In the summer of 1954, Nancy and Walter Katin opened a small boat cover business in the quaint beach town of Surfside, California. Withstanding rigorous testing and utilising waxed-nylon thread and nickel grommets, the Katin’s canvas boat covers were considered bulletproof. When one day, a local teen walked into the shop requesting a new kind of short made specifically for surfing. The young surfer explained his struggles with surfing in cut-off jeans, and how the denim threads would quickly break, leaving him nearly nude when exiting the water. This determined teenager’s name was Corky Carroll, who unbeknownst to Walter, would go on to be one of the world’s first professional surfers. The custom surf trunks Walter made for Corky would become one of California’s first pair of surf trunks. Word soon spread of the trunks durability and the shop was soon flooded with young surfers wanting a pair. 

 Having been born by the beach and raised along the California coast, Katin remains a staple of Southern California culture. Katin takes pride in its title as California’s first brand to make surf trunks, and continues its commitment to quality, durability, and good looks. And just for good measure, every item is pre-washed for a lived-in, vintagey look.