Alder Sportswear History

Alder Classic Logo

Alder Wetsuits was a dream, originating from one man's passion for surfing.
Over 50 years ago, Bob Westlake began to surf around the west coast of England. He soon discovered a niche in the surfing market, with a lack of Californian style surfing wear being available in the ’60s.
This prompted Bob’s wife, Annie Westlake, to make some of the first boardshorts in the UK. With growing sales and increased demand for surfing products, the opportunity arose for a business development that is today ‘Alder Sportswear’.
Alder now has an established track record and strives to move the growth of its business forward with innovative technology and design, combined with a competitive strategy.
Product developers have years of experience within the surfing industry which leads Alder to boast a very exciting and advanced wetsuit and accessories range.

Bob Westlake

Bob Westlake - Circa 1967 Polzeath Beach. Riding his board that was purchased from Bilbo Surf shop Newquay for £60. This board still survives and hangs in the showroom at Alder Sportswear HQ.

Boardshorts

An original pair of boardshorts cut and sewn by Ann Westlake at Alder Farm still to this day the hub of Alder

Original Team

Back Row
* Unknown * Andrew Vernon * Unknown * Unknown

Front Row
* Unknown * Ann Westlake * Mary Rolfe * Unknown * Unknown * Maggie * Jane Colwill * Unknown * Unknown

Carwyn Williams & Simon Tucker

Carwyn Williams is an ex-professional surfer from Mumbles, Wales, who "rose to global prominence" in the 1980s. Williams grew up in the Langland Bay area, near Mumbles. He had a strong Welsh rivalry during the 1980s with Simon Tucker. Tucker won the Junior British Championship in 1981 with Williams in second place

Alder Magazine Advertisement

An Alder Advert for the Alder clothing line circa ****

Alder Magazine Advertisement

An Alder Advert for the Alder clothing line circa ****

Alder Pro-Am Surfing contest

The Gul/Alder European Pro-AM, referenced in this Wavelength Surf Magazine article, was a significant,, historical surfing competition held at Fistral Beach in the early 1980s, often featuring prominently in British surfing history. These events, frequently sponsored by Gul and Alder, highlighted key figures in the European surf scene, including competitors at Harlyn and Lacanau, France.

Historical Significance: The contest in the early 1980s (specifically around 1980-1982) was a major,,,, ,seminal moment for British surfing, often featuring renowned surfers like Derek Hynd and Nigel Semmens.

Venue & Context: Primary locations included Fistral Beach, Newquay, and Harlyn in Cornwall