In 1978, Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer, brought a core piece of "Down Under" to the United States. For years, craftsmen have been stitching sheepskin boots on the beaches of Australia and New Zealand, however it took a bold and enterprising Smith to introduce a quirky Australian tradition to the United States. Smith hit the streets of New York without much luck. Smith knew that there had to be a place for his boots in the US market, so he traveled west to do a little surfing in California. Arriving there he was shocked to find that there was already a small group of well-traveled surfers who'd brought similar sheepskin boots back from Australia. He'd found his niche, and he never had to leave the beach. Since then, UGG Australia has gone from a small time surf brand to the global leader in luxury sheepskin footwear. The product range has also grown beyond boots to incorporate casual footwear, slippers, and all-weather products made of the same fine Australian sheepskin. "UGG Australia is the real deal," says Connie Rishwain, President of UGG Australia. "Once you wear UGG Australia, you're hooked. They're original, authentic, and the ultimate in luxury and comfort."