Rusty Australia
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Surfwear, Sporting goods |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Rusty Preisendorfer |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
Area served | Australia, United States |
Key people | Rusty Preisendorfer, Clint Preisendorfer |
| Products | Surfboards, Surf apparel (shirts, boardshorts, sandals, swimwear) |
Rusty is a surfboard and surf apparel company originating from Australia, established in 1985 by Rusty Preisendorfer. In the United States, it operates under the name Rusty Surfboards.
The brand has supported numerous professional surfers such as Josh Kerr, Jamie O'Brien, C. J. Hobgood, Wade Carmichael, Liam "Letty" Mortensen, and Jacob "Zeke" Szekely.
History
Founded in 1985, Rusty Surfboards started as a surfboard manufacturer based in San Diego, created by Rusty Preisendorfer. Before launching his own company, Preisendorfer gained experience working with Canyon Surfboards and collaborating with local craftsman Mick Button.
In 2001, C.J. Hobgood, a professional surfer sponsored by Rusty, earned the world champion title—the first such achievement for an athlete under the brand. The Australian branch of Rusty was rebranded simply as Rusty in 2006.
A collaboration with Billabong took place in 2014, resulting in a replica surfboard line inspired by the one used by Mark "Occy" Occhilupo in 1984.
Rusty produced the surf film TUFF in 2015, featuring surfers Noa Deane, Josh Kerr, and Dylan Goodale.
In 2018, Surfer magazine showcased Rusty's Chupacabra, SD, and Blackbird models, emphasizing the work of designer Clint Preisendorfer.
The Rusty Boardhouse retail location in La Jolla, California ceased operations in 2020. That same year, amid the Australian bushfire crisis, Rusty designed a charity T-shirt to support the Australian Red Cross and WIRES Wildlife Rescue.
Surfboards and clothing
Rusty’s product lineup includes a wide variety of surfboards such as fish shapes, shortboards, longboards, and hybrids. Signature models include the Rusty Keg, Rusty Blade, and the Dwart.
Beyond boards, Rusty manufactures apparel including shirts, boardshorts, sandals, and swimwear. In 2017, the brand introduced shark deterrent graphics on its surfboards to improve safety while offering a unique market distinction.
See also
External links
- Sportswear brands
- Clothing companies established in 1985
- Clothing brands of Australia
- Surfwear brands
- Swimwear manufacturers
- Manufacturing companies based in Perth, Western Australia
- Sporting goods manufacturers of Australia
- Surfing in Australia
- Australian fashion
- Manufacturing companies based in San Diego
- Workwear