6 Inspiring Women-Founded Brands Every Surfer Needs to Know (And the Stories Behind Them)

At Surf With Amigas, we’ve always believed that surfing is more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle, a sisterhood, and a way to connect with the ocean and ourselves. But even the most passionate surfers need the right gear, and that’s where our incredible partners come in. Each of our affiliate brands has a story and a commitment to empowering women in the water, and we’re proud to share their journeys with you!

Mamala: A Legacy of Strength and Connection We first met the founder of Mamala on one of our Surf With Amigas retreats—a passionate surfer whose brand was born from a desire to create durable, eco-friendly wetsuits made by women, for women.

Here are some words from the Mamala founder, Angela:

“I’ve always been a big believer in performance—and I was unsatisfied with the choices and quality of wetsuits I was buying—I decided to start a women’s wetsuit company focused entirely on performance and women. Named after and inspired by a fearless demigoddess—both shark and woman—who symbolizes both femininity and strength, Mamala has been on a never-ending quest to create high-performance wetsuits to enhance women’s cold water experience. Through collaborations with women surfers, support for women’s surf contests and initiatives that promote women’s participation in surfing, Mamala is committed to building a strong, supportive community for women in the lineup.” 

The brand is all about honoring the ocean and the women who ride it with courage and grace. Their major goal is growth—both as a women’s wetsuit company and as a leader in high-performance, sustainable wetsuits made specifically for women. They are here to set the standard and build a strong and supportive community for women surfers. Use the discount code SWA20 at checkout for 20% off your next order!

Carve: Born on the Waves, Built for Women Our introduction to Carve was a little different—a recommendation from an amiga who swore by their surfwear. Founded on the Australian coast, Carve began with a mission to create stylish, high-quality surf gear designed specifically for women. Built by surfers who saw a gap in the boardshorts market, Carve’s comfortable fits and bold designs quickly became a favorite for our instructors, offering both style and strength in the water. This is a small surf/lifestyle brand that designs classic, sophisticated styles for all different stages of life. Use the discount code SURFWITHAMIGAS10 at checkout for 10% off your next order!

Salt Gypsy: Where Sustainability Meets Style Salt Gypsy is the brainchild of Danielle Clayton, a former surf guide turned entrepreneur who saw the need for stylish, sustainable surfwear for women. Her journey began with a single pair of surf leggings that quickly turned into a global brand known for its eco-conscious fabrics and commitment to women in surfing. For us, Salt Gypsy is more than just gear—it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and riding waves with purpose. Use the discount code SURFWITHAMIGAS10 at checkout for 10% off your next order!

Dkoko: A Celebration of Femininity and Adventure Founded in Costa Rica, Dkoko was created by women surfers who wanted swimwear that could keep up with their adventurous lives. With a mission to celebrate femininity and freedom, Dkoko’s bikinis and one-pieces are designed for active women who want both style and security. Our instructors love Dkoko’s designs for their perfect balance of beauty and functionality. Use the discount code SURFWITHAMIGAS10 at checkout for 10% off your next order!

Sting Bling: Jewelry That Tells a Story Sting Bling is the creative passion of Cherise Richards, our amazing yoga instructor at our Costa Rica and Nicaragua locations. Cherise has been part of the Surf With Amigas team for many years, and her jewelry line is a reflection of her love for the ocean and mindfulness. Sting Bling pieces are handmade with love, each one a little reminder of the sea’s magic, whether you’re on a surfboard or on your yoga mat. Use the discount code SURFWITHAMIGAS10 at checkout for 10% off your next order!

Kaiola: Stylish Sun Protection for Every Wave Our connection with Kaiola began with a simple but essential idea—surf gear should make you feel free, not restricted. Founded by a team of passionate surfers who understand the unique needs of women in the water, Kaiola is all about creating high-performance surfwear that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or style. All of their pieces are designed to move with you, whether you’re paddling out, riding a wave, or stretching on the sand. Kaiola’s unique chin strap is our favorite part about their hats, be it bucket, visor, or baseball cap! The sleek design ensures that the hat doesn’t disrupt your surfing experience yet stays on, even in big, powerful surf. Our instructors love Kaiola’s designs, which offer a perfect blend of support, durability, and style. Use the discount code SURFWITHAMIGAS10 at checkout for 10% off your next order!

Surf brands for women


At Surf With Amigas, we don’t just partner with brands—we build relationships with like-minded women who share our love of the ocean and our commitment to empowering women in the water. Each of these brands has earned a place in our community because they represent more than just great products—they represent stories, values, and a passion for surf.
Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly surfwear, jewelry to bling out your surf sessions, or simply some inspiration, these brands have you covered. And when you choose them, you’re not just supporting a brand—you’re supporting a sisterhood.

6 Gift Ideas For The Surfer In Your Life

surf with amigas

With the holidays fast approaching, ’tis the season to find gifts for the special people in your life, especially your surf buddies! From stylish surf gear to eco-friendly essentials, here’s a curated list featuring some of the best brands to keep surfers stoked this holiday season.

1. SWA Online Membership – Year Subscription
For surfers who are always looking to improve, an annual membership with Surf with Amigas Online is a perfect choice. SWA provides access to a treasure trove of online courses, coaching sessions, and technique tutorials, as well as workouts, yoga classes, nutrition, and female-centric surf storytelling. This membership is ideal for surfers who want to boost their skills, stay fit between SWA retreats, and learn more about surf and movement theory while joining a bad-ass community of women surfers. A gift of an SWA Online membership will gift a special someone a whole year of progression and encouragement.

Gift Idea: Print out the membership confirmation and pair it with a small surf-themed notebook so they can jot down notes and tips they learn!

2. Seea – Stylish and Sustainable Surfwear
Seea is known for its beautiful, eco-friendly surfwear designed specifically for women in waves. Their pieces blend fashion and functionality with flattering cuts, vibrant colors, and sustainable fabrics. From high-waisted bikini bottoms to full-coverage surf suits, Seea’s designs let surfers paddle out with confidence and style. Their products are also ethically manufactured, making them a perfect gift for the surfer who loves both fashion and the planet.

Gift Idea: Surprise them with a Seea surf suit or bikini in a bold pattern that’ll make them stand out in the lineup, or a gift card so they can choose their own favorites!

 surf with amigas retreats

3. Salt Gypsy – Performance Apparel for Women Who Shred
Salt Gypsy is an Australian brand that caters to female surfers looking for cute, durable surfwear designed to withstand the elements. From stylish surf leggings and rashies to cozy hoodies, Salt Gypsy focuses on functionality with flair. Known for high-quality gear that supports female surfers’ needs, their products are perfect for year-round surfing adventures. Salt Gypsy is also committed to eco-conscious practices, using recycled materials wherever possible. What’s more, they even sell boards! Check out their new line of surfboards here!

Gift Idea: A pair of Salt Gypsy surf leggings or a stylish rash guard makes a great gift for any surfer who loves to ride in style while staying sun-safe.

surf with amigas retreat

4. Mad Hippie – Natural Skincare Essentials
Long days in the sun, salt, and sand can take a toll on a surfer’s skin, making a Mad Hippie skincare set a thoughtful gift. Known for their cruelty-free and natural products, Mad Hippie offers skincare that’s gentle yet effective. From their Vitamin C Serum for brightening and repairing to their lightweight, mineral-based sunscreens, these products help surfers keep their skin healthy and protected from the elements.

Gift Idea: Put together a personalized skincare bundle with Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum, facial moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen. 

mad hippie surf with amigas

5. Kaiola – Sustainable, Strong Surf Hats

Kaiola has pioneered the perfect surf hat. Gone are the days of loose, vision-blocking hats in the lineup. Kaiola’s mission is clear: a hat that provides lasting protection from sun, glare, splashes and spray, fit for purpose in all wave conditions with plenty of stylish designs including bucket hat, visor and baseball cap! Not to mention they’re made from sustainably sourced, small-batch materials.

Gift Idea: Create a gift pack with one of the must-have Kaiola hat styles, plus other surf essentials like wax, leashes, etc. 

6. Rusty Surfboards – The Ultimate Custom Ride
For any surfer ready to embark on a journey with a new surf sled, a board from Rusty Surfboards is the ultimate gift. Rusty offers a range of boards for every wave condition, from high-performance shortboards to smooth-gliding longboards. Known for their innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship, Rusty surfboards are built to perform! Plus, Rusty’s custom board options let you tailor the design to a surfer’s specific style and preferences, making it a truly personal and memorable gift.

Gift Idea: Surprise someone with a gift certificate toward a Rusty surfboard, or go the extra mile by ordering a custom board with their favorite color, artwork, etc.

surf with amigas retreat