The Aleeda Story

The Keith Williams Connection

Starting life as Aqua Suits International, Aleeda was founded by the late Mr. Keith Williams – founder of Sea World and Hamilton Island to keep his water skiers at Carrara Ski Park warm. Importing sponge rubber from Japan, using Australian made nylon linings, and constructing a laminating press to make neoprene, the first Aleeda wetsuits were born.

Aleeda is Born

The business was sold in 1969 and the Aleeda name was born giving birth to the modern company that has supported surfers, surf clubs, schools, surf schools and swimmers ever since.

Grow, Grow, Grow

In the mid 1970’s, Aleeda began significant overseas exporting, developing extensive markets in the United States and manufacturing under licence in Japan. In 1978 Aleeda expanded into the rapidly growing surfing market with sponsorship of the first Pro Tour World Surfing Champion, Peter Townend.

New Home and New Products

The factory in Taree St Burleigh Heads was born and was a hive of activity for wetsuits, stubby coolers and all manner of neoprene products.

Spandex and lycra started becoming more popular with the first Rashvests sold to customers.

The Surf Club & School Years

Whilst continuing to support longboard, surf and bodyboard comps the rashvests being made for surfers had some new designs to move into supporting Surf Clubs and Surf Schools in these years. From that infancy, the business started selling to more than 100 surf clubs and 70 surf schools

Today

We’re proud to support surf, active wear, sports and swimwear brands, designing and making gear that stands the test of time. 

As the first wetsuit manufacturer in Australia we're proud to also be one of the last that can do it with scale. We love of our heritage and excited about our future.