The surfing world is in mourning as it bids farewell to one of its most influential figures—Alan “Greeny” Green, the visionary co-founder of iconic surf brand Quiksilver. Green passed away on Tuesday at his home in Torquay, Australia after a battle with cancer. He was 77 years old.
A Melbourne native, Green’s love affair with the waves began in his youth, frequently making the 90-minute trek to Torquay to catch the swell. It was there in 1969 that he first started crafting wetsuits alongside friends and future Rip Curl founders Brian Singer and Doug “Claw” Warbrick. But Green’s true calling came when he teamed up with John Law to launch Quiksilver, intent on revolutionizing boardshorts forever.
The Birth of an Icon
Green’s stroke of genius came in the form of what would become Quiksilver’s signature style—the “yoke waist” boardshorts. Featuring a Velcro fly, metal press studs, and a higher back with a lower-slung front, these groundbreaking trunks delivered both style and performance. As Green himself put it:
“They hugged your back and still hung low on your hips. They were distinctive, functional, comfortable boardshorts, and two-toned yokes made them different from the rest. Surfers seemed to like them.”
– Alan Green, The Mountain and the Wave: The Quiksilver Story
The Quiksilver name, chosen by Green’s wife Barbara, perfectly captured the brand’s essence—fluidity, elusiveness, change. It was a philosophy that would guide the company as it grew into a global powerhouse.
A Mentor and Friend
For surf legend Kelly Slater, who enjoyed a fruitful 23-year partnership with Quiksilver, Green was more than just a business associate—he was a cherished friend and mentor. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Slater wrote:
“Love you, Greeny. You were one of a kind and a great friend and mentor for so many. I’ll miss you forever.”
– Kelly Slater
Surfing Hall of Famer Rod Brooks echoed those sentiments, hailing Green as a “true legend” whose impact extended far beyond the water.
An Enduring Legacy
Green’s influence can be felt across the surf industry and culture at large. Quiksilver’s success paved the way for countless other brands, while its sister label Roxy—named after Green’s daughter—helped bring women to the forefront of the scene.
Today, boardshorts bearing the iconic Quiksilver logo can be found on beaches from Bells Beach to Biarritz, a testament to the enduring appeal of Green’s vision. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the countless surfers who have been inspired by his passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the sport he loved.
Alan Green is survived by his wife Barbara and their three children. As the surfing community mourns this immense loss, we remember the man who helped shape modern surf culture as we know it—a true waterman, a fearless pioneer, and above all, a friend. Ride on, Greeny.
