are still out there, and the brands are still riding them. The only thing that’s changed is who’s holding the leash.

Ready to gear up? Here are our top picks for where to shop the Quiksilver family:

For those who want to dive deeper into the corporate history and verify our facts:

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