Our Story

Purpose-built surf gear for a lifetime of discovery. Since 1987.

Creatures of leisure founder john malloy 1972

 Creatures was started to support the surfing lifestyle and shaped by the coast we call home. Founder John Malloy left Los Angeles in 1972 on a container ship to surf through the Pacific to West Oz. When he arrived in Yallingup, he realised he’d found paradise. Uncrowded waves, stunning coastline, great friends.

To earn a living, John began making surf leashes. He learned the hard way that the raw waves of our South Indian Ocean would snap inferior materials. Good wasn’t good enough. They had to be better.

John introduced the first-ever urethane cord, providing the most reliable connection from board to surfer yet. He became obsessed with improving other solutions, inventing a self-lubricating stainless steel swivel as well. These pioneering innovations remain industry standard today.

Creatures of leisure history timeline

 

That same focus on rugged reliability and premium detail has since been expanded to other surf essentials. Board covers, traction, tie-downs, and more - it’s all geared toward a lifetime of discovery.

After all these years, we’re still based in South West WA. Every design is tested by our staff and the world’s best surfers, both here, in Hawaii and other unforgiving locations.

We could move somewhere more central to make travel easier, but that’s all part of the fun. Most surfers get that right away. After all, we’re a different breed. We’re Creatures.

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