Swim shorts by Billabong, Which way to the beach?, Drawstring waistband, All-over print, Billabong branding. In 1973, Billabong founders Gordon and Rena Merchant started crafting and selling board shorts to surf shops on Australias Gold Coast. Thanks to the durable, triple-stitching technique they used, their designs became go-tos for local surfers, and the rest is history. Take a look at our edit of the brands surf and swimwear its durable shorts are always board-ready.