HEYDAY POCKET TEE – RORY RUSSELL
If you look for a timeless Lightning Bolt garment and a reference to one of its major living legends, this is the t-shirt you need.
Plain cotton t-shirt with a logo print on the chest pocket. Back screen print with Rory Russell signature – Lightning Bolt ambassador, iconic surfer, and shaper.
RAINBOW POCKET TEE
A lot was going on around the world in the ‘70s. Surfing was a movement of its own, the style and aspects of surfing changed. It was all about having fun, and just being free. At the same time, the world’s policies and society were changing. The rainbow started to appear everywhere, as a symbol of faith, hope, peace, and power.
The different expressions of the rainbow’s symbolism overlap with one another. Combined with Lightning Bolt energy, result in an iconic t-shirt.
FOREVER TEE
More than a brand, Lightning Bolt crossed borders and oceans. Recognized by everyone, it reached universal proportions and became the representation of an attitude and lifestyle with which everyone could relate or aspire to. The Bolt was the spark to go further, the pure experience, the intensity of a true connection with nature. It became a symbol of a mythical energy. As well as this tee.
'70s
1971 - LIGHTNING BOLT WAS FOUNDED
Through the ‘70s, Lightning Bolt became ubiquitous.
It was in nearly every surf competition and surf movie made between 1971 and 1978. From the Pipeline Masters to movies like Morning of the Earth (1972), Going Surfin’ (1974), and Tales from the Tube (1975), the Bolt was everywhere.
'80s
LIGHTNING BOLT ROAD TRIPS
Rory Russell went around the world to find the perfect wave.
Those adventures were narrated in articles for the Surfer Mag. Now, they are iconic memories of the surf lifestyle back in the 80s: “Portuguese Pipeline” (Ericeira, Portugal), “Malibu Mischief” (Los Angeles, USA), “Morrocan Madness”, “The Scorpian Bay Sting” (Mexico), “A Banzai Birthday!”…
'90s
CIRCUITO LIGHTNING BOLT SURF ESPERANÇAS
Portuguese surf circuit powered by Lightning Bolt through the ‘90s.
The brand managed to organize the first championships in several spots that are now biggest references on European and World circuits, such as Ribeira D'Ilhas and Praia Grande.
It started in 1993 and boosted the future of national surfing. It is possible to talk about a Generation Lightning Bolt, since it was this circuit that shot several of the best surfers in Portugal, like Tiago Pires, Ruben Gonzalez, David Luís, Pirujinho, and Miguel Champalimaud.
'00s
SURF TRIPS
Living the good old days in the present! Inspired by the ‘80s road trip with Rory Russell, Lightning Bolt powered surf trips around the world with the Bolt Team.
Some names immediately pop out from these trips: Papi Xulo aka David Raimundo, that was a Team Manager, is nowadays National Surfing Coach (PT); Edmar aka Miguel Ximenez, Pumas aka Nuno Côrte Real, Abacaxi aka Maria Abecasis, João Kopke, and Miguel Blanco were young Bolt Riders and today big names on surf scenery.
These trips provided unique experiences for young surfers, boosting the sport and career of a generation.
'00s
LIGHTNING BOLT PRO JUNIOR – NATIONAL SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP
These events were a launching pad for young competitor surfers, but also a key part in new promises training and internationalization. There were free surf classes in each event for any surf enthusiast, and the best athletes of the circuit were awarded with access to the Lightning Bolt Sports Grant. This was an unprecedented initiative managed by the National Surfers Association (ANS), that aimed to finance the evolution of the athletes, as for Lightning Bolt competition only makes sense in a perspective of development.
Frederico Morais, the latest Portuguese surf star to make a solid impact on the World Surf League (WSL), showed up in Lightning Bolt Pro Junior, as the winner of the 2009 edition.
'00s
2009 - 1ST EDITION OF THE BOLT MAG
Edited by Lightning Bolt, these magazines were written for people to whom surf – sport, culture, and fashion – was a lifestyle.
'10s
2013 - LIGHTNING BOLT LIMITED EDITION COLLECTOR SERIES
Lightning Bolt invited five of the most unique, inspirational and legendary shapers ever - Gerry Lopez, Barry Kanaiaupuni, Tom Parrish, Rory Russell and Reno Abellira - to shape a surfboard of the era that they personally find emblematic. It resulted in a collector series pipeliners including the most memorable Bolt boards of all time.
'10s
2019 - A PURE SOURCE ON TOUR
From May 9 to June 1, we shared Lightning Bolt’s legacy, keeping it real and present.
The Bolt Team went to the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Portugal with the surf legends Rory Russell and Craig Hollingsworth.
It was a unique opportunity to meet two legends of Lightning Bolt, and obviously have fun! With surfing films sessions, talks, contests, music, and a lot of life’s sharing, Lightning Bolt’s social responsibility was not forgotten: raffles and giveaways were organized to benefit local institutions.
'20s
2021 - 50th ANNIVERSARY
This year is all about sharing who we are. We respect our roots by collaborating both with makers from the past and with new skilled artists, that have the same desire for adventure and pure expression.
At Lightning Bolt, we believe every moment, every piece has a tale to tell and you can become a part of the narrative yourself. Live this culture and lifestyle.
Here’s to fifty years of history: a golden era. And a lot more to come!
EDDIE VEDDER
Pearl Jam Band @USA
ADAM SANDLER
Actor @USA
GEGE BRASSET
Surfer @FR
GIANMARCO POLLACHI
Longboarder @Viareggio, IT
LUÍS GANITO
Actor, @PT
BEN AFFLECK
Actor, @USA
ELISE CRIGAR
WSL, @USA
100% BIO
Movie, @FR
MAGGIE CIVANTOS
Actress, @SP
MARTINHO SILVA
Actor, @PT
PAUL BLACKER
Shaper, @UK
SIMON BEECK
Radio Entertainer, @GER
