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Most loved photos and best moments of Seea in 2014

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From top left corner: Annabel Ocean Greer is born! Seea x Vans collab. Seea x Furrow surfboard. Seea launches in Australia featuring Chrystal Fitzgerald and Leana Rack photograhed by Ming Nomchong. Luki O'Keefe photos featured in Foam Symmetry and Mele and Jenayl in Italy photo by Onde Nostre.
Thanks to our awesome fans like you, the Seea family grew by crazy leaps and bounds in 2014. Seea can now be found in more than 150 retail stores worldwide, we’ve got 16K ocean lovers (and rising) following @theseea on Instagram, and hundreds of #MySeeaLife photos were shared. As we close the books on 2014, we’ve gathered the most viral photos, inspiring stories and Seea accomplishments during the past year.

First Time Only Happens Once 

They say you never forget your first time and 2014 was packed full of Seea first launches and births! Our family grew with the arrival of the first Seeababy, Annabel Ocean Greer into the world, Seea hired it’s first full time employee Summer Nelson and our new Southern Hemisphere sales rep Leana Rack sold our first orders to stores in Australia!

It was our most ambitious year of collabs: we released the first Seea surfboard collaboration with shaper Christine Brailsford, our first Vans x Seea collab of footwear came out with a party to celebrate at Thalia, and our first collab with the Royal Hawaiian Hotel featured our first Hawaiian Seeababe Ashley Johnston.

We had fun trying new things and going to new places, such as producing our first print magazine The Shakamuchacha Issue and being included in the launch of Without Walls stores nationwide! Seeababes Mele Saili and Jenayl Peters touched down on Italian soil for the first time ever, we were invited to show in the RedMilk Room at an international trade show, White Milan for the first time, and our resident shutterbug Luki O’Keefe got her first printed photo feature in Foam Symmetry magazine.

First row from top to bottom: Makala in Seea surf leggings photo by Luki O'Keefe. Leah Dawson photo by Maria Fernanda. Nasima Akter, one of the first woman surfers in Bangladesh. Second row from top: JinSoo & Lucy's wedding invitation. Karina and Makala photo by Luki O'Keefe. Mele Saili in Australia.  Third row from top: Margaret Yao Calvani surfing while pregnant. Photo by Kemi Vernon, and Mele featured on Surfline.com Photo by Woody.

Photos that went Viral 

We know you love beautiful surfing photos but we couldn’t believe the outpour of love for personal photos and stories. Margaret Yao Calvani’s pregnant surfing photo and our Korean friends JinSoo & Lucy’s wedding invitation went viral with hundreds of likes and tons of shares.

You were inspired by Nasima Akter, a pioneer of women surfers in Bangladesh to share the story with your friends, and of course, gorgeous feats of wave riding (during Hurricane Marie, the Deus Bali Logfest, and more) made our iPhone alerts blow up with likes and comments.

Front page of the Life & Fashion section in OC Register! The Seea x Royal Hawaiian Hotel collab Doheny rashguard photo by Bryce Johnson and photo of Mele in the Montara rashguard and Pacifica legging by Nick LaVecchia.
A photo posted by Julia Mancuso (@juliamancuso) on


A photo posted by S E E A (@theseea) on



Your Love for Seea was everything 

Thank you to all of our fans that shared their love for Seea. Many of our most liked and commented photos were #MySeeaLife photos taken by real customers!

We were incredibly honored to discover that Olympic athlete Julia Mancuso wears the Seea Swami’s playsuit while being a badass surfer, diver and stand-up paddle boarder to crosstraining in Hawaii during the off season. The OC Register wrote a fantastic story on the revival of women’s surf rashguards and featured Seea on the front page of the section! We were stoked to become friends with the super stylish and beautiful human being Leah Dawson, who's now been wearing Seea during her North Shore surf season.

And finally, our fans astounded us with support of each new collection video and project by sharing with their friends and offering congrats. We'll leave you with the video we launched at the same time last year for the 2014 collection, and the video teaser we just released this month, for the 2015 collection. Cheers to another wonderful year!



Mexico Calling - Seea 2014 Collection from The Seea on Vimeo.







"Intimasea" Short Film by Nathan Oldfield

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Intimasea by Nathan Oldfield from The Seea on Vimeo.

Made in collaboration with Australian filmmaker Nathan Oldfield, "Intimasea" is a short film that celebrates the beauty and grace of women's longboard surfing, and dreamy high of playing in the waves with your friends.

Featuring Seeababe ambassadors: Leah Dawson, Lola Mignot, Hallie Rohr, Karina Rozunko, Mele Saili and Makala Smith wearing the Seea 2015 collection, and filmed in Australia.

Shop the looks seen in "Intimasea"HERE!

Seea Movie Night and Mele Saili Art Show at Bing Surf Shop!

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Mele Saili holding the Seea x Bing surfboard that we are giving away in a raffle! Photo by Stone Crandall.

Seea and Bing have been friends forever — sharing several team riders and countless weekend family beach days together — and we were stoked to finally have a party to celebrate Seea being sold at the Bing Surf Shop in Encinitas!

Southern California got some much-needed rain in the morning, and the clouds cleared with sunny skies just in time for the party people trickling in to the Bing Surf Shop at 5pm on Friday, May 15. It was incredible to meet new faces and watch their stoke, eyes glued to the TV while the "Seea in Italy" film by Onde Nostre, "Intimasea" by Nathan Oldfield, and 2015 collection film by Michael Weybret played all night. Think about looking behind you at everyone's faces in a movie theater — super cool!

Seeababe Mele Saili had her paintings and drawings displayed, met with art lovers and sold a few pieces too! Check out special T-shirts for sale only in store at the Bing Surf Shop featuring Mele Saili's artwork. Big thanks to everyone who came out to toast glasses filled with ZIOBAFFA with us, and to the folks at Bing for their hospitality.

All photos by Stone Crandall.

Sunny skies and surfboards in Encinitas! Photo by Stone Crandall.

Early arrivals at the Bing Surf Shop party. Photo by Stone Crandall.

Legendary shaper and surfer Bing Copeland! Photo by Stone Crandall. 

A look at the Seea x Bing surfboard that you can win in a raffle! Photo by Stone Crandall.

Close-up of the color and logo detail of the Seea x Bing Surfboard. Photo by Stone Crandall.

Thanks to Ziobaffa for keeping the wine flowing in the Italian spirit! Photo by Stone Crandall. 
It was awesome to see all the genuine surfer ladies in the house! Photo by Stone Crandall.

Congrats Mele Saili on your art show! Photo by Stone Crandall.

Overflow of people outside of the Bing Surf Shop. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Mele Saili art show. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Margaret Calvani pours some Ziobaffa wine. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Ziobaffa wine got us in the Italian mood during the "Seea in Italy" film screenings. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

More wine! Photo by Stone Crandall. 

So many pretty boards, not enough garage space. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Check out the Seea x Bing surfboard poking out! Packed inside the Bing Surf Shop. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Far right, Bing team rider Mick Rodgers. Photo by Stone Crandall.

Hangin' out. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Seeababe Karina Rozunko meets Bing Copeland! Photo by Stone Crandall. 

Bing Copeland and Matt Calvani who carries the torch. Photo by Stone Crandall.

Checking out the Mele Saili art show. Photo by Stone Crandall.

Mele holds a T-shirt featuring her painting! Photo by Stone Crandall. 

WATCH THE MOVIES:




Travel Diary: Seea in Italy 2015 Film by Onde Nostre!

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Sometimes a vacation isn't just about surfing. We know, crazy talk! But stay with us. It's about indulging in traditional cuisine and culture that can only be found in that very region. It's being enamored by feats of architecture and lush landscapes you've never seen before. Sure, we came to Italy to surf. But this trip was so much more.



Starting in Florence, Italy, we plunged into a more than 20-hour journey by ferry and automobile to Sicily in southern Italy. The search for waves, and to experience authentic Italian culture brought us to Syracuse, a historic city in Sicily that was the largest city in the ancient world — even bigger than Athens and Corinth (names that all triggered buried history classes from our memory).

It was a lot of science, instinct and experience to find the right spot for the fickle windswell. We found in our journey with Italian friends that surfing in Italy is serious devotion. In the absence of abundance easy waves, the heart is filled with romantic longing. You wait, obsessed with meteorology, the moon cycle of tides, the methodical calculation of how the energy will crest and break into the coastline’s topography. You have to be ready to drop everything and go when the swell's coming. There's more poor-fair days of surfing than good-epic days, which makes you especially grateful for those special days.

Jenayl in the Belmont Romper in Prarie. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
Italian scenery. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

We got in a few fun days and in between sessions the scenery never disappointed. We wandered the cobblestone streets in Sicily on foot and slowed down driving through the Viale dei Cipressi in Tuscany; the three-mile drive between 2,000 tall magnificent trees neatly lined up one after another that felt like a fairytale carriage approaching your castle. We wanted to try every local Italian food: wine in Bolgheri, Tuscany, the arancini in Sicily, gelato by the ocean, and the citrus in bloom.

Coming from California where you don't find any buildings older than the 1700s, being surrounded by Italy's ancient churches and artisan traditions — hello, wine making that's the elixer of the gods — made you think longer about the wealth of culture and knowledge the country holds. And yet isn't it funny that surfing is where we met in the middle.

In all of Italy’s centuries of maritime history, the idea of riding upon waves for recreation — and what we know as modern surfing— didn’t arrive to the country until the 1970s. The pioneering surfers of Italy were not that different from the pioneering surfers in other parts of the globe. They were sailors, swimmers, paddlers and waterman addicted to the ride, creating wave craft in their own cultural style, all for the pure love of it.

"Our surf culture is very interesting because it’s quite young and vibrant," explains Luca Merli, the director of "Seea in Italy" film and one of our guides on the trip. "Italians are marine people, the Mediterranean has been the cradle of civilization. We love our sea Our boot shaped country is surrounded by water which as been used since the Romans for trade, for wars, for fun and for living... and now surfing is booming on our coasts like California in the '60s. We're very passionate surfers and I wanted to celebrate this small history." 

We'll raise our wine glasses filled with Italian vino to that.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at some of the picturesque location in the "Seea in Italy" film and be inspired to shop the Seea suits that they wore!

Jenayl wears the Riviera in Geo Gold on the coast of Sicily. Mele wears the Leucadia in Purple Sail. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Mele in the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 
Jenayl in the Montara in Vintage and Calafia legging in Prarie. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
Jenayl in the Capitola in Geogold (worn in reverse), Windansea shirt in Deco Waves and Marina Neoprene pants. Mele in the Rincon jacket, Chicama Top and Bottom in Porto. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 
Mele in the Rincon jacket, Chicama Top and Bottom in Porto. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
Jenayl in the Capitola in Geogold (worn in reverse), Windansea shirt in Deco Waves and Marina Neoprene pants. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Mele in the Leucadia bikini in Luna. Jenayl in the Tofino in Geo Gold.

Jenayl snacks on local fruit. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
Mele in the Mundaka top in Earth Waves. Jenayl in the SanO in Luna. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
Driving through the Viale dei Cipressi in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Driving into the famous town Bolgheri, Tuscany. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
The still waters in Bagni Nettuno, the historical resort in the Castiglioncello region of Tuscany. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 

Cleo wears the Swamis in Tiles in Bagni Nettuno. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

KEEP TRAVELING THROUGH ITALY:




Seea in Italy: Stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello Masters the Mix of Italian Elegance + Salty Vibes

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Its not a mistake these golden swimsuits shimmer in the golden light. Elisabetta Dal Bello styles Mele in the Leucadia Bikini in Luna, and Jenayl wears the Tofino One-Piece in Geogold. Hat by Borsalino. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 

Elegance comes naturally to Seea's resident stylist for our Italian photo shoot, Elisabetta Dal Bello. The style maven shares with us her philosophy of self confidence and how she elevates Seea to ready-to-wear status. 

By Johnie Gall

Fashion week in Milan is a big deal. Models, designers, bloggers and the editors of some of the most prestigious magazines in Italy all converge on the city in a flurry of well-tailored pants and effortlessly tousled hair (the kind that actually takes an hour to achieve). Then there’s fashion stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello.

“My editor at Vanity Fair sometimes pokes fun at me because I always look like I’ve arrived straight from the beach,” says the sun-bleached blonde. “Even during fashion week in Milan!”

Elisabetta Dal Bello in vintage cut-offs with her signature tanned skin and naturally blonde hair. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Elisabetta, a renowned stylist who’s contributed her innate eye for fashion to magazines like Italian Elle and Velvet Magazine, is living proof that style isn’t what you wear, but how what you wear fits who you are. It’s an instinct bred into her through her deep Italian heritage. “It’s hard to explain what Italian style is,” she begins. “It’s much more than the actual clothing. It’s the art of putting things together, of using unusual elements to create something amazing and unique.”

That can mean mixing a classic, well-tailored shirt from a small Italian design studio with something that’s more specific to the season, like a pair of surf leggings and a piece of bohemian jewelry. “Italian style a legacy of knowhow,” she says. “It’s a country with an old and important tradition, but we are also travelers. It is all about mixing something classic with something eccentric and out of the blue.”

The bright colors of Mele in the Leucadia bikini in Purple Sail and Jenayl in the Riviera One-Piece in Geogold shine in the Mediterranean's blue waters. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 
Wearing Seea on the street. Jenayl wears the Balboa Leggings in Geogold and Mele wears the Jalama Top in Geo Gold and Avalon Overalls in Prarie. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 
To style the Seea collection, Betta was inspired both by traditional Italian architecture and the Mediterranean Sea, marrying beautiful, structured pieces from her favorite Italian designers with the softer, earth-toned and pastel swimwear for adaptable beach-to-street looks that feel perfect for any moment of the day. “I followed my motto,” she explains. “If it makes you feel wonderful in the water, it will be perfect in the street because elegance fits with everything.”

Seea in Italy also features handmade Atelier VM jewelry, Super handmade sunglasses, Ines Susaeta jewelry inspired by natural sea discoveries, Alberto Biani which follows the traditions of bespoke menswear tailoring and Borsalino hats which has been molding headwear for 150 years. 


Tailored pants are juxtaposed with body-hugging swimwear. Jenayl wears the San-O in Luna. Mele wears the Mundaka Tie Top in Earth Waves. Photo by Cristian Corradin.  
A lesson in proportions. Mele wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Luna with tailored, yet casual pants. Jenayl wears the Nosara Top in Verde and Laguna Pant in Deco Waves with a sophisticated top. Photo by Cristian Corradin.


A clever mix of billowing shirts and neoprene. Jenayl wears the Capitola in Geogold (reversed), Windansea shirt in Deco Waves an Marina Neoprene pant. Mele wears the Chicama bikini in Porto and Rincon Neoprene jacket. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
Mele wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Burgundy with an easy button-up top evoking warm spicy colors. Photo by Cristian Corradin.
Natalia Resmini wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Earth Waves with tailored, cropped pants. We are so all about the cropped pants. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 
Have you tried on a hat lately? We are super into hats, as you may notice. Mele wears the Belmont Romper in Deco Waves with a structured jacket. Jenayl wears the Maderas Shorts in Prarie with a loose blouse. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 

Jenayl wears the Maderas shorts in Prarie. Cleo makes a bold statement with a menswear vest worn over the Palmas Surf Suit in Verde — no pants. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 

Cleo wears the Palmas Surf Suit in Verde. Photo by Cristian Corradin. 

Get a closer look at all of the stunning Italian scenery and more outfits for surfing (because we love selecting our surf suits for the day as much as our real clothes) in the full length Seea in Italy film!



MORE ITALIAN FASHION:

Seea in Sayulita: Point Break

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Hallie Rohr in Mexico, wearing the Seea Mundaka Wrap Top and Leucadia Bottom in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

We may have come to Sayulita for the Mexi LogFest contest, but what we remember the most are the down days off — scrambling barefoot through the jungle, the salty hot wind as we zipped on a panga boat to find point breaks in the nooks and crannies of the vast Mexico coastline, and the waves. Oh, the perfect rights all to ourselves until the sun sank into the horizon.

The Seeababes rolled 10+ deep with friends to the Festival Sayulita in the Riviera Nayarit area of Mexico, held Jan 14-18, 2015. Rules stated: “Judging is based on traditional longboarding with heavy emphasis on style."

When we weren't roasting on the beach to cheer on our frends during the contest — Congrats to Seeababes Hallie Rohr and Mele Saili who placed third and fourth, respectively in the Women’s Division! — we filling up on glassy point break stoke. Hop on the panga boat with us the rhythm of dark water flowing into whitewash curls.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Feels good to be back! Not our first time around this block, and we couldn't be happier. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Enjoy the journey. Hallie Rohr wears the Seea Mundaka and Leucadia in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Boat life. Karina Rozunko in the Chicama Top and bottom in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Surfing is better with friends. Karina in Chicama in Rosa and Hallie in the Mundaka Top in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Jump in! Karina wears the Tofino One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 


Karina in the Chicama in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Karina in the Chicama in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Underwater view. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Our fearless tour guide, unofficial mayor of Sayulita, and connector Israel Preciado. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Flying! Hallie Rohr wears the Palomar Crop top and Leucadia bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Lola Mignot is right at home, wearing the Zuma. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Rare break from behind the camera, Luki O'Keefe in a new neoprene suit, coming soon! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Our resident guy pal on the trip, Nathan Strom winner of MexiLog Fest. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Yeww soul arch! Nathan Strom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki tests out the new neoprene. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Water break. Karina wears the Tofino. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Feels like slow motion. Karina wears the Chicama Top and Bottom in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Hallie wears the Mundaka Top and Leucadia bottom in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE TRAVEL AND BEACH FASHION



Seeababes Guide to Bing Longboards

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Mele Saili wears the Swami's in Earth Waves, with her Bing longboard. Photo for Nick LaVecchia for Without Walls. 

We’ve likened the surfboard/surfer connection to shopping for shoes, jeans swimsuits and even romantic relationships. You'll want a different board for different surf spots, moods, your surfing skill, style and that intangible feeling of what you simply like and don't like just because.The honest truth that shapers will tell you is: it’s not only about the surfboard, it’s about a winning combination of the surfboard, the surfer, and the wave.

There is no one size fits all. That being said, some of the Bing longboards come pretty darn close if you’re after a trimmy glide and nimble turns. What’s the magic longboard model that three of the Seeababes swear by?

We asked Mele Saili, Lola Mignot and Taylor Nelson (who are all Bing Surfboards team riders, too) which arrows they pull from the quiver for the smoothest noserides, and why.
Mele Saili wears the Capitola Top in Prarie, Rincon neoprene Jacket and Marina Pants. Photo by Nick LaVecchia for Without Walls.

Mele Saili 
Go-To Longboard: 9'2 Bing Elevator for faster beach breaks or something with a steeper pocket.

Why do you love the 9'2" Bing Elevator longboard for your style? 

Mele Saili: It has a little bit of tail kick making it a good turning board and step deck feature that allows more flex in the nose for faster trim when nose riding, making for a really good all around technical noserider. I like to be a smooth operator, and this board seems to move well with how my body moves.

How do you decide which longboard to ride on which day?

Mele Saili: Riding something with flatter rocker and a wider nose help with getting into waves on smaller slower days and allow for good support for walking the board when the waves are soft. But when the waves are more technical and steep I'll use a board with a little more rocker and a narrow nose to fit into the pocket of the wave better.

Let’s talk fins. Do you have a go-to fin? What is it and why?

Mele Saili: I usually go with a 9.5" Larry Allison Flex Fin. They have a nice base that taper out to a slender tip for good drive and responsive turning. Once in a while I'll put a pivot fin in there. It's a little more stiff when turning but it offers more hold and anchors the board down for longer nose rides.

Do you have another longboard that you go to when you want to switch it up? 

Mele Saili: The Bing Cali Square Tail when I want something with more glide and trim.

Mele wears the Hermosa in Earth Waves, riding her Bing longboard. Photo by Nick LaVecchia. 
Mele Saili holds the custom Seea x Bing Surfboard that we are raffling off now! Click for more info. Contest ends May 31, 2015.
Close-up of the logos on the bottom of the surfboard. Photo by Stone Crandall. 

The Seea x Bing Surfboard! Photo by Stone Crandall.



Lola Mignot
Go-To Longboard:
 9’4” Bing Elevator

Lola Mignot wears the Zuma in Rose Petal with her Bing longboard. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Why do you love the 9'4" Bing Elevator longboard for your style? 
Lola Mignot: It’s very responsive to any kind of wave or condition you choose to ride in. It was in stock and somebody had told me that it was the perfect board for me. They were right. The rails are very smooth. I can’t really say anything negative about this certain board. Everyone should own one.

What conditions is this board good for?

Lola Mignot: It performs best in hip high-sized waves.

Do you have another longboard that you go to when you want to switch it up and when do you pull it out? 

Lola Mignot: My 9' Bing Pintail. I find it turns sharp and quick and also rides really well in bigger waves. It’s completely different to my Elevator. 

Lola Mignot in the Zuma Surf Suit in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Lola Mignot surfs her Bing longboard in the Zuma Surf Suit in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Taylor Nelson 
Go-To Longboard: The 9'2" Elevator is my favorite go-to log! It loves pockety conditions, beach breaks, and steep waves. It is perfect for The ‘Bu and Rincon.


Taylor Nelson wears the Zuma in Black Stripe. Photo by Alex Shea. 
Why do you love the 9'2" Bing Elevator longboard for your style? 

Taylor Nelson: The Elevator is my favorite board because it suits my type of down-the-line kind of fast surfing. Growing up at First Point Malibu, and calling it my home/favorite wave in the world, you need a lot of speed to make sections, and it’s a lot of drive down the line. It noserides like no other log for me because of the step deck and slight kick in the tail! Because I am on the petite side, this board’s small nose and thin width makes it a manageable for me to log and get into the pocket.

How do you decide which longboard to ride on which day?

Taylor Nelson: Most of the waves I surf I know before going out or checking which board is going to work better for the spot. I know my pockety waves between my mushy waves pretty well! But if I am surfing a new spot I always try to watch it for a while before going out.

Let’s talk fins. Do you have a go-to fin? What is it and why?

Taylor Nelson: I prefer a fin with a lot of rake and a little bit of flex.

Do you have another longboard that you go to when you want to switch it up? 


Taylor Nelson: My backup longboard is the Mr. Rodgers Model. This board is my go-to board when it’s very small and when the waves are mushy. This board has a lot more volume then my Elevator so I also like to ride it when it is windy.


Taylor Nelson takes a break on her Bing longboard wearing in the Leucadia in Luna. 

Taylor Nelson levitates on the nose wearing the Zuma Surf Suit in Burgundy.

KEEP ON QUIVER SEARCHING: 

Malibu local & Seeababe Taylor Nelson finds new adventures in Hawaii

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Raised on surfing the legendary First Point in Malibu, California girl and Seeababe Taylor Nelson thought she couldn’t get any more sun-kissed, bikini-blissed and surfed out — until she moved to Hawaii for University.

When you’re living on an island, you’re always on your way out or going into the water. “Since I have moved to Hawaii I feel like my bathing suit collection has tripled in size, and I can say that I have surfed in each one!” Taylor laughs.

The North Shore is more famous for its hollow barrels than soft point breaks and cruisey longboard-friendly waves and Taylor says leaving the nest for a new environment put her surfing, and her guts to the test. She may have grown up a bit, but her generous heart, glass-is-always-half-full attitude, and playfulness in the ocean hasn’t changed at all. We caught up with Taylor across the sea on how her California roots and Aloha spirit has made her who she is today.

Taylor Nelson and Hawaiian BFF Rosie Jaffurs on their way to find waves. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Taylor Nelson logging in Hawaii, wearing the Hermosa in Tea Leaf. Photo by Alex Shea.
Taylor Nelson at home amongst the palm trees, in the Hermosa in Earth Waves. Photo by Mike Bresnen. 

What was it like growing up in a surfing family? 

Some of my first memories were surfing with my dad, sister and cousin at the Channel Islands and Ventura, Santa Barbara area. We use to go sail to the islands pretty consistently and the only way to get to the islands was by kayak or surfboard. My sister, cousin, and I naturally took a liking to the ocean and surfing and paddling around the islands are some of my fondest first memories. 

I got into surfing because my dad surfed. Every weekend he would take my sister and I to the beach and we both got so hooked on it. Surfing was huge part of my family growing up. It was a place where my family was able to connect and reflect on life. My dad helped start a surf ministry with my church, and that was such an important part of my childhood because I learned how to share my passion with the community. 

Who are some of your surf heros and people who you look up to?

Carla Rowland has been the most influential in my surfing style. All of the ladies at First Point in Malibu have been so influential on my surfing: Carla Rowland, Eveline VanBrande, Anna Osborne, Margaret Calvani, Andrea Kabawso and Erin Ashley. Britt Harris in Hawaii has influenced my surfing to charge bigger waves and Rosie Aldridge has helped push and encourage me and been a good new friend in Hawaii. 

The people I look up to most in life are my best friends; Moriah Mclead, Eveline VanBrande, Mary Gray, and Britt Harris for being such strong women, compassionate women, my boyfriend Tyler for having a huge heart for others and perseverance and passion for following dreams.

Taylor enjoying her island home. She wears the Palomar Crop Top in Tea Leaf. Photo by Alex Shea. 

What is some of the advice that these women gave you that stuck with you?

Some of the things that the women of Malibu taught me that stuck is that I, as women, can do it. I can make that section, I can stand up for myself, and I can surf! This go-getter attitude helped encourage me in all walks of life, from school, to dealing with family and relationships. I think what was special learning from these women that I couldn’t have learned from guys was a sense of encouragement; these women were excellent tangible examples for me growing up.

What are your favorite local spots to surf?


My favorite spot is my home break, First Point, Malibu. I love it because it’s a perfect right point break.

Surfing is a time where I can be still and reflect on my life. Surfing is a more important aspect of my life now as a college student then it has ever been because I can decompress and let loose. I feel most close with God when I am in the ocean and it is such a reminder of grace.

Taylor Nelson in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Mike Bresnen. 

Did you grow up surfing with a lot of girls, or mostly guys?

I grew up surfing with mostly boys. Generally my best friend Eveline and I would be the only girls out in the water surfing. I absolutely love surfing with my best girlfriends because it is so encouraging and fun. I push myself more when I am surfing with girls than boys.

I think that girls naturally have a wall up to other girls that they do not know, especially new ones at home surf spots. Because of this natural barrier I think most women have, I prefer to surf with guys.

Congrats on graduating from college in Hawaii! What are your experiences surfing in Hawaii in comparison to California?


Wow, it is so different surfing in Hawaii compared to California. I did not realize how fortunate I was to grow up in Ventura County until I moved to Hawaii. Growing up at first point Malibu, big waves that pack a punch are pretty rare. If you know me, I am so stoked on small playful waves. Hawaii has totally toughed me up and humbled me. 

Never in a million years did I ever imagine myself feeling comfortable surfing or logging on the North Shore of Oahu. Waves in Hawaii have huge consequences and are to be respected. I learned that my first growing swell.

I really admire the surfing culture in Hawaii and the amount of respect people have for their elders and for the ocean.

Watching for the next set. Photo of Taylor Nelson by John Hook. 

The Hawaiian sunsets. Taylor Nelson drops in. Photo by John Hook. 
What are some of the coolest new experiences you've had in Hawaii since living there?
I think that moving to Hawaii has been the best season of my life, how the island of Oahu has truly taught me so many life lessons and how it has taught me about myself. Each hike I go on, every time I surf, to every sunrise and sunset I truly feel the Lord has unveiled my soul through the beauty Hawaii has to offer.

I took a Hawaiian studies class through my university. It taught the history of the Hawaiian islands, Hawaiians, and the culture that as been brought up because of the past. This class was mesmerizing and eye-opening. Hawaii has been one big adventure and I really have to thank all my local friends who have taken me under their wing and shown me around and have really pushed my surfing (Britt, Dusting, Rosie, and Keoki).

Taylor wears the Palomar Crop Top and Leucadia High Waisted Skirt. Photo by Ian Zamora. 

How you've grown as a person being away from home, and how Hawaii has become a part of you now?

Hawaii is the first place that I have decided to call home. The people that I have met while living on North Shore have become my family and it makes the thought of leaving this place unimaginable. As cheesy as this may sound, I think Hawaii helped me transition from being a girl to a woman, this island has a way of teaching you things about yourself that nowhere else in the world can.

Since moving here I have learned that you do not grow as a person until you are out of your comfort zone, the uncomfortable feeling of meeting new people and getting lost is humbling and I have learned this this awkward feeling helps you grow and be found.



Tell us more about the short film series, "We Rise" that you’re working on.

We Rise” is series of short clips that showcases female substance as it follows myself, Eveline VanBrande, and Anna Ehrgott. It is a demand for quality programming that honorably showcases strong, creative and inspiring women in alternative sports. Our current efforts are focused on building relationships and collaborating with independent surf communities around the world to create episodic content that communicates implicit meaning, supports a movement, and inspires within. Surfing is the common denominator that brought us all together. Whether it be longboarding at First Point Malibu and our collective love for the sea to encourage authentic women adventure content.

Taylor Nelson in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo via @tayrosenels
What do you love about wearing Seea?

The thing that I really appreciate about wearing Seea is that all of them are elegant and conservative. So many times in the surfing society women loose functionality for style or style for functionality and with Seea you can have both.

Congrats on graduating college Taylor and on the next chapter of your life!

Double Trouble! Introducing 2015 Neoprene

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Double trouble! Luki O'Keefe and Makala Smith wearing the Martinique and Cardiff, respectively. 
Meet our newest neoprene suits that give you the right dose of cozy warmth with a touch of vintage attitude. This season we went sleek and minimal with two styles — The Martinique Cut-Out One-Piece and the Cardiff Sleeveless Spring Suit — in black smoothie neoprene. For those overcast mornings or when the wind turns on, this extra bit of 2mm neoprene warmth will keep the goosebumps away a little longer.

Luki O'Keefe in the Martinique One-Piece and Makala Smith in the Cardiff. 


The perfect amount of insulation and covered protection (trust us, your tender ribs will want this cushion on day four of the tropical surf trip) the Cardiff 2mm Neoprene One-Piece feels like zipping up into a dress that was made for you. A slick surface and tailored seams that accentuate the waist will make you feel sultry, yet modest leg and neck openings means you won't have any hot mess wipeouts. 

More awesome features we thought about: the armhole opening dips lower for better paddling flexibility. The snap button has added Velcro on one shoulder for extra stay-put security. Simply unsnap to easily step into the suit and gently pull it on.
Makala Smith in the badass Cardiff 2mm neoprene sleeveless spring suit. 









The Cardiff from all angles. 


The Martinique 2mm Neoprene One-Piece might remind you of racing swimsuits that legendary surfer ladies wore back in the day (look up Rell Sunn ripping in one-piece suits) and ours is majorly upgraded in smoothie neoprene, stylish side cut-outs, and cute adjustable tied back detail. Wear it as an alternative to a bikini, or one-piece swimsuit when you need that extra bit of warmth and protection.

Luki O'Keefe in the Martinique One-Piece. 

Luki O'Keefe in the Martinique One-Piece. 

Luki O'Keefe in the Martinique One-Piece and Makala Smith in the Cardiff Spring Suit. 
Click HERE to shop these styles!

MORE SURF SUIT STYLE + PROTECTION:


Together is Better: Deus 9 Ft and Single Festival Bali by Leah Dawson

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Leah Dawson leans in. Photo by @Hatsumisurf.
It was an honor for Seeababes Leah Dawson, Lola Mignot and Karina Rozunko to be invited (Kassia Meador was in charge of the list) to the annual Deus Ex Machina 9 ft and Single Festival, held in Canggu, Bali. The retro board-lovers gathering is always an impressive display of classic meets modern surfing, and a lot more cheers and high fives than paddle battles. Leah, on extended vacation on the surfer's paradise, shares her play by play of the event.  

By Leah Dawson

"Bali Bagus", we say, exclaiming that Bali is so very good. Since the ‘70s, Bali has been a sought after tourist destination due to its tropical island setting, and it's well intact culture. You smile at a Balinese, and they smile even bigger right back at you.

Yet those who have traveled here in the past, even five years ago, may shed a tear upon returning to this land that has become another fallen victim to overpopulation and a massive onset of foreign money. This once pristine island has become a concrete jungle ridden with plastic. Through the trash (that seems to have nowhere to go) there is still an incredible culture held intact by the Balinese people.  They take pride in tradition. On the busy streets, shops after shops offer incredible art works of all kinds, wood furniture, blown glass, and tapestries galore. There's a budding industry because the outside world can't seem to get enough of the culture and their creations.

This is my third time here in Bali, returning here for the surf, as normal for most of my worldly explorations. For 50 years, Bali has been an explored surf destination known for its powerful, perfect waves. I got an invite to compete in last year's inaugural ladies jam at the Deus 9ft and Single event, held in Canggu at the end of each May.

From left, Karina Rozunko, Kassia Meador, Leah Dawson at the Deus Bali event. Photo by @mirza_n_s

After having the time of my life last year at the event, I was keen to return, especially when Kassia Meador, in charge of the invite list, invited two of my favorite rising stars, Seeababes Lola Mignot and Karina Rozunko. After sharing waves with these two in Australia earlier this year, I was stoked to hear they would be amongst the six girls to show off what we love in front of all the boys at the Single Fin event.

I arrived to Bali after a two week adventure through Japan, shaking hands and throwing as many cheesy peace signs and huge grins as I could. For the first four days of my Bali return, I was curled up in bed with a gnarly fever and internal infection. Praying I'd feel like myself by the time the event began, I finally woke up day of with my usual energy, normal temperature, and one excited outlook for the day and how it may play itself.

The event day was pumping, at least for big heavy logs. It's no easy task wrangling a 20+lb board in overhead (at times bumpy) surf, yet us girls pumped each other up as we watched the men's semi finals. Our pre-heat was maybe just as entertaining.

Lola Mignot drops in, with Leah Dawson on the inside. Photo by Annie B at Surfing Tribe, Seea's first dealer in New Zealand! 

We all suited up together (an hour before the heat), shared our wax, showed each other stretch moves, that turned into dance moves, laughed and giggled like a clan of young school girls. One wouldn't know that we were all competing against each other, because we all were there to celebrate together and entertain the beach, not to compete.

When we hit the water, the whole beach was watching, a crowd filled with women too. We all swapped waves. I wanted the biggest ones, so I sat way outside and waited patiently as I watched the girls do rounds and rounds of dancing on the fast, tricky medium waves.

It took every ounce of my physicality and mental strength to stay aboard on my first set wave. Riding a 9'5 log out there felt like a bull gone wild, so I heard my moms never changing advice, "slow down". I did my best to matrix the time, to move smoothly amongst the powerful fast wave.

Midway through the heat I realized my fin was a bit loose, perhaps why the first few waves felt tricky. Kassia and I shared a wave, but my late drop sent me squirming and swimming after my board. I finally reached it 50 yards up into the fresh rain, dirty river mouth, my wax from that point out was pointless, my board felt like a slip n’ slide.

Karina Rozunko in Bali. Photo by @mirza_n_s
Lola Mignot wearing the Tofino in Geo Gold. Photo by @mirza_n_s. 

When our hour of power was finished, we came in for supermodel documentary hour, as numerous photographers and fans all wanted their photos of all the dancing beauties. We hugged and laughed, and everyone on the beach could hear and feel our stoke.

I then geared up in my lucky Zuma suit again for the event I'd been waiting for, the Under 9ft and Single, in which I had made the semis against the boys last year, and it was my goal to make the final this year.  I also made a goal to shape my own board to surf with, for I couldn't imagine a more complete experience.

My whole life I grew up playing coed sports, yet this event has been the only time I've competed in surfing with men, and it lit a fire in my pants so to speak, to make a statement, that a girl can surf differently, yet in her own way, just as good as a guy. So for the last year, I've been working on my single fin shortboard skills, and finally shaped my first board; a 6'7 weird thing with one fin :)





Leah Dawson wearing the Zuma in Black Stripe, with her first self-shaped board. Photo by @Hatsumisurf.
I made it through my first heat of eight, achieving my goal of making the finals, on my own board. I waited my turn with all the boys, and the biggest wave came when I was up. I coached myself down the take off, and my back foot came off the board at the bottom of the wave. With all my might I got my foot back on, pressed as hard as I could into a bottom turn, which catapulted me perfectly into position for the first barrel of my boards life. I thought it was a close out at first, but a doggy door appeared, I exited, yet in the time space bending, I realized I was too far forward on my board just as the lip landed on the tail, exploding me into the air. Ohhhh, so close I thought.

The rest of the heat was a dream, as I watched my favorite single fin surfers to their justice, making sweet love to the Canggu waves. I did my best to be as smooth as a lady could be on my remaining waves. I came to the beach to find some happy faces, all stoked that I had held my own in the field of men. I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to dance among them. I ended up getting third place, to Harrison Roach and Tyler Warren, two surfers who I always look to for quality inspiration. My goal achieved, I couldn't have been happier, as I satisfied my soul amongst the boys, knowing that the board I made actually worked a bit.

Leah Dawson riding "Smoothie" in Bali, her first self-shaped board. Photo by @mirza_n_s.

The entire experience was magical and triumphant, as I was just grateful to be feeling better than the 20% I had been feeling up to the day before the event.

I felt blessed to be amongst a group of women surfers who absolutely love riding waves because it makes their soul feel good. If anything, that's what we inspired to the crowd, and what will show as the media and videos continue to release about the event. There's an irresistible camaraderie between female surfers.  We are community rather than competitors. In surfing as in life. Together is better.

A photo posted by itoiyoshitaka (@yoshitakaitoi) on
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Enter to Win a Las Olas Surf Safari in Sunny Mexico!

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If you've ever imagined catching your first wave in Mexico's warm friendly waters, or just crave a week of pampering and surfing to recharge your soul — Seea, Las Olas Surf Safari and Lovelyskin.com have teamed up for a spectacular giveaway to make one lucky winner's surf vacation dreams come true!

One Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:

  • Free tuition at Las Olas Surf Safari in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Includes a six day/five night surf safari, daily surf and yoga sessions, sports massage, daily breakfast, two dinners and lunch on excursion day and ground transportation valued at $2,995.
  • One roundtrip airfare ticket up to $800 and beauty gift bag provided by LovelySkin.com for personal pampering and sun protection valued at $250.
  • $250 gift card to theseea.com to spend on suits for your trip.

 Enter to Win a Las Olas Surf Safari in Sunny Mexico!

Seea in Italy - Behind the Scenes Video

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Watch Now!

"Look at this. 15 hours by plane, 14 hours by ferry, 8 hours driving, to surf this mess!" The Seea 2015 Collection was filmed across different location in Italy, and despite less than perfect surf conditions, our love for the country’s culture and beauty only deepened.

The Seea in Italy – Behind the Scenes video captures the candid moments of traveling and in between the official cameras rolling.




Click HERE to shop the collection and view the full film!

MORE SEEA IN ITALY:

Seea in Hawaii: Island of Youth

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Makala Smith wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Maybe it's the lush green jungles and tangled vines you can’t help but climb. It could be the clear blue waters that invite you refresh your soul. Or the absence of all the noise for your attention, and instead the tranquil sounds of nature singing to you.

There's something about Hawaii’s fresh air playground that makes us feel like young sprites, carefree and insanely happy. Take a trip to the islands with Seeababes Makala Smith, Luki O’Keefe and Hallie Rohr, wearing the summer limited edition collection. Click on any look to shop, or shop all styles HERE!

Makala wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Makala wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Hallie wears the Capitola Top and Pavones Bottom in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Hallie wears the Doheny Rashguard in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Hallie wears the Capitola Top and Pavones Bottom in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Hallie wears the San O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Hallie wears the San O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Luki O'Keefe wears the Chicama Bikini in Aquaflor. Photo by Hallie Rohr.
Luki O'Keefe wears the Chicama Bikini in Aquaflor. Photo by Hallie Rohr.
Luki O'Keefe wears the Chicama Bikini in Aquaflor. Photo by Hallie Rohr.
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Hallie wears the San O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Hallie wears the San O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
MORE WANDERLUST PHOTO STORIES:

Swell Day Video!

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It takes a rare fantastic swell to wake up sleeping giants in the open ocean, and make points and coves sing in octaves unimaginable.

When once in a lifetime cosmic energy arrives at our shorelines, cancel your plans, grab your surfboards, girlfriends and Seea suits — you’re calling in a Swell Day.


Swell Day | Seea 2015 Collection from The Seea on Vimeo.

Featuring: Mele Saili, Makala Smith, Jenayl Peters, and Luki O'Keefe
Filmed and Edited by: Michael Weybret
Music by: Rip Van Winkle by Shannon and The Clams

Shop the 2015 Collection suits featured in this video!


Seea in Hawaii: La Vida Aloha

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The Seeababes jump! Hallie wears the Pavones Bikini and Luki wears the Martinique neoprene one-piece. 

Nature is bigger than us. You can’t not feel butterflies looking down from this peak. It’s scary! And euphoric! On the map, the Hawaiian islands are nothing but dots in the great open ocean. But walking on the red volcanic soil, on the silky sand, submerged under the waterline, everything feel grand and alive. It snaps us into the present beauty of this panoramic view.

Scroll on to play with the Seeababes in the vast oceans, rocky cliffs and expansive beaches of Oahu.

Featuring: Luki O'Keefe, Makala Smith, Hallie Rohr, Taylor Nelson and Rosie Jaffurs wearing the Limited Edition Summer Collection. Shop the looks here!

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki O'Keefe wears the Martinique neoprene one-piece.  
Hallie wears the Capitola Top and Pavones bottom in Black Porto. 

Makala wears the Pavones Top and Capitola Bottom in Black Porto. 
Makala jumps in the Pavones Top and Capitola Bottom in Black Porto.
Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Hallie wears the Tunitas Tank and Solimar Bottoms in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Hallie wears the Tunitas Tank and Solimar Bottoms in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Sea turtles! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie in the Cardiff Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Hallie wears the Cardiff Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Underwater mood. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Makala wears the Tunitas Tank. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala wears the Tunitas Tank. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Luki wears the Moonlight Rashguard Top in Tiles. 

Seeababes in the Black Porto collection. Photo by Luki O'Keefe
Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, and Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, and Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Background: Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece and Hallie in the Hermosa, all in Black Porto. Foreground: Makala in the Capitola in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, and Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece, Luki in the Pavones Bikini in Black Porto. 
Taylor in the Capitola Bikini in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece, Luki in the Pavones Bikini in Black Porto.

Click to Shop the Limited Edition collection!

MORE SEEABABE TRAVEL ADVENTURES:

The Great Escape: Spectacular Surf Camps + Destinations for Any Skill Level

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Ainsley Ocean, co-founder of Togat Nusa trims in the Mentawais wearing the Seea Hermosa Swim Shirt. Photo by Chris Hoy. 

If only there were a search engine for choosing a surf destination. Checkboxes for different countries, best months out of the year, beginner-friendly bumps, barreling reef breaks, left or right points. If you are traveling alone, or with a crew of friends. If you’re looking for an easy airport access for a quick trip, or really want to go off the grid on charter planes, taxis and ferries.

You can do pages of internet research (tons of which isn’t always accurate and unwritten surf rules forbid too much revelation about surf break names), or do what we do — pick a coastline and find a local guide.

Here are a few of our friends that offer both beginner experiences for solo travelers, and advanced-level waves that will give you prickly goosebumps just hearing the whitewater force. The list doesn't stop here, look out for more Seeababes guides on our favorite camps and instructors to keep summer flowing year-round!

Mellow longboard waves for beginners and loggers. Photo courtesy of Las Olas Surf Safaris. 
Where: Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Best for: Beginners, intermediates (look for Las Olas' retreats specially for intermediate skill level), solo travelers, small groups of women
Travel time: Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR). The drive to accommodations is less than one hour from airport.

Cool off in the pool. Photo courtesy of Las Olas Surf Safaris.
The surfing version of a ski lift, the boat will drop you off out the back. Photo courtesy of Las Olas Surf Safaris. 

Las Olas Surf Safari is one of the oldest full service package retreats in this area of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico for ten years running. Most clients arrive solo, or with a friend to learn how to surf in friendly warm water waves. Between sessions, relax with yoga classes, explore the town on foot, or nap in a hammock, or make new friends. The clients come from all walks of life  — authors, actors, activists, teachers, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, pro athletes and dog trainers — and in a wide age range from 20-somethings to 50-years-old and up. 

“We once hosted a group of eight women, all moms who had adopted children from all over the world. Around the dinner table, they each told the story of meeting these little kids for the first time. Unforgettable. I would never have an opportunity to meet such amazing women if it weren’t for Las Olas,” says Bev Sanders, the founder of Las Olas Surf Safaris. 

Best of all, you can leave your insecurities behind, this is a safe place. Bev says the most frequently-asked-question by beginners is “Am I to ___ to surf? Insert word of choice: old, fat, wimpy, etc.” Her answer: “Probably not. You just think you are. I often hear stories of how their experience at Las Olas helped revive their intuition, connectivity, and opened their eyes to new possibilities. Often surfing is something that becomes part of their life and they’ve gone on to try some great things.”

Surf with Salt Gypsy
Where: Maldives Islands or Mentawais Islands, both in the Indian Ocean.
Best for: Intermediates, advanced surfers, solo travelers, small groups of women.
Travel time: Varies. Contact Salt Gypsy for details.

Danny Clayton wears the Seea Monterey Top and her own brand of surf leggings in the Maldives. Photo courtesy of Salt Gypsy. 
We think its a rule that if you're on a surf retreat, you need to take a photo with your arms up, or jumping off a boat. Why? Because it's really that fun. Photo courtesy of Salt Gypsy.
Salt Gypsy in the Maldives. Photo courtesy of Salt Gypsy.

One of Seea’s early supporters, Danny Clayton aka Salt Gypsy’s blog is a must-read for surfer girls seeking news and inspiring women stories outside of the mainstream surf media. After seeing too many burned legs as a surf guide in the Maldives, the New Zealand-born shredder started her own brand of surf leggings and rashguards made in Bali.

Danny still surf guides in the Maldives and Mentawais, and hosts a few all-girl retreats per year. Operated by Liquid Destination, one flat fee covers nearly everything from the time you arrive at the airport in Mali (you’ll be fetched at the gate by a Liquid Destination guide), including meals, accommodations, and boat transportation to the best surf breaks. In the Maldives, there are 26 Atolls and 1190 islands. Yeah, let them do the math to factor in the best spot for the swell, wind, tides and weather and the toughest decision you’ll have to make is what to wear. Danny urges that you should be comfortable surfing reef breaks. 

Keep an eye on this page on the Salt Gypsy page for upcoming dates to surf with Danny and a bunch of other female chargers in the Mentawais and Maldives.

More about Salt Gypsy in our interview with her! 
Tavarua Island Resort 
Where: Fiji 
Best for: Beginners, intermediates, advanced, solo travelers, couples, co-ed groups and families. 
Travel time: Varies. Contact Tavarua for more details. 

Tavarua Island Resort is not a surf camp or structured retreat, but because of the remote location of Tavarua in Fiji and its comprehensive services, it feels like its own private camp. Everything is contained within the island, including the gourmet meals served on the outdoor deck and bar, and the resort operates your boat charters to the reef breaks. Tavarua is famous for its barreling images of Cloudbreak, but there are many more options for any member of your group — including virgin surfers. Spend the in-between hours in the pool, snorkeling in the clear water or strolling on the sand. 

“Tavarua Rights is a gentle right hander, but it can be a bit more challenging with size.  It is a great spot for gals that are progressing and even very experienced surfers have a blast there. “Rights” is my personal favorite,” says Jaime Isbell, co-founder of Tavarua Island Resort. Don't forget to pick up an exclusive Seea x Tavarua surf suit in their shop! 

Togat Nusa Retreat in the Mentawais
Where: Mentawais
Best for: Intermediates, advanced, solo travelers, couples and co-ed groups.
Travel time: Varies. Arrive in Padang, Sumatra via Jakarta one night before check-in. Ferry or chartered speedboat takes you to Togat Nusa. Contact Togat Nusa for more details.

Togat Nusa from the water. Photo by Johnny Abegg for Togat Nusa.
View from your room. Photo by Adam Kobayashi for Togat Nusa.
Another amazing private island, Togat Nusa in the Mentawais feels like you’ve reached the furthest edges of the earth. The founders, John and Ainsley Ocean, (and local Pak Bangun) have been living on the Mentawais for more than ten years. Be prepared for a long journey on multiple methods of transport to get to Togat Nusa from the mainland. Factor in the limited number of accommodations on the island and you’ll see why trips must be booked in blocks of 10 to 12 days at a time. After seeing the retreat’s holistic environmental approach that preserves the untouched beauty of the island, you'll wish you were staying longer.

Ainsley jokes that it’s an “anti-resort” that attracts the most “colorful characters.” Except for planning your day based on the best times to surf, you’re not beholden to any schedule like a structured retreat. "Big waves" are relative, says Ainsley. And while you should be comfortable surfing over reef, she says its not all hollow barrels. "Though at times surf travel for women can be challenging, Togat Nusa Retreat is a safe space, with user-friendly waves for women," she added.

From the everyday surf-obsessed folks to high profile athletes (pro snowboarder Marie-France Roy is a recent client), you never know who will be there during your stay.

Pro Snowboarder Marie-France Roy surfing in Togat Nusa in the Seea Hermosa Swim Shirt. Photo by Damea Dorsey.

Togat Nusa in the Mentawais. Photo courtesy of Togat Nusa. 

MORE SURF TRAVEL: 

Why North Shore Hawaii Local Rosie Jaffurs is Always Stoked

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Remember that slow motion high of your very first wave? Gliding on the ocean’s energy and smiling so hard you thought you’d break your face. As a private surf instructor on the North Shore of Hawaii, Rosie Jaffurs vicariously re-lives that experience almost every day through the stoked eyes of her clients.

“It just brought me a feeling I didn’t know about,” says Rosie about the happiness she gains while teaching surfing. Born and raised on Pupukea, the mountainous region above Waimea Bay in Oahu, Rosie Jaffurs talks about her paradise home with as much awe and gratitude for her lucky lifestyle as tourists passing through. She didn’t have any “locals only” attitude about her favorite spots, instead openly guiding the Seeababes with the utmost hospitality during our last trip to Oahu.

“When I travel to another place, I want to hang with the locals and get their experience. For me to be able to return that, that makes me stoked,” Rosie explains. Drawing upon the teachings of her mentor Montgomery “Buttons” Kaluhiokalani, the famously stylish Hawaiian surfer that passed in 2013 — or as Rosie calls him, “Uncle Buttons” — the vibe around Rosie is always surrounded by fun and stoke. We caught up with this North shore native to find out what it was like to know Buttons in his final days, and her favorites spots to log.

Rosie wears the Jalama Bikini in Vintage Rose. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

In what part of Hawaii did you grow up? How did you parents arrive to the islands?

I’m born and raised on Pupukea, which is above Waimea Bay. My dad moved to Hawaii when he was 18. He was a surfer from Maryland and had to travel hours for usually very junk surf. He read in the surfing magazines that the average height for surf in Hawaii was four feet. He bought property in Pupukea because he enjoyed being in the mountains, yet five minutes from the beach. Growing up I always wanted him to sell our house and buy beachfront. I'm glad he never listened to me because if I'm not escaping this world by surfing, nowadays I'll go up in the mountains and escape the crowded North shore. I live with my boyfriend now who is beachfront on Waimea point.

My mom grew up in Hawaii. My grandfather [on my mom’s side] worked in the plantations. That’s why a lot of immigrants — Chinese, Japanese and Filipinos — came to Hawaii because they were brought here to work in the cane fields, or pineapple fields. That’s what brought my Chinese grandfather here.

What culture significance does Waimea Bay have? And what does it mean to you?

Waimea is a very sacred place for the Hawaiian culture because you could only live there back in the day if u were Ali'i, chief, or royalty. Later after the caste system was broken, Waimea Valley was used as a "college" for young apprentices learning a new ministry.

My boyfriend was raised on the exact opposite of Waimea and our meeting place is in between, which is exactly at Waimea Bay. It's just the beauty of Waimea gets me and I just know that’s my home. It always has been.

Rosie wears the Doheny Rashguard in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

How did you get into teaching surf lessons?

I was working for Buttons [at Buttons Surf School] and at the time, he was slowly dying because he had cancer and was really sick. [Before,] if there was a big 200-pound man, Uncle Buttons could push the guy in, no problem. But he got to the point that he was so weak that I would have to push that 200 pound man. He could sit back and relax and not have to worry about the lessons anymore. He knew that I would take care of them. I came into the picture after he had started getting sick. He was pretty sick for the last couple of years.

Rosie in the Doheny Rashguard in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

What did you learn from Buttons about life and teaching surf lessons?

Buttons showed me — I have a couple uncles who show me — how to be the Aloha spirit. Buttons was full of joy and energy. He was nice to everyone around, helped everybody who was out there, including the other surf schools. He would make sure everyone was getting along. If there was a problem, he was the guy to go take care of it in a calmly manner.

Seeing the way Uncle Buttons worked and acted towards people — that influenced me. The way he surfs — I always make sure when I’m surfing, I’m having fun. You’re not out there to get the best waves, as long as you’re having fun, that’s the important part. If you’re not having fun [Buttons is] going to burn you and make you laugh and make sure you’re not trying to ruin the vibe.

As long as you’re happy and that you’re showing [your customers] that you are having a good time, then your customer is stoked. They feel like they’re hanging out with a local. Caring about their special needs, making sure they are comfortable. They would be scared, but it would still push them to get a big one. Once they got a big one they would froth so hard they would want to get another big one like that. Even when they wipe out, tell them its okay. It’s all part of it. Keep the fun vibe up. 

If I’m out there surfing or I’m giving someone a lesson, I’m getting paid to do that but I can’t just sit back and watch this other guy struggle and not catch any. I’m not getting paid to help him, but I’m still going to help him catch a wave so he can get stoked too.

One of our favorite images of Rosie perched on the nose wearing the Seea Capitola. Photo by Keoki Saguibo

After Buttons passed, you started your own surf school. What do you love giving surf lessons?

It brings me joy. Everybody is stoked. They are stoked they learned how to surf and caught this wave. It makes me feel good that I can share this with them. It just brought me a feeling I didn’t know about. I used to be one of those haters, ‘Why are these people getting a surf lesson?' Since I’ve done it, its changed my attitude. These people are looking for usually that one-time experience and how much stoke it brings someone to catch a wave.

A lot of people that are around me running a business, they are sitting back and collecting money and they are giving people a bare minimum lesson, minimum instruction, and not safe instruction either. That just hurts me. This person doesn’t even know their life is in danger. Some people who are running surf schools, they are not from the North shore. Which is fine, but that makes me feel, “if they can do it, I should be able to do it also.”

Rosie loves going right, wearing the Zuma in Vintage Rose. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

What’s the vibe surfing in Hawaii with the crowds and as a girl?

We have to deal with people from all over the world during our wintertime. We’re used to it. As long as you’re respectful in the line-up nobody is going to bother you. I know who’s been waiting their turn and who hasn’t. It’s mostly uncles who have been surfing for a while. They are stoked on girls, but they are not that stoked if you burn them, or you’re going on every single wave, or you’re paddling for waves and missing them. Girl longboarding, I think guys love it and hate it at the same time. They are stoked when they see a girl get a nice wave, and she rides it properly, with style.

You can go and paddle out and be laughing and be joyous and that’s infectious. If everybody is angry, yelling, that ruins the vibe. Basically I can go out there, and show that I’m having a good time and that will lighten the mood up with everybody. That’s how I show the aloha spirit. If people are trying to be aggro, I try to bring the vibe of, ‘we’re lucky we’re all out there.’ If you get one, be stoked.

Rosie Jaffurs in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

How do you feel wearing Seea while surfing? 

I enjoy wearing Seea because all the pieces are gorgeous and unique, making me feel beautiful when I'm in them. The elegance I feel when I'm in them adds to my surfing by helping keep movements graceful and soft. The suits stay in place while the waves crash down, allowing me to continue paddling or riding, rather than dismounting or stopping because the suit flew up or down, in or out. 

The Jalama is my pick for bigger surf because it won't move at all. I have gotten so worked from having to stop after duck diving to pull up my suit. I’m pretty much in love with all the pieces, Hermosa and Capitola, surf pants, rash guards. I’m constantly changing suits in between surf lessons!

Rosie Jaffurs leading the way with Taylor Nelson right behind her. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

How did you meet California Seeababe Taylor Nelson?

I was surfing out at Chuns and I saw her on the nose. She told me I rip, and I was like, ‘No way you rip!’ All my friends are goofy footers, so they don’t surf at Chuns [which is right. Taylor grew up surfing Malibu's first point]. So I’m like, perfect, ‘a girl that likes to surf rights and is a noserider. Let’s go surf!”

There are not a lot of logger girls in general. I surf Chuns every single day so we would always communicate to surf at the same time. If you know the surf is no good anyway, we’ll go on an adventure somewhere and try something new... Taylor and I are always constantly frothing to surf. It works out perfectly.

What are some of your favorite places on the island that you take visitors to?

I’m the most comfortable with Chuns. We wake up every day and surf Chuns. It depends on what season it is. If it’s summer, we like Waimea because the water is so clear and blue. And during the winter time I like to take them to Waimea and show them the big waves there.

Thank you Rosie for being a Seea ambassador of Aloha in Hawaii! 

To book your surf lesson or guide trip with Rosie next time you're in the North Shore, visit her website: www.northshorerosie.com. 


A photo posted by Rosie Jaffurs (@rosiejaffurs) on

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Seea in Hawaii: Party Waves in Waikiki

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Makala in the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Hallie in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Waikiki. Historically, the beach was a vacation retreat for Hawaiian royalty, and in modern times, thousands of visitors catch their first feeling of the glide in these gentle waters. Vintage photographs of Waikiki display the ultimate party waves, in some cases the surfers on balsa wood planks are so close they could reach out and hold hands with their neighbors. In the spirit of party wave central, we joined in the fun.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe, Amber Mozo and Hallie Rohr.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Amber Mozo. 
Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto.
Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Amber Mozo.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Amber Mozo.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Amber Mozo.
Hallie in the Doheny Rashguard. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Makala in the Tofino in Black Porto. Hallie in the Doheny in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.
Makala in the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

 
Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

Taylor Nelson in the Doheny Rashguard exclusively for the Royal Hawaiian. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor Nelson in the Doheny Rashguard exclusively for the Royal Hawaiian. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie in the San-O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Hallie in the San-O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Luki in the Martinique Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Hallie Rohr.
Taylor in the Chicama Bikini in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 
Luki in the Martinique Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Amber Mozo.

Luki in the Martinique Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Amber Mozo.
Hallie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. 

3 Yoga Stretches for Surfers by I Love Waves

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Photo of Eva Estandler courtesy of I Love Waves. 
What you remember after an amazing session: those precious seconds of flying on water; marveling at the light shining through the crests of liquid glass. What you don’t remember, but your body does the next day: so much paddling; twisting and untwisting your waist like a towel; the awkward falls in between.

While you’re frothing to get wet, let devoted yoga practitioners Eva Estlander and Leah Nicole Tisdale be the angels on your shoulder whispering in your ear to take a few breaths and stretch before and after paddling out. “Stretching saves lives and surfers! We really believe this!” exclaim Eva and Leah, who host the yoga and surf retreats, I Love Waves, in Sayulita, Mexico. "Lets extend our surfing lives into our 80's!"


“The ocean has so many gifts to offer our minds, bodies and spirits but without adequate stretching — pre and post surf — our bodies will soon build up resistance to the natural fluidity of our physical movements, in and out of the water,” they continue. 
Coming from different backgrounds — Eva is from Finland with a master’s degree in economics, and Leah studied writing, psychology and dance, plus is an avid snowboarder, surfer and paddleboarder — and the kindred souls converged in their shared love for the benefits of a deep yoga practice, and the sunny surf lifestyle in Sayulita, Mexico. 

Their I Love Waves yoga and surf retreats in Mexico (look out for their all-women "Las Diosas" packages) are the perfect answer to hitting the reset button on your body and mind in a paradise location. Here, Eva and Leah shared with us their top three favorite asanas (poses and physical stretches) that target the muscles surfers use most to guide your happy, limber body to a more relaxed day. 

By: Eva Estlander and Leah Nicole Tisdale, I Love Waves in Sayulita

Eva demonstrates the side stretch wearing the Riviera One-Piece. Photo courtesy of I Love Waves.

Seated Side Stretch

This pose targets the lats (muscle groups on your mid-back) and teres major muscles (the muscles around your back shoulder blades) which are constantly engaged while you're chasing waves in the water. Practice this pose after every surf sesh and your body will thank you.

1. Start in a comfortable seated position, either on your knees or crossed legged. 

2. Send your right arm over your head supporting yourself with the other arm on the ground. Allow your arm to raise toward the side of your head for a deeper stretch. Try to maintain your chest open and look up towards the sky.

3. Add Gyan Mudra by joining the tip of your thumb and index finger together to cultivate peace, calm and relaxation.

4. Hold for 5-10 long breaths and change sides.
Prasarita Padottanasana Variation

This pose stretches out testy hamstrings while allowing the heart center to fly! The extension through the spine and lower back feels good, as those are compromised from paddling.
1. Start in a standing Tadasana Mountain pose (the bases of your big toes touching, heels slightly apart, with your weight balanced evenly between your two feet) at the front of your mat. Breathe!

2. Jump or step slowly into wide leg standing pose so body is now parallel with mat. It's your choice how wide apart you'd like your legs, just make sure heels are turned out slightly an toes are turned in slightly. Press down through the big toe mounds and heels ~ long hammies ~ extended toes. Place hands on hips. 

3. Take your Drishti gaze up towards the sky. Begin to slowly look toward the Earth. Allow body to follow by lifting your chest and heart center into a subtle back bend, slowly diving chest forward, with a long spine.

4. As chest moves forward, place right hand on the mat (or a block) directly under your heart center.
5. Deep inhale and spiral left hand towards the sky. Nice long limbs, energy running from one palm to the other! 

6. If neck is tight keep your gaze towards the Earth. If it's comfortable, take gaze towards the left hand reaching into that big beautiful sky. 

7. Stay here for 10 breaths: five breaths with arm reaching towards the sky, and five breathes with extended arm wrapping around lower back and clasping inner right thigh for the bind. 

8.  Repeat pose on opposite side.

9.  If you have wrist troubles, this pose is also available from the forearm instead of the palm of the hand, with a wider stance. Place elbow and  forearm onto mat or block and extend from here.

Leah demonstrates the Triangle Pose wearing the Zuma One-Piece. Photo by Danielle Gillett Photography, courtesy of I Love Waves. 

Triangle Pose 

This pose is amazing for opening and stretching your shoulders and chest. It also increases torso rotation and lengthens the spine.

1.  Start in standing Tadasana Mountain pose (the bases of your big toes touching, heels slightly apart, with your weight balanced evenly between your two feet) and on an out breath, step your feet wide, and parallel on the mat.

2.  Turn your right leg, including your thigh, knee and foot, out by 90 degrees.

3. While inhaling, raise both hands in an upward direction in such a way that they will be parallel to the ground with palms facing downwards. Make sure your feet are pressing into the earth and the weight of your body is equally balanced on both feet.

4. Rest your right hand on your ankle or your shin, if possible, send it to the Earth. Stretch your left arm to the sky.  Take your Drishti gaze up towards the sky and breathe. Stay here for 5-10 smooth breaths.

5. Repeat pose on opposite side.

To find out more about I Love Waves yoga and surf retreats, private lessons (or just a post-surf margarita) in Sayulita visit their website: ILoveWaves.com. 



Leah ends her stretches with a moment of gratitude. Photo by Danielle Gillett Photography. 

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Crystal Cove Collaborators: Meet photographer/model duo Gabe and Sierra Sullivan!

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Sullivan family portrait. Photo by Ben Sasso. 

The photographer/ model duo Gabe and Sierra Sullivan have had their share of traveling to dream destinations for work (South of France and Bali are a few), but their perfect Saturday doesn't require a film location scout and plane ticket. Cruising up to their local Laguna Beach spots in a green striped vintage 1972 VW surfmobile, shaking out artisanal beach towels and unpacking a hand-shaped log, the Sullivan family is their own lifestyle photo shoot of effortless California cool.

Their covetable beach accessories aside, we've been longtime fans of Gabe and Sierra's natural aesthetic chemistry. Gabe photographs and writes the longstanding column “Curious Gabe” in Surfer Magazine, and is the West Coast Editor of Men's File magazine. Sierra has been a model since the age of 17, appearing in campaigns for Prada, Ralph Lauren and slews of runway shows.

Given Gabe's keen portrait eye and appreciation of vintage surf culture, plus Sierra's high fashion knowledge with a casual SoCal twist, we were excited to collaborate with the couple for a Seea photo shoot in the historical cottages of Crystal Cove.

“Because we know each other so well, we’re able to understand what the other person needs to get the job done," explains Sierra of working with her husband. "Of course, as with any intimate and close relationship, we can get impatient with each other too! But it always ends up being a positive experience."

We spoke more with Gabe and Sierra about shooting together, and balancing career and family time.

Sierra Sullivan wearing the Leucadia in Purple Sail at Crystal Cove. Photo by Gabe Sullivan. 

What was the concept for the Crystal Cove shoot? What unique character about the location did you seek to portray in the photos?

Gabe: The concept was to play off the beach cottage architecture and capture a classic California day by the sea. It’s incredible to imagine what it might have been like to be among the families living there at Crystal Cove during the ‘30s, 40s and 50s, so capturing some of the architecture, the homes that is, where the original local people lived, was something I felt compelled towards.

Gabe, you shoot a lot of portraits for your Curious Gabe column. Why do you like shooting portraits?

Gabe: I like portraits because it’s an opportunity to get to know someone and to be creative. With portraiture, my goal is always to capture an authentic emotion, and the best way to do that is by taking time to get to know the person and engage them in conversation. So there is the artistic side, paying attention to lighting, composition etc., and there is also the social aspect, and I love both.

Sierra Sullivan wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Luna in the Crystal Cove Cottages. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

Sierra, you started modeling in your teens, which is a lot of responsibility to take on at a young age. What did you learn about yourself during that time?

Sierra: That I absolutely loved to travel and the career was a perfect fit for me! I learned how to be professional at a young age and developed street smarts from living in foreign countries. It was certainly a type of education I would have never received in college.

What were some of the most memorable photo shoots that you did when you were younger and why? 

Sierra: There are countless and hard to pick even just a few! My most memorable are doing the Prada campaign, several photo shoots for Ralph Lauren with famed photographer Bruce Weber, my first Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar editorial shoots, and Australian Vogue in New Caledonia, a French Pacific island.

Sierra Huisman (her maiden name) in the Prada campaign in 2000, photographed by Robert Wyatt.
Sierra Sullivan in a beauty editorial. Photo courtesy of Sierra Sullivan.

How has your career changed and evolved since becoming a mother?

Sierra: I would have to say it hasn’t changed too much, except that now I have more photo shoots with my son, which is very fun!

Do you all travel together when one of you is sent on location for shoots?

Gabe: Whenever possible, yes. When our son was 4-months old, we all went to the South of France together for a shoot.

Sierra: For the first year or so after Elijah was born, we did, since I was nursing him. But after that, if only one of us got a booking, we didn’t all need to go together. Now, if we do, it will be because we all booked a job together, or Gabe and I together.

A Sullivan family photo shoot. Sierra, Gabe and son Elijah. Photo courtesy of the Sullivan family.

What do you have to consider when traveling with children?

Gabe: Kids fly free up until two-years-old. After that, road trips become much more economical.

Sierra: It’s a lot more complicated when traveling with a child under two, with all the baby gear and stuff that babies generally need, like strollers and diapers. Now that Elijah is five, it’s super easy. Packing for him is no different than for us, really. With a child, you’re definitely not as free to relax whenever you want or need to, nor are you able to go out at night (unless you’re somewhere where there’s child care you’re comfortable with), but it’s also really fun to share new places with our son and we always have the greatest time.

Sierra, How do you describe your style? What are your favorite outfits right now and why?

My style ranges from beach chic to uptown classic. I always try to keep it simple and on the classier side with a trendy twist, if I’m in the mood for it. My style icon at the moment is Emmanuelle Alt, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris. I’m loving my skinny jeans with my Isabel Marant booties and loose tops.

Sierra wearing the Capitola Top in Geo Gold (reversed) and Laguna pant in Deco Waves. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

Sierra, We’ve read that you are diabetic. How has living in California versus NY help you maintain a healthier lifestyle in general?

Sierra: Here in California, the body types that are in demand aren’t quite as extreme as New York, which afforded me the ability to be more relaxed about my diet and lifestyle. There is a lot less stress here, too, being surrounded by more nature and while there is still a ton of people living here, it’s much more spread out than in New York so you don’t feel quite so cramped.

At the end of the day, though, how you cope with life and stress determines your health just as much if not more than where you live. Living in California certainly makes it feel easier in some ways. No matter what though, diabetes is a challenging condition to live with and I always strive to do my best with managing it. So far, so good!

Their VW van! Photo courtesy Gabe Sullivan. 

What is your perfect family beach day? 

Gabe: Saturday is our go-to beach day. We pack up some yummy food and our boards and head down to one of the beaches nearby where we live. Now that the open-air Trolleys are running again here in Laguna, we’ll be jumping onboard and enjoying that as part of our experience more often as well. The perfect beach day is filled with good vibes, good waves, good food and good friends.

Sierra: The perfect day is a bag full of books, magazines, yummy take out from a nearby taco shop, 82 degree weather with 75 degree water, mellow waves and plenty of shade mixed with a swim in the ocean.

Thanks Gabe and Sierra! We are so happy with the shoot and can't wait to work with you again! 


Sierra wears the Laguna pant in Deco Waves. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.
Sierra Sullivan in the Chicama Top and Balboa Leggings in Porto. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

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