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OVER THE YEARS
1978
Gotcha™ was founded by Michael Tomson and Joel Cooper, who introduced a revolutionary product; a functional board short designed by surfers for surfers, and began by selling them from a garage in Laguna Beach. The company created apparel that articulated the individuality and athleticism of the coastal beach culture.
1982
Gotcha™ introduced baggy, knee-length Bermuda shorts to a market that had not seen the look since the early 60s, and the long baggy shorts quickly became the trendiest fashion in surfwear. The new Bermudas were an instant success that not only signaled the beginning of intense growth for Gotcha™, but also marked the turning point for an entire industry. It was during this 'Bermuda Boom' of the early-to mid-1980s that Gotcha™ became a household name to pro surfers the world over. Not just surfers, but a national demographic group took to the baggy shorts as the beach look began its evolution toward a nationally accepted sportswear statement in the young men's market.
1984
Gotcha™ began targeting specialty surf stores with the concept of selling 'lifestyle sportswear' year-round rather than just during the spring/summer seasons. The result was a fully integrated sportswear collection that included jackets, jeans and accessories.
1985
The Fishman logo is unveiled and instantly becomes a globally recognized pop culture icon. Meanwhile, still committed to staying in close touch with the surfing community that spawned the brand’s initial growth, they assembled what would become one of the greatest promotional surf teams of all times. The surf team augmented Gotcha's™ aggressive marketing and memorable advertising campaigns that were considered 'alternative' a decade before the world became part of pop culture jargon. Always riding the edge and designed to provoke while retaining the authenticity necessary to appeal to the hardcore surf customer, Gotcha™ ads and catalogs garnered dozens of awards and commendations.
1989
Gotcha surfer Martin Potter becomes World Champion and an instant surfing icon.
1992
Gotcha surfer Derek Ho becomes the 1st Hawaiian to win the World Title.
1998
Gotcha™ revolutionized professional surfing by hosting an event from a remote location in the South Pacific. The Gotcha™ Pro Tahiti, held at Teahupoo, home to the world's most dangerous waves, quickly became the most recognized, and feared, surfing event on the planet.
2003
Gotcha surfer Malik Joyeaux rides the biggest wave ever seen at Teahupoo and, in the opinion of some, the heaviest wave ever ridden.
2006
Gotcha is acquired by Perry Ellis International for its action sports authenticity and global brand recognition. Gotcha signs phenom Christian Wach to its surf team.
2007
Mick Campbell finishes the season ranked #17 in the world after amazingly re-qualifying for the ASP World Championship Tour in a single year. Newly signed Rob Lorifice skates X-Games vert and takes 5th in Big Air at only 19 years old.
2008
Gotcha celebrates its 30th year as a globally recognized, action sports leader.
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