Koa Rothman announced he left Quiksilver for a new sponsor, Darc Sport. Photo: Koa Rothman // YouTube
Koa Rothman has become the latest in a series of surfers to leave longtime sponsors and industry heavyweights for greener pastures at smaller brands. As the freesurfer and YouTuber announced in a recent video, he has just signed a deal with clothing brand Darc Sport, leaving his sponsor of 13 years, Quiksilver, in the process.
It’s been a year of shakeups in the world of surfing sponsorships. A few months ago, Nathan Florence left Vans to unite with his brother under the Florence Marine X banner (and brother Ivan also just left Vans to join them). In January, the Gudauskas brothers also parted ways with the footwear company. Around the same time, Kelia Moniz had a decidedly less friendly breakup with Roxy, as she announced on Instagram.
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As Koa mentioned in his announcement video, Darc Sport is a newcomer in the world of surfing, having previously been associated with bodybuilders and fitness influencers. However, by signing not only Rothman, but also legendary surfer Bruce Irons, the brand is signaling an interest in expanding into the world of wave riding. Rothman mentioned the company had looked to his and other sponsee’s input on boardshorts, hinting at upcoming surf apparel releases.
The expansion doesn’t just stop at surfing, either. Darc Sport also inked a deal with MMA fighter Max Holloway. While Holloway is obviously best known for his extremely successful career in the UFC, he also has ties to the world of surfing through his wife, professional surfer Alessa Holloway, nee Quizon.
