Our Story: The Brand That Defined 1980s Surfwear

Thrilla Krew was born from the roots of surf culture — shaped by freedom, humor, creativity, and a lifelong love of the ocean.

It all started with Tak Kawahara, a legendary Los Angeles surfboard shaper, entrepreneur, and one of the true pioneers of surfing’s golden era. Tak began surfing in 1957 and started his shaping career at Con Surf House in Santa Monica, working alongside and learning from some of the most respected names in surfing history. Over the years, he became known as the “Father of Japanese Surfing” for helping introduce and grow the sport in Japan.

After decades in surfboards, surf shops, and surf apparel, Tak created a tiki cartoon sticker inspired by the surfer’s classic battle cry: “Pray for Surf.” The design was different from the clean, simple surfwear of the time — it had attitude, humor, and personality.

To take the idea further, Tak partnered with artist Steve Nazar, who shared the same wild sense of humor and cartoon energy. Together, they created Thrilla Gorilla and Da Boys, characters that helped pioneer a bold new wave of surf and skate style in the 1980s. Their art, color, and personality became part of an era — loud, fun, rebellious, and unforgettable.

over a year ago, we lost Steve Nazar, the incredible artist whose imagination helped bring Thrilla Gorilla and Da Boys to life. His passing was a huge loss to the surf, skate, and art communities, but his spirit lives on in every character, every graphic, and every piece of Thrilla Krew history.