Billabong seems to be having a wonderful 2019, after being nominated in 9 categories for the 15th annual SIMA awards!

The Brand

1973 saw the introduction of the internationally recognised Billabong brand by Gordon and Rena Merchant.

Billabong is derived from the Wiradjuri word — Wiradjuri is a Pama–Nyungan language of the Wiradhuric subgroup. It is the traditional language of the Wiradjuri people of Australia. The Wiradjuri word is “bilaban” which refers to a “creek that runs only during the rainy season”. This encapsulates Gordon in his early days, where he was constantly chasing the waves.

Gordon’s love for durable garments and fondness for board shorts is the primary reason behind the international success of Billabong.

Billabong is a brand that consistently produces trendy clothing for an active lifestyle. With products developed in authentic environments and curated for the surfing culture, Billabong apparel is tested and approved by industry-leading board sport athletes globally.

The Award Ceremony

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association Awards (SIMA), was founded in 2003 the only annual award ceremony of its kind. SIMA Awards gives members, surf specialty retailers and surf industry companies the platform to be recognised for their exceptional contributions to the industry.

The SIMA Awards, were founded with the objective of identifying the surf industry’s most influential companies and applaud them for constantly being innovative and evolving the industry.

These awards allow for brands to put their best foot forward and constantly bring ground-breaking creations in the effort of being recognised and taking home awards for their hard work.

The Big Wins

Billabong was a big winner of this year’s awards and took home many awards for both men’s and women’s product. They seemed to have owned the stage at the 2019 SIMA Awards. Out of the 9 nominations Billabong took home 5 awards.

1.Environmental Product of the Year: Recycler Boardshorts by Billabong

Billabong was nominated amongst many reputable brands within this category and took home the win!

This category has been curated for brands that produce the most exciting, appealing and/or innovative environmental surf product styles or collections. These products need to be at retail between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018.

2. Men’s Marketing Campaign of the Year: Life’s Better in Boardshorts by Billabong

Billabong bagged the win for the “Life’s Better in Boardshorts” campaign. This category has candidates that have the most creative marketing campaign for men’s apparel, footwear, wetsuit, hardgoods or accessory

The winner is then chosen based on the consideration that their male brands display a creative, cohesive and consistent brand message in areas such as digital, social media, print, and/or point-of-purchase materials. The campaign must have first appeared in the market between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018.

3.Men’s Boardshort Brand of the Year: Billabong

In this category brands that have men’s boardshorts with exciting designs, appeal and are innovative become nominee’s. These boardshorts need to be within any seasons range between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Of course, Billabong took this award home.

4. Women’s Marketing Campaign of the Year: A Bikini Kinda Life – New Wave Campaign by Billabong Women’s

Similar to the Men’s Marketing Campaign of the year, this category has candidates that have the most creative marketing campaign for women’s apparel, footwear, wetsuit, hardgoods or accessory

The winner is then chosen based on the consideration that their female brands display a creative, cohesive and consistent brand message in areas such as digital, social media, print, and/or point-of-purchase materials. The campaign must have first appeared in the market between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018.

5.Women’s Apparel Brand of the Year: Billabong Women’s

Lastly, Billabong took home the Women’s Apparel Brand of the Year award for having women’s apparel that is exciting in design and also increased their brand appeal.

It’s safe to say that Billabong is still “glassy” in the surfing industry, after all these wins!