1985
A birth in Normandy
In 1985, the first French surfwear brand was born in Normandy. The name OXBOW, inspired by early American English meaning "a bow-shaped bend in a river," was chosen by founders Fabrice Valéri and Isabelle Cachot after discovering it on a U.S. map. Instantly captivated by its two-syllable rhythm, phonetics, and graphic potential, they adopted it as their brand’s identity.
The young entrepreneurs developed a unique tradition: drawing inspiration from vintage maps to name their collections, evoking a timeless sense of adventure and travel.
Boardshort : The birth of a revolution
The OXBOW journey began when the founders received an extraordinary gift—a pair of checkered swim shorts handcrafted in Sri Lanka and brought back by a friend from a surf trip. Each square had been meticulously sewn together, creating a truly unique piece. This discovery sparked the brand’s avant-garde vision, blending bold aesthetics with refined craftsmanship.
From its Normandy headquarters, OXBOW pioneered a style revolution, fusing vibrant colors with innovative design. In 1986, the iconic logo was introduced above the left shoulder, instantly becoming a signature emblem of the brand.
1986
The sweater that defined an era
The OXBOW sweater became a legend, embodying the brand’s mastery of design and heritage. The POHONO model—named after a Native American tribe—debuted in the 1986 autumn-winter collection.
Originally adopted by skiers and snowboarders on snowy peaks, these sweaters quickly became a staple of streetwear. Made in France in the Tarn, these loose-fitting pieces made of thick Jacquard cotton fabrics with hand-drawn ethnic patterns in bright colors marked a revolution in the fashion world.
More than just clothing, these sweaters marked a turning point in fashion, merging sport, culture, and artistry into an enduring legacy.
1988
A bold move to Bordeaux
OXBOW made a strategic shift—moving closer to both the Pyrenees mountains and, more importantly, the ocean. Defying industry norms by avoiding the crowded Basque coast, the brand instead chose Bordeaux, the vibrant capital of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This dynamic port city, near the legendary surf spots of Lacanau-Océan, became a magnet for fresh talent and creative energy. Today, Bordeaux remains OXBOW’s home and heartbeat.
The Lacanau Pro : Making Waves
OXBOW cemented its legacy in surf culture by sponsoring the Oxbow Lacanau Pro. That summer, perfect waves set the stage for iconic moments, like Tom Carroll’s unforgettable performance, captivating both the French public and media. Surfing’s artistry and lifestyle began drawing widespread fascination, while OXBOW’s legendary catalogs became coveted treasures. The brand’s distinctive style was now unstoppable across Europe.
1989
The birth of an iconic logo
In 1988, while exploring traditional North American designs for an upcoming collection, the founders discovered a four-petaled flower symbol of the Amish community. Its guiding principle—"Do not conform to the world around you"—perfectly captured OXBOW’s rebellious spirit and disregard for industry trends.
The graphic team transformed this motif into the FourFlowers, debuting as an all-over print in the 1989 Spring-Summer collection. Its instant resonance turned it into a logo, equally striking on products and marketing materials. By the ’90s, the FourFlowers had become a badge of identity for a tight-knit community united by a shared love of pure gliding and unconventional living.
1990
The iconic t-shirts
Who didn't own an OXBOW T-shirt in the 90s? With their relaxed fit, soft pastels, and unique designs, these tees graced the shoulders of teenagers and boardsports enthusiasts alike. Crafted from thick, durable fabrics with high-quality prints, OXBOW T-shirts stood the test of time. Thirty years later, these treasured pieces are still in perfect condition, carefully preserved in our wardrobes or proudly worn by a new generation. These timeless classics have been passed down from parents to children, carrying with them memories of surfing, skiing, and snowboarding adventures.
1991 & 1992
The Longboard Tour in Biarritz
In 1991, François-Xavier Maurin introduced OXBOW's management to the art and culture of longboarding. With the legendary Nat Young newly signed to the team, OXBOW successfully persuaded the ASP (now WSL) to pioneer two innovative competition formats. The events took place in Biarritz, the birthplace of French surfing along the Basque coast.
The 1991 Masters tournament gathered the iconic surfers of the 1960s through invitation, their legacy inspiring a new wave of talent. This next generation would showcase their skills in 1992 during the "Arnaud de Rosnay" Memorial event. Among them, a young Joel Tudor captivated audiences with his exceptionally graceful and fluid style, marking the arrival of a future legend in the making.
Laird Hamilton, one of the most accomplished "watermen," was among OXBOW's early athletes. To satisfy his desire to surf bigger and bigger waves, he perfected the technique of tow-in surfing. His first stop was racing down the massive swells of the North Shore before taking on Jaws, the "monster" of Maui. Always on the lookout and perched in his helicopter, photographer Sylvain Cazenave immortalized these historic moments. The images astounded people worldwide. And Laird continued to build his legend ...
1995
Motocross with J.M Bayle
After water and snow, dirt was in the spotlight. The universe was different, but the mindset remained the same. Jean-Michel Bayle, whose skill in trajectory and carving turns resembled that of surfers, windsurfers, or snowboarders, wrote some of the most beautiful pages in French motocross history. At the OXBOX MX event in Reygades (Corrèze, France), a large and friendly European pro-amateur gathering challenged stereotypes by proving that, beyond the motorized aspect, you could find the elements dear to the brand's other sports.
1997
Oxbow World Masters
Tavarua – Fidji
In the 70s, the pioneers of professional surfing delighted enthusiasts by gathering at one of the most beautiful lefts in the world for the OXBOW World Masters.
2000
The Millenium wave Laird Hamilton
Teahupoo - Tahiti
On the way to the airport after an unforgettable surfing trip in breathtaking surroundings, surfers, photographers, and videographers noticed a huge swell building up. A detour to Teahupo'o was inevitable, and Laird Hamilton was ready.
The morning’s waves, already exciting, were just a warm-up. Then, a monstrous set appeared. Laird, a true waterman, instantly recognized its raw power. He launched himself onto a wave of staggering force, carving into it with the side of his board before being engulfed… only to emerge moments later, mind-blown.
Laird Hamilton had just ridden the Millennium Wave, an iconic moment that redefined big-wave surfing and left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
2004
Oxbow Soul & Style
Puerto Escondido – Mexique
Oxbow brought a fresh evolution to its Soul & Style event. While keeping the essence of its legendary longboard contest, the brand elevated it into something even more unique.
Thirteen of the world’s best riders competed not just for performance, but for style, mastering hollow barrels while being judged by surfing legends on creativity, flow, and expression. The result? A groundbreaking success that set the stage for a new era of events where soul and artistry coplemented pure skill.
2006
Escape Tour
Worldwide
Symbolized by the FourFlowers emblem, representing the four corners of the globe, Oxbow embarked on an ambitious cinematic journey: The Escape Tour.
A year-long adventure across 12 legendary surf spots, captured in 12 exclusive DVDs. The project showcased the Oxbow team in action, delivering stunning, adrenaline-fueled footage that immortalized the spirit of exploration and surfing’s untamed beauty.
2007
WLT Anglet
France
Sixteen years after the first Longboard World Championship in Biarritz in 1992, Oxbow reaffirmed its commitment to longboarding with the WLT in Anglet.
The event brought together the sport’s greatest legends. Nat Young, surfing icon and longboarding pioneer, Bonga Perkins & Colin McPhillips, both world champions, Duane DeSoto, Hawaiian power surfer and cultural ambassador, and Antoine Delpero, the local hero and early Oxbow rider.
A gathering of legends, a celebration of style, longboarding’s golden era in full glory.
2012
Thank you, Laird
For over two decades, OXBOW’s story intertwined with Laird Hamilton, the ultimate Waterman, a boundary-pushing pioneer whose influence transformed surfing forever.
An innovator, big-wave legend, and cultural icon, Laird propelled surfing into the global spotlight like no other. We were honored to stand beside him on this extraordinary journey, united by a deep reverence for the ocean.
Thank you, Laird, for the waves, the vision, and the legacy.
2013
Kaï Lenny: The waterman spirit
With “Waterman” as his middle name, it was only a matter of time before Kai Lenny and OXBOW joined forces.
A prodigy who mastered SUP, big waves, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, Kai embodied the next generation of aquatic versatility—the living essence of OXBOW’s ethos.
2015
Cocorico Surf Tour
Celebrating French surf culture, camaraderie, and the art of surf living, OXBOW launched the Cocorico Surf Tour, a web series following our ambassadors in a vintage VW Minibus along France’s coastlines.
Across eight episodes, they connected with the pioneers, rising stars, and unsung heroes shaping French surfing’s past, present, and future. More than a tour, it was a love letter to the soul of surfing—à la française.
2017
Lost In The Swell
Travel the world in search of unknown waves, as far from civilization as possible and close to nature. Aurel Jacob, Ronan Gladu, and Ewen Le Goff, the three members of the “Lost in the Swell” collective, were part of a very exclusive circle of the last surf explorers of the modern era. Like the pioneers of the 1970s, this trio of Breton surfers set out in search of pristine, unridden waves—waves on which no man had left his mark before. Unlike their 20th-century predecessors, they documented their adventures through films they shared for free on YouTube. OXBOW sponsored the trio, supporting them in their wildest adventures such as a catamaran trip to the Solomon Islands, fat biking in Gabon, and riding on the backs of donkeys in Morocco. The brand took special pride in supporting this band of non-professional surfers, who were also true friends with a great sense of humor and conveyed eco-responsible values.
2019
An insane treasure hunt
OXBOW marked an entire generation of surfers with a project never seen before: #LaissepasTraînerTonFish (#Don’tLeaveYourFishLyingAround). The brand hid three magnificent surfboards in three French cities and decided to give them away to the first three people who found them! The following year, the number grew to 13 surfboards, one in each region of the country that was hidden and given away! Named #JohnnyUtahMisLesBoards (#WhereDidJohnnyUtahStashTheBoards), in reference to the 1991 film Point Break, the treasure hunt sent all French surfers into a frenzy. It became an unmissable event, with tens of thousands of people walking the streets or scouring the wilderness to get their hands on these boards shaped by legends such as Josh Hall, Neal Purchase Junior, and Dick Brewer.
2020
Buyout
OXBOW celebrated its 35th anniversary last year by changing ownership and becoming an independent French brand once again. It is now led by two industry enthusiasts with undeniable experience: Emmanuel Debruères and Jean-Christophe Chetail.
Emmanuel Debruères : A word from the president
"At OXBOW, we're returning to our roots - reconnecting with the outdoor and boardsports world that has defined our DNA since 1985. Our ambassadors are passionate athletes who live and breathe this culture as deeply as we do."
2021
Support Local Shapers
OXBOW revived its surfboard heritage with a commitment to craftsmanship, partnering with six master shapers from southwestern France. Each hand-shaped board became a functional work of art—some even featured upcycled OXBOW fabrics salvaged from the brand’s workshops, blending sustainability with soul.
Movie production
OXBOW returned to its documentary roots with films like L'Albatros, Le Cercle, and Hono, free to watch on YouTube. These cinematic journeys embody the Waterman DNA, immersing audiences in the raw beauty of ocean culture.
Welcome, Mathieu Crépel !
A four-time World snowboard champion, Olympic snowboarder, X-Games silver medalist, and a Mount Baker Banked Slalom title winner, Mathieu Crépel joined OXBOW as the brand redefined outdoor excellence. At 37, this adventurer bridges snowboarding and surfing, using his fame to raise awareness of environmental issues among the younger generation. A legend reimagined.
Welcome back, Kepa Acero !
Two decades after his first collaboration, Kepa Acero, the Spanish exploration pioneer, has rejoined OXBOW’s ambassador family. Sponsored by the brand from 1999 to 2002 ! Kepa turned wave discovery into an art form, chasing uncharted breaks long before it became a movement.
2022
Oxbow Shops: Expanding Roots
New concept stores, new stores opened in Biarritz, Bordeaux, and Rennes - hubs for surf and snow communities, blending heritage with modern retail energy.
Collector - Made in France
Designed entirely in France, in close collaboration with its long-standing manufacturing partners, the Collector collection proudly reflects the quality of French craftsmanship and the durability that has always defined Oxbow’s heritage.
From the knitting and dyeing of fabrics in the Tarn region to garment production in the Landes, Collector T-shirts are truly 100% local.
With iconic graphics, soft pastel tones, relaxed fits, and a distinctly vintage spirit, the Collector line reimagines Oxbow’s legendary pieces from the brand’s golden era.
To celebrate this authentic return to its roots, Oxbow is also bringing back its iconic OXBOW SURFWEAR shoulder patch, a true symbol of the brand’s identity.
Mauruuru Tahiti
OXBOW has always had a special relationship with Polynesia. Laird Hamilton's "Millennium wave" in Teahupo'o, Tim McKenna, Hira Teriinatoofa, Manoa Drollet, Malik Joyeux, Baptiste Gossein, Patricia Rossi, Prisca Amaru, and many others have written part of the brand's history in Tahiti.
A land of watermen and waterwomen that has given us so much, and which we have strived to support over the years.
Tim McKenna, who took part in shooting the legendary OXBOW catalogs in the 1990s and 2000s, is once again collaborating with the brand to highlight our two new Tahitian ambassadors, Teahupo'o locals : Tahurai Henry and Gilbert Teave.
Today, we're proud to sponsor two Tahitians once again, who we are convinced, will make a generation of surfers dream, just as their elders did before them.
2023
Banked Slalom
For its return to the mountains, the brand hosted its very first snowboard event in Avoriaz: the OXBOW BANKED SLALOM! A specially designed course brought to life straight from the imagination of our rider, Mathieu Crépel. Over 90 riders took part in the event, tackling a slalom filled with banked turns and whoops, all carefully shaped by our teams in collaboration with the Morzine-Avoriaz Snowboard Club.
Welcome, Vincent Duvignac !
Vincent Duvignac, or simply “Duvi” needs no introduction; he is a true legend of European free surfing.
A few years ago, Duvi was chasing waves around the globe, making his mark on the international surf tour with impressive results. Closer to home, he earned a stellar reputation in the barrels of Hossegor and the Landes coast, the beating heart of European tube riding. When the conditions are good, he is simply one of the best in the line-up. And when the waves are big, even oversized, he’s still right there, holding his line with style and confidence.
Deeply connected to his region, Duvi knows the Landes coastline like the back of his hand. He’s spent years studying the topography, pedalling his fat bike along the dunes, always in search of that perfect, hidden wave.
All the while, he’s guided by a strong commitment to the environment, not just a dream, but a way of life.
Oxbow Surf School
The brand opens its own Surf School in Seignosse, in the Landes. The Oxbow Surf School offers courses for both beginners and experienced surfers, along with themed surf camps hosted by Oxbow team riders. Each themed course provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of an Oxbow ambassador and discover their personal approach to surfing.
