Born from a love of fishing. Inspired by a skin cancer diagnosis. Built to make a difference.

G’day! I’m Terri, the proud mum and founder behind The Dirty Oar.

In 2021, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with skin cancer. Two surgeries later, with my family by my side, I knew I wanted to turn that experience into something meaningful.

As someone who has always loved fishing, boating and the great outdoors, my diagnosis opened my eyes to just how important sun protection really is.

And that’s where The Dirty Oar was born.

I wanted to create more than just another fishing apparel brand. I wanted colourful, comfortable and practical fishing shirts that helped protect our skin without sacrificing style.

Because protecting your skin shouldn’t mean looking boring!

FISHING WITH A MISSION 

The Dirty Oar is proudly Australian and built around a cause close to my heart.

Our fishing shirts are made with fabric that blocks over 96% of UV rays, helping you stay covered while enjoying the outdoors.

And we’re proud to donate 3% of every sale to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, supporting a cause that means so much to our family.

Every shirt purchased is more than just another sale. It’s another opportunity to encourage sun awareness and make a difference.

WOMEN DESERVE BETTER FISHING SHIRTS!

Let’s face it, ladies. Why should we have to borrow our husband’s fishing shirts? 

We love fishing, boating and spending time outdoors just as much as the blokes!

I wanted to create beautiful fishing apparel that women actually feel confident wearing. Practical, comfortable, colourful and made for adventures on the water.

Because being sun-conscious doesn’t mean we can’t look bloody good doing it!

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Originally from Wollongong, NSW, I moved to Mackay in 2009, where I met my fiancé, Ray.

Our love of fishing started along the banks and creeks of North Queensland before we bought our first little boat, The Little Oar.

From unforgettable fishing adventures to a wild Cape York trip in 2018 involving crocs, a proposal and a six-hour breakdown, fishing became a huge part of our lives.

Then came our daughter Indyanna, an upgraded boat named The Dirty Oar, and eventually a dream that turned into a business.

What started as our family fishing adventures became something so much bigger.

MORE THAN JUST A SHIRT

Today, The Dirty Oar is a small Australian family business with a big mission.

We’re here to create fishing apparel people love wearing, encourage sun awareness and give back to a cause close to our hearts.

When you support The Dirty Oar, you’re supporting a family, a dream and a mission born from personal experience.

Thank you for helping us make a difference, one cast at a time!

Cheers,
Terri 
Founder, The Dirty Oar