40 Years of History
From a small surfwear shop to the largest surfboard factory in Brazil
The history of Pro-Ilha Surfboards is a journey of growth and innovation in the world of surfing. It all began in May 1984, with the opening of the small QT Surf shop. In 1986, surfboard production started in a modest wooden facility. The company’s first shapers were Ricardo Ziemath and Zulmar Leao, who quickly helped establish Pro-Ilha’s reputation in the market.
In the early 1990s, the company moved its operations to a small building behind the owner’s house, expanding its capabilities. During this period, growth opportunities emerged, including the production of boards for brands such as 775, HD, Hang Loose, and 30 Pes. Talented shapers like Saulo Lira, Valdo Pirata, Crivela, and Joca Secco joined the team, bringing new experiences and options for customers.
Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pro-Ilha opened its first large headquarters, allowing a significant increase in production. This period also marked the beginning of important partnerships, such as contracts with Mormaii and advertising campaigns with Pepsi and Gatorade.
In 2008, Pro-Ilha entered the international market. Renowned Hawaiian shapers such as Tokoro and John Carper visited Brazil and were impressed by the facilities, resulting in new partnerships. The arrival of these international shapers drove the need for technological updates, leading to the acquisition of the first shaping machine, the DSD shape machine in 2009, followed by the Australian Aku Shaper the following year.
In the early 2000s, Pro-Ilha experienced a phase of intense technological and logistical evolution. The company began importing raw materials and exporting its products, establishing partnerships with major brands such as Rusty, Tokoro, John Carper, and Webber. Later, Chilli and Cabianca also joined Pro-Ilha’s portfolio. Finally, in November 2014, Pro-Ilha inaugurated its new model factory, designed to meet diverse needs and the continuous growth in production. With this modern structure, Pro-Ilha Surfboards consolidated its position as the largest surfboard factory in Brazil, recognized both nationally and internationally.
COVID-19 Pandemic
At the beginning of 2020, specifically in March, we faced a pandemic that brought many uncertainties about the future, both in business and in society as a whole. However, along with the uncertainties, new habits emerged: gyms became empty, while streets and oceans gained new participants in various sports.
With the adoption of remote work, there was a significant migration from large urban centers to coastal cities. What was initially a concern turned, within three months, into the biggest boom in the history of sports equipment consumption, and surfboards were no exception.
From 2020 to 2022, we sold the highest number of boards in the company’s history. Production increased from a steady pace of 600 boards per month to, in some months during the pandemic, double that number.
Pro-Ilha Across the World’s Waters
Even during a pandemic year, 2021 was a crucial period in which we truly consolidated our position as one of the leading surfboard manufacturers on the global stage. For several years, we had been exporting boards from licensed brands, mainly to Latin American markets. This experience provided a solid foundation for expanding our international operations.
During the World Surf League event in Portugal, partners Ni and Alan identified a strategic opportunity to expand the Pro-Ilha brand beyond Latin America. They established partnerships with local shops to export boards under the Pro-Ilha brand. This marked the beginning of a new phase of growth and recognition for the company.
The success of this strategy was quickly reflected in a significant increase in demand for our boards in Europe. Our presence in the European market expanded rapidly, with Pro-Ilha boards gaining popularity among local surfers due to their high quality and superior performance.
In addition to Europe, we began exploring the North American market. Recently, our boards, under the Marbella brand, were introduced in the United States, where they were also well received.
The acceptance and popularity of our boards abroad have been outstanding. Our exports have not only increased our global presence but have also become an essential part of our business model.
Currently, exports account for 40% of our revenue, highlighting the success of our international expansion strategy and the recognized quality of our products.
Pró-Ilha Surf Shop Ltda - ME
CNPJ: 17.958.946/0001-68
vendas@pro-ilha.com.br
