Every year at this time, we publish a list of the top viewed stories of the year.
Researching the list this time around was heartbreaking. Many of the top viewed stories have to do with the unexpected death of former Boardriders CEO Pierre Agnes, a tragedy of epic proportions that nobody expected to happen. It’s just so sad to think how quickly life can change.
Change is the theme that runs through many of the top stories in fact. Thankfully, most of the other big news of the year was not related to a tragedy, but rather to industry structural and personnel changes. Acquisitions, sales, and people leaving and joining companies garnered a lot of attention.
Boardriders acquiring Billabong, of course, was the major news of the year, probably of the decade.
Lastly, everyone loves the photo-heavy stories, so reports from trade shows, the Waterman’s Ball, Zumiez’s 100k and other industry events are always popular.
Top Viewed Stories of 2018
- Update on Pierre Agnes
- Pierre Agnes Missing at Sea
- Job Cuts at Volcom Today
- Kering to Sell Volcom
- Nidecker Brothers Acquire Rome SDS and Bataleon Parent
- Pierre Agnes Celebrated in Capbreton
- Boardriders Names New Leadership Team
- Photos and Report from Agenda
- Remembering Pierre Agnes
- Aaron Levant to Exit Trade Show Business
- La Jolla Group Announces Major Executive Changes
- Remembering Nike’s Sandy Bodecker
- Mandy Fry Exits Amuse Society
- Boardriders Announces Succession Plans
- Search for Pierre Agnes Called Off at Night
- Big News for Rip Curl North America
- Billabong/Boardriders Deal Officially Closes
- Laurent Potdevin Out at Lululemon
- Boardriders Leaders Past and Present Head to France
- Photos and Brand Updates from Surf Expo
- Boardriders and Billabong Reach Agreement on Acquisition
- Knock Off Discount Swimwear Sites Pose Challenge to Brands
- Photos from Zumiez 100k Extravaganza
- SES Podcast – Billabong Founder Gordon Merchant
- Photos from the Waterman’s Ball
- Burton Makes Major Changes in Sales Structure
- Photo and Report from Boardriders Malibu Opening
- Fallen Footwear Relaunches Worldwide
- Reef Sold to Rockport
- Dirk Ziff Discusses Joys and Challenges of Professional Surfing and Takes on WSL Haters
