King of the Beach® was founded in 1983, together with Sideout® on the belief that there is a higher level of consciousness to be found within one’s self through personal journeys that the global volleyball, surf and beach lifestyle provides. The company prides itself on making quality apparel, outerwear, footwear, beach volleyballs and accessories and holding some of the greatest beach events on the planet.
King of the Beach® products are here to enhance your experience and journey to the sea under one lifestyle.
In 1983, after founding Sideout® Beachwear out of his Berkeley frat house, Stephen Ascher set off on a surf trip with Sinjin Smith that would forever change his life. Ascher had just left college at Cal Berkeley, where he played NCAA and Club volleyball, winning two “Club” team National Championships as setter, and was introduced to Sinjin Smith at a tradeshow in Los Angeles called “MAGIC.” From that moment, it all began.
Ascher founded the Sideout® lifestyle brand and also eventually incorporated the King of the Beach® and Queen of the Beach® brands in the mix, and a journey of passion into the global surf, volleyball and beach lifestyle began that still resonates today.
The idea of starting a beach lifestyle company around board riding and beach volleyball, two sports loved by many, would be a sure hit. Ascher made an initial $5,000 investment from his father, and the process was started. Then came the crown, combined with Smith’s legendary success, and the dual brand relationships with King of the Beach® and Queen of the Beach™ were born.