GULL HISTORY

1955 Originally named Kinugawa Shoji Co., Ltd., the company was established to handle sales within Japan for underwater sporting goods under Kinugawa Rubber. Kinugawa Shoji was a branch of Kinugawa Rubber manufacturing’s overall sales division.

1967 Obtained an OEM manufacturing agreement with a large international diving manufacturer. The company’s name was changed to Kinugawa Pacific Co., Ltd.

Kinugawa Pacific initially focused on the development of Diving gear tailored towards Japan’s domestic market.

1972 Mantis, the company’s first twin lens mask is born through passion and commitment for developing the ultimate-fit mask for the Japanese market.

1979 The launch of Mantis II. A new and improved version of the Mantis mask utilizing a new silicone skirt.

1983 The launch of the Gull brand.

Silicone material replaces conventional rubber mask skirts. Full-scale production of silicone masks commences.

1984 The birth of Gull’s iconic Mew full-foot rubber fin.

1986 The 3rd generation of Mantis, the Mantis III mask (introduced in 1985), receives the Good Design Award sponsored by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Gull begins to shift focus and prioritizes on the design and manufacturing of more diverse and evolved scuba gear aimed at the extensive needs of individual divers.

1988 Family snorkeling brand AQA is established.

1990 The Mantis IV twin-lens mask is born. Constructed with a state-of-the-art liquid silicone skirt.

All mask skirts began to shift to liquid silicone mold manufacturing since Mantis IV’s inception.

1994 ~ 1999 Kinugawa Pacific focuses on research and development of rubber fins adding a wide range of different kinds of rubber to their lineup including Hard Mew (made with a stiffer rubber) and Soft Mew fins (made with a more pliable rubber).

2000 Launch of the Mantis Full Face mask and receives the Good Design Award sponsored by Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Introduction of the open-heel Mantis Fin.

2004 ~ 2005 Further enhancing the lineup, Kinugawa Pacific introduces two female-oriented masks; the single lens Coco, and the twin lens Naida.

2006 A crucial year that marks the birth of Gull’s G-series lineup. Bringing new diving gear with in innovative technology and ground-breaking designs. G-series is synonymous to “The ultimate in perfection.”.

G-Series brings revolutionary gear including the dual-lens Mantis LV, Super Bullet snorkel, and the world’s longest rubber fins; Barracuda.

2007 The Super Mew full-foot fin is born. Improving on Mew’s propulsive force with its longer blade and hybrid rubber construction.

2008 Originally introduced in 1972, and carefully enhanced over 5 generations, MANTIS 5 makes its debut. A revamped iteration of the Mantis, with a significantly wider field of view.

2010 The renowned single lens Vader mask makes its launch as a new member of the G-Series lineup.

2015 Debut of the Mew Cypher fin. An open-heel variant of Mew fin that offers a relaxed kick, further broadening Gull’s open-heel fin lineup to beginners and camera users.

2017 A prime addition to the G-series lineup, The Vader Fanette incorporates a smaller overall form, accommodating smaller-faced individuals with the addition of innovative features.

2020 Birth of a monster. The famous GT fin makes its way into the G-series lineup. Equipped with patented jet hole technology.

2022 The Mantis LVR twin-lens mask makes its introduction. Packed with exclusive features seen on no other mask with a slimed down size to better fit smaller faces.

Kinugawa’s legendary Mantis mask celebrates its 50th anniversary,