ASI BRAND MEMBER NEWS
All our Brand, Retail & ASI updates live on this page, scroll down to view the latest, as it’s a continuously updated feed.
Back for the second iteration of female fueled expression, Volcom Womens Unfiltered 2.0 went down last Friday night and we’ve had the memories on replay since! From art to music, surf to skate, this night was a collision of insanely talented local chicks, united to share with the Gold Coast community (and the world!) their creative outlets. Hosted at Iron & Resin Garage, crew said walking into the event felt like walking into a music festival. People streamed in from streets in every direction with spirits at an all time high! For some of the groms, this was their first time feeling the energy of a surf brand event. For other seasoned party goers, this was a re-ignition of the intoxicating culture Volcom Womens lives and breathes. Raw, authentic, unapologetic expression.
As the sun set, the happenings started with a mini ramp skate jam that pumped all night! A group art show went down in the fondly named ‘Volcom Art Alley’, featuring works from local creators Mia Phillips, Ella Tubman, Nirvana Tropicana, Coral Fujino, Chook Scratch and Mariaa Urbina. While the girls works were so different, they complimented each other perfectly in a unique mashup of colour and concepts. Then ‘Microwave’ our new Volcom Skate Film hit the screen for its only Gold Coast Prem. Everyone crammed in on whatever free space they could find! The stoke around Liv Lovelace’s part was unreal. Post prem Coco Ho’s surf film took over as the anticipation for live music amped. Female led bands Mr Finn, Tomorrows Forecast and Royal Ratbags sent off the night with an absolute bang!
The event closed on a communal hype around the girls and everything Unfiltered stands for. More than just a party, Unfiltered is a platform to represent, empower and inspire women to pursue their passions, no matter the outlet. We can’t wait to see how this notion grows and who we will get to cross paths along the way!
Huge thank you to everyone who came down, the talent involved and the Iron & Resin crew for hosting us!
Unfiltered 3.0 is already in the works, any guesses where it’ll show up?
@volcom_oznz
2026 ASI Leaders Summit: URBNSURF Sets the Scene for Industry Change
The 2026 ASI Leaders Summit brought industry leaders together at URBNSURF to tackle some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Australian surf industry today, with a strong focus on range planning, consumer insights and data-driven retail performance.
Summit Highlights:
Attendees heard keynote insights from Rodrigo Catril, CFA, Senior FX Strategist – Markets at National Australia Bank, followed by a session with James Miles, Head of Strategic Partnerships at URBNSURF. The afternoon featured an in-depth industry roundtable on “Is the Range Calendar Broken?” before closing with an ASI Board update following the recent strategy day.
Is the range calendar broken?
The roundtable traced the evolution of surf retail range planning from the bootstrapping era of the 1970s, through two simple summer/winter seasons in the 1980s, the addition of “Hi Summer” in the 1990s, injection ranges in the 2000s, and the current four-season/quarter model in the 2010s, raising the question of what the 2020’s should look like. A current showing and delivery calendar across major brands illustrated just how fragmented timelines have become, with different showing months and overlapping delivery windows across all four quarters.
Using sales, stock and weather data, the session highlighted the need to better align deliveries to actual seasonal conditions and buying behaviors. Participants also reviewed a matrix of delivery months, product focus and sales percentage by month, reinforcing that “right product, right time” remains critical, and that showing and delivery windows, plus Black Friday/Cyber Monday discipline, are key levers for improvement.
ASI consumer survey update
The summit revisited findings from the previous 2021/22 ASI Consumer Survey, which collected 5,411 completed responses via retailer and brand networks. The seven-minute survey, which was led by Dr Jason Thompson had a $3,000 dollar prize pool (as an incentive for participants) which provided a robust foundation for understanding consumer behaviors and sentiment in the surf market. Oversight for the 2026 installment is being provided by a steering committee comprising, Nathan Omodei - Leisure Collective, Adam Sharp - Rip Curl, Ian MacPherson- Star Surf & Skate and Lyndall Browning, ASI.
ASI x ISRA: Retail Insights
A major focus of the update was the ASI x ISRA Retail Insights & Reporting initiative, designed to give ASI members clearer visibility over performance. Using a modern data stack (including AWS, Snowflake and a Streamlit-based application), retailers securely upload data into a central portal where it is staged, stored and transformed into a data mart that subscribers can access via a web based reporting tool.
Planned **Retail** Insights outputs include views on sales performance, margin and profitability, stock health, inventory efficiency, category and brand dynamics, and time-based trends. Deliverables will be offered in tiers: free monthly commentary, an executive summary exclusive to ASI members, and a web-based dashboard available via monthly subscription. Next steps include defining the reporting framework, securing brand commitment, finalising subscription levels and moving toward a soft launch.
SURFLab: Surf Industry Demo Day
The summit also unveiled SURFLab, a new surf industry demo day concept. The planned event will showcase surfboards, accessories and wetsuits over two days, combining trade and consumer participation. The proposed format includes a Friday afternoon industry only session, and a full public day on Saturday, giving core participants and end consumers the opportunity to see and test the latest innovations in products, meet their favourite surfers and immerse in all things surf culture.
If you would like any further information on the above initiatives, please contact our Executive Officer lyndall@australiansurfindistry.com.au
URBNSURF EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH HYDA HELMETS IN NEW TWO-YEAR EXCLUSIVE DEAL
New EN 1385-Certified Coanda Core Helmet Fleet Now Available Free to All Guests
URBNSURF, Australia’s leading surf park operator, is pleased to announce a renewed two-year partnership with HYDA Helmets, continuing HYDA’s position as URBNSURF’s exclusive category partner across both Melbourne and Sydney.
As part of the extended partnership, URBNSURF will upgrade its complimentary guest helmet fleet to HYDA’s latest Coanda Core model, offering enhanced protection and confidence for surfers of all levels. The Coanda Core features an updated shell design and delivers a high level of safety performance through HYDA’s trademark blend of protection, versatility and comfort.
“HYDA have been a trusted partner and an important part of URBNSURF’s commitment to safety, and we’re thrilled to strengthen the relationship further,” said Shaun Hutchinson, COO, URBNSURF Group. “Upgrading our fleet to the Coanda Core supports our mission to deliver world-class, safe surf experiences for every guest.
The partnership will continue to integrate HYDA throughout the surf experience, including increased visibility across both venues and additional access points to ensure guests can easily access the free helmets. Another key element will be collaboration on co-created content that highlights athlete performance, safety innovation and emerging surf-park best practice; supporting URBNSURF’s broader effort to help normalise helmet use within surfing.
HYDA CEO Brad Steward added, “HYDA is built for progression, and surf parks are accelerating it faster than ever. URBNSURF sets the global standard for safe, progressive surf environments, and we’re proud to continue our collaboration to equip the next generation with advanced protective gear that keeps them confident and focused.”
The new Coanda Core fleet will roll out from late December, aligned with URBNSURF’s focus on enhancing guest experience, elevating safety standards and supporting progression within surf parks.
URBNSURF recently led the adoption of minimum safety standards by the world’s leading surf-park operators, including free access to helmets at all surf parks. Continued innovation, collaboration and partnerships like URBNSURF x HYDA highlight the industry’s commitment to delivering the safest possible surf experiences.
JOHN JOHN FLORENCE SIGNATURE COLLECTION
John John's signature Techflex Collection and Honeycomb Grom fin, in an all-new colour way, plus the addition of a new Techflex Pro Size (Medium/Large).
Available Now!
What fin size should you actually be riding? We visited John at home to get the full breakdown on the updated Signature Techflex series, including the all-new ‘Pro’ size.
The Pro fits perfectly between the Medium and Large fins. John breaks down exactly when to use each size and how to pair them with the right boards and conditions.
Volcom presents the new Volcom x Ozzy Wrong Collection.
Born from the chaos of Ozzy Wrongs mind, this capsule fuses surf, art, noise & bats! don't forget the bats!. A summer collection carved from the Mind of Oz!
VOLCOM Announces Sponsorship of Multifaceted Surf Icon Jaleesa Vincent: Surfing. Art. Music. Self Expression.
Today, Volcom is proud to welcome Aussie surf artist Jaleesa Vincent to the team. More than just a surfer, Jaleesa is a true creative force surfing, making art, films, writing music and redefining what it means to live an authentic, integrated life.
Hailing from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland (Australia), Jaleesa has carved her own path in the surf world, one defined by exploration, self expression and freedom. Jaleesa lives her passions, painting, poetry, tap dancing, music and of course surfing, all part of a life lived beyond convention.
Why Jaleesa Vincent & Volcom are a natural fit
"Alive We Ride:" Volcom was built on the idea that true freedom lives at the intersection of creativity and chaos. Jaleesa Vincent embodies that spirit to the fullest, and channels that energy across every medium she touches, turning her art, music, and surfing into one continuous act of creative expression.
"Creativity across mediums:" Her artistic practice, whether painting, making jewellery, writing lyrics or embracing the unexpected like taxidermy, mirrors Volcom’s DNA of self-expression, originality and non-conformity.
"Empowering women in surf culture:" As a young woman pushing boundaries in and out of the water, Jaleesa inspires others to define their own path, aligning with Volcom’s commitment to support diverse voices and fresh perspectives.
A word from Jaleesa - “I’m stoked to be riding with Volcom. For me it’s not just about surfing, it’s about living fully, expressing what feels real, and carving a little space for wild creativity in everything I do. To me, the ocean, art, music and life aren’t separate and Volcom share’s that ideology.
A word from Volcom - “Jaleesa brings an authenticity, a creative edge and a surfing style that resonates deeply with Volcom. We’re excited to support her journey creating across all creative mediums and inspiring others.”
FUTURES | NEW RELEASE PRODUCT
The Vector 3/2 Blackstix+ is the next evolution in Futures Fins' high-performance fin technology, advancing beyond the previous Vector 3/2 in Alpha construction.
Unlike traditional Blackstix, the Blackstix+ features a stiffer layup, ensuring the Vector 3/2 foils stay fully engaged throughout turns. This increased stiffness and resonance enhances drive, hold, and spring back providing more control and power without sacrificing the fluid rail-to-rail transition.
The result is a fin that delivers a precise yet responsive, lively feel, making it ideal for surfers looking to elevate their performance in a variety of conditions.
WHAT IS A VECTOR FOIL
It is a proprietary Futures foil with a concave surface on the inside of the front fins, increasing surface area, water attachment, and lift.
WHAT IS A 3/2
3/2 complements the Vector with an extra 3 degrees of cant and 2 degrees of toe, introducing a twist to the foil for improved planing angles in sharp turns, creating lift and hold deeper into the manoeuvre.
PERFORMANCE BENEFITS OF THE VECTOR 3/2
The Vector 3/2 is a Speed Generating fin, maximizing water attachment over multiple planing surfaces, resulting in lift and reduced drag. The concave surface and twist in the upper half provide a unique grip and projection sensation, delivering fluid speed generation in smaller waves and powerful connection and increased speed in larger surf, resulting in faster and improved turns.
Helps connect turns while generating and maintaining speed with a more predictable engaged feel.
BENEFITS OF THE SCIMITAR TIP
Originally developed in 2006, The Scimitar Tip is flattened edge at the fin's trailing end, tightens the turn arc by reducing the template's length. This complements the 3/2 foil's lift and speed design, enhancing the feeling of release from turns while maximizing the foil properties throughout the fin's template.
Template Category | Neutral (all-around , versatile)
Construction | Blackstix+
Ride Number | Speed Generating
Size | Medium and Large
For more information, please contact your Futures Fins representative.
News suppled by Volcom 10/09/25
UNFILTERED 1.0
Unfiltered is a platform to represent, empower and inspire women who are fueled by passion. A collision of raw expression and unapologetic creativity where outlets intersect. Powered by those who dare to push the boundaries of the unknown and live in alignment with authenticity. A collective who find an intoxicating freedom in being guided by intuition over rules. Those wholeheartedly let go of the need to fit the ‘mould’ and instead create their own.
Unfiltered unleashes the culture Volcom lives and breathes. An opportunity to build connection amongst a community of individuals all tied together by the same internal force. One fuelled by an indescribable drive to bring vision to reality. From the front of a wave, to the front of a stage, sketchbooks to skate decks. Go for the chaos. Stay for the connection.
That’s our scene, Unfiltered.
The first iteration of Unfiltered went down at local Northern Beaches venue, 7th Day Brewery. With old school mags plastered everywhere, this treasure trove of vintage paraphernalia set the dream scene for the event series kick off. As the sun set, the night began in the beer garden with skate lessons by Liv Lovelace, soundtracked by an epic set by Claire Knight, aka CK DJ. Inside, a local group art show graced the walls featuring works by
Hailey Jade, Olivia May and Jen Keates. Alongside, we celebrated the launch of our new Volcom Featured Artist collection created with Northern Beaches based painter, Emma Rushton. Across the taproom, surf films by Coco Ho and Laura Coviella streamed all night.
Then the girls hit the stage and our stacked lineup was in full swing. Beginning with local legend Gaia and followed by Butterknife the night closed with a killer set by Downgirl. Guitar battles, unhinged talent and a whole lot of mosh push and shove was a plenty, just the way we like it! An indescribable energy fueled this whole night. Something you really had to be there to understand. Nothing short of raw stoke and support for local chicks doing what they do best.
We can’t wait to bring you Unfiltered 2.0!
CREATURES OF LEISURE Redefines the Surf Leash: Introducing RELIANCE 2.0
Iconic surf hardware brand CREATURES OF LEISURE has unveiled RELIANCE 2.0, their strongest, most reliable, and most comfortable leash to date. Built for punishment and tested by the world's best surfers in the heaviest conditions, RELIANCE 2.0 introduces a suite of major innovations designed to set a new global standard in leash design.
"Leash is in CREATURES DNA," says Beau Campi, Head of Product & Brand. "It's our pioneering product that has been at the nucleus of several market leading innovations providing surfers confidence. So, when we had some new advancements and tech with better solutions ready, it was time to share them with the world. The design always starts and ends with function and reliability for us."
The headline innovation is the QUICK CONNECT rail saver - a faster, safer, and more secure way to attach a leash without tying knots. Featuring an easy-thread insert tab and snug plug alignment, QUICK CONNECT eliminates string failures while offering maximum tail protection.
"Finally, there's a super quick and easy connection to your board," adds Campi. "No more knot struggles or string failures. QUICK CONNECT eliminates those frustrations, strengthens the connection point, and helps prevent board damage. It's a game-changer."
RELIANCE 2.0 also introduces a new DUTY Rating System - replacing confusing labels like 'comp,' 'pro,' or 'reef' with a clear, intuitive scale. Surfers can now choose confidently from 5mm LITE DUTY to 9mm EXTRA HEAVY DUTY, depending on the waves they're chasing.
Additional upgrades include:
Patented DNA 2.0 Mould - longer, stronger, and more flexible cord-to-mould connection.
Cuff Upgrade - redesigned internal horn for no ankle bite, plus a horizontal quick-release pull tab for faster emergency release and reduced bulk under wetsuits.
NON-SLIP CUFF - patented design grips to skin and neoprene for ultimate security.
Sustainable Materials - cuff and railsaver webbing now made from 60% recycled polyester yarn.
Kink-Free Packaging - wider packaging eliminates tangles straight out of the box.
RELIANCE 2.0 is available now in Australia from CREATURES stockists and online. To learn more about RELIANCE 2.0 head to: creatures.com.au
