The surfing world is mourning the loss of a true legend, Alan “Greeny” Green, the founder of Quiksilver, who passed away at the age of 77 after a brief battle with cancer. Greeny, as he was fondly known, left an indelible mark on the surfwear industry, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
A Visionary Who Revolutionized Surfwear
Greeny’s contribution to the surfing industry is immeasurable. He is credited with designing modern-day board shorts, introducing innovative features like velcro fly, metal press studs, and the “yoke waist.”
His designs not only made surfing more comfortable but also stylish.
As a testament to his innovative spirit, Surfing Hall of Fame inductee Rod Brooks labeled him a “true legend.”
Tributes Pour In
The surfing community is pouring in tributes to Greeny, with Kelly Slater, arguably the world’s greatest-ever competitive surfer, sharing a heartfelt message. “Love you, Greeny.
You were one of a kind and a great friend and mentor for so many. I’ll miss you forever,” Slater wrote. These tributes are a testament to the impact Greeny had on the lives of many surfers and entrepreneurs.
From Humble Beginnings to a Billion-Dollar Empire
Greeny’s journey to success is a fascinating one. He started Quiksilver in 1969 with his mate John Law, stitching board shorts at a kitchen table and selling them from the back of a car.
The brand’s name was coined by Greeny’s wife Barbara, who was inspired by a novel she was reading. Today, Quiksilver is a billion-dollar company, and its success is a testament to Greeny’s vision and hard work.
A Life Well Lived
Greeny’s life was a true reflection of his passion for surfing and entrepreneurship. He grew up in Melbourne, hitching rides to Torquay to catch waves.
His love for surfing led him to work with Rip Curl, another pioneering surf brand, before he founded Quiksilver.
Greeny’s legacy extends beyond his business accomplishments; he created thousands of jobs and inspired countless surfers around the world.
Remembering a Legend
As the surfing community mourns the loss of Greeny, we remember his incredible journey and the impact he had on the industry. He is survived by his wife Barbara and three children.
Greeny’s story is a reminder that with passion, hard work, and innovation, anything is possible. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of surfers and entrepreneurs to come.