REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Wednesday, April 21, 2004

AT the age of 11, Joel Parkinson’s first sponsorship deal with Billabong consisted of three pairs of boardies and three T-shirts.

The 23-year-old professional surfer got a pay rise: four pairs of boardies and four T-shirts … and a seven-figure sum.

Parkinson signed a multimillion-dollar contract with global surfing giant Billabong which set him up for a very comfortable future.

His wealth came as much out of success in the water as loyalty to the brand.

Parkinson joined Billabong at the age of 11 as a raw surfing talent who had to ask for a sponsorship deal.

“I got three pairs of boardies and three shirts,” said Parkinson of his first contract. “From that day on I was a pro surfer.”

A wag at the contract signing quipped that Billabong was prepared to up the ante, throwing in four pairs of boardies and four shirts.

A decade and a few surfing titles after he first burst on to the surfing scene, companies were throwing themselves at ‘Parko’.

Billabong International CEO Derek O’Neill said the Gold Coast-based surfwear giant had to work to keep the most valuable asset on the surfing market.

“Certainly some other companies showed some interest,” said Mr O’Neill.

“But Joel knew at all times we were looking to continue the relationship.

Parkinson’s five-year agreement, believed to be close to the biggest in the sport at the time, added to an already impressive list of assets which includes a luxurious Coolangatta home.