Why Being An Independent UK Surf Brand Still Matters

In an industry where many iconic surf brands have been bought, sold, merged or absorbed into corporations, there's something increasingly rare about a surf company that's still independently owned, still run by the same family, and still making decisions for surfers rather than shareholders.

That's Circle One.

Since 1969, Circle One has remained true to its roots. Founded in Devon by Jeff Townsley, the company has grown alongside British surfing, helping generations of surfers discover the sport, improve their skills and make lifelong memories in the water. More than five decades later, we're proud to still be doing exactly that.

But being independent isn't just about our history. It's about how we operate today.

We listen to you!

One of the biggest advantages of remaining independent is that we can stay close to our community.

We don't have layers of corporate decision-making or product roadmaps dictated by boardrooms thousands of miles away. Instead, we spend our time talking to the people who matter most, the surfers using our boards, wetsuits and equipment every single day.

Whether it's conversations in our surf shop, messages on social media, reviews from customers, feedback from surf schools or discussions with our ambassadors, every opinion helps shape what comes next.

If something can be improved, we want to know. If there's a product you'd love to see, we want to hear about it. If we've built something you genuinely love, that's what drives us to keep pushing forward.

Innovation Doesn't Mean Forgetting Our Roots

There's a misconception that heritage brands are stuck in the past.

We see things differently.

Our history gives us the experience to understand what works, but it also gives us the confidence to keep evolving.

Over the years we've continually refined our surfboards, improved construction methods, expanded our wetsuit range, introduced more sustainable initiatives and developed equipment that meets the needs of modern surfers.

Recently, we've invested in new board designs, premium Heritage models, improved materials, FCS2 fin boxes and final products that reflect how people surf today, whilst being inspired by our heritage past.

Innovation isn't about chasing trends.

It's about creating products that genuinely perform better and help people enjoy their time in the water.

Built by Surfers, for Surfers

Everything we make starts with the same question:

"Would we use this ourselves?"

If the answer isn't yes, it doesn't make it into the range.

Being a family-owned surf company means surfing isn't just our business, it's our lifestyle. We understand the excitement of a clean forecast, the frustration of replacing worn-out equipment, and the satisfaction of finding a board that feels just right.

That perspective shapes every decision we make.

Looking Ahead

Being one of the UK's last truly independent surf brands is something we're incredibly proud of, but it's not something we take for granted.

Our goal isn't simply to preserve our heritage. It's to build on it.

We'll continue listening to our customers, working with surfers of all abilities, investing in better products and embracing new ideas, while staying true to the values that have guided Circle One since 1969.

Because independence isn't about standing still.

It's about having the freedom to build products we believe in, respond to the needs of our community and keep surfing at the heart of everything we do.

To everyone who has supported Circle One over the past 57 years, thank you. Your feedback, loyalty and passion continue to shape the next chapter of our story, and we can't wait to share what's coming next.