The Australian published an article the other day tracking the happenings in the surf industry over the last few months. From the fire sale of Billabong to Rip Curls being in play, Quiksilver under investigation and Nike/Hurley dropping the U.S. Open sponsorship. It covers off a little about the near future where the big, out-of-industry brands are starting to make in roads through hardware and specialty products, like wetsuits, traditionally where industry labels have derived their credibility which is leveraged for clothing sales (that’s where the money is). Yup – it’s bleak. But the sad part is, it’s also right. Have a read over here.

Via Boardistan.