Catch Surf
Born from the surf culture of Southern-California, Catch Surf is all about fun and good vibes.
All their products are designed by surfers in San Clemente.
Introducing Catch Surf: A Revolution in Surf Culture
Catch Surf is a surfboard company based in San Clemente, California. It was founded in 2007 by George Arzente. The brand emerged with a mission to blend fun with innovation in surfing. Catch Surf’s philosophy centers around breaking traditional surf norms. They created a new category of surfboards that combined performance with fun.
CS became popular for its soft-top surfboards. These boards are different from the standard hard fiberglass boards. Soft-tops are easier to ride and safer for beginners. However, Catch Surf took it a step further. They designed soft boards that could also perform well for experienced surfers. This gave them a unique place in the market.
In the early days, the company focused on fun, colorful designs. Bright colors and playful graphics set their boards apart. Their signature board, the “Beater,” gained quick popularity. It was small, light, and easy to ride in all conditions. Surfers loved its versatility. The Beater could be used as a bodyboard, skimboard, or surfboard. It was also allowed in places where regular surfboards were banned. That flexibility made it an instant hit.
CS didn’t just sell boards. They also built a strong brand image. Their marketing leaned into retro 80s surf culture. Neon colors, throwback videos, and punk-rock vibes defined their style. This appealed to a new generation of surfers. Young riders and free spirits saw CS as a fresh alternative.
The company’s team of sponsored riders helped boost the brand. They signed well-known surfers like Jamie O'Brien, Kalani Robb, and Tyler Stanaland. These pros showed that soft-tops could be taken seriously. Videos of pros pulling off advanced tricks on CS boards went viral. That exposure helped change how the surf world viewed soft-top boards.
CS expanded its product line quickly. In addition to the Beater, they introduced new models like the Odysea, Skipper, and Stump. Each board had a different shape and purpose. The Odysea, for example, was perfect for small waves. The Skipper gave surfers a fish-style ride with soft-top comfort. These models catered to a wide range of surf styles.
The company also moved into apparel and accessories. Their clothing line kept the same bright and playful energy. CS hats, shirts, and boardshorts reflected their carefree style. Surfers didn’t just ride the boards—they wore the brand, too.
CS made an impact beyond surf shops and beaches. Their boards appeared in music videos, commercials, and on social media. Celebrities and influencers were often seen with Catch Surf products. The company embraced the internet culture. Their YouTube channel featured surf trips, behind-the-scenes content, and comedy. It built a loyal fan base that extended beyond core surfers.
As the company grew, it stayed true to its roots. Even while expanding globally, CS kept its Southern California soul. They continued to produce boards in California. The brand maintained a close connection to surf culture and community.
CS helped change how people learn to surf. Their boards made the sport more accessible and less intimidating. Beginners felt safer on soft-tops. Parents trusted them for their kids. Yet pros could still push limits on the same boards. That balance of fun and performance was the company’s biggest strength.
Today, CS is a leader in the soft-top market. They are recognized for innovation, style, and inclusivity. They prove that surfing can be fun for everyone—not just elite athletes. CS built a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously. But their impact on surfing is very real.
From garage beginnings to international fame, Catch Surf's story is inspiring. They blended fun, function, and flair to reshape surf culture. In doing so, they helped bring surfing to more people around the world. And they made it more fun in the process.
