Surfwear celebrations

Staff from surfwear companies of different sizes but similar origins enjoyed pre-Christmas events recently.

Surf giant Rip Curl held one of their famous Christmas break-up celebrations in Geelong with a Day of the Dead-themed event, while up-and-coming label U&I celebrated the launch of a new line at their new Torquay location.

U&I, a brainchild of Jodie Hayes and Emma Bäcklund, is now being showcased at South Coast Surfboards, home of Monkey’s Uncle Café, where the party was held.

“We got about 100 people, everyone had a look around and our new swim and surf collection ‘After the Rain,’ was really well received,” co-owner Emma Bäcklund said.

“We’re running a kick-starter at the minute where people can pre-order pieces in store or online and we’re also getting new stock in before the New Year.”

Like iconic label Rip Curl, U&I was born from humble beginnings in the back sheds of Torquay, and while the surf giant’s staff partied at City Quarter to a mariachi band and cocktails, the girls stayed local.

The new U&I brand location came about after the girls approached South Coast Surfboards to see if they were interested in stocking their unique label.

“We had a space a few doors up and approached them as they’ve got their amazing hand-made surfboards and a really great space with the cafe,” Ms Bäcklund said.

“We thought because our swimwear is designed for active women who respect and seek design that it would work well together.

“Our motto is that ‘we run, we surf, we play,’ and Jodie and I work to provide women the ‘grown up’ answer to swim and surf wear.”

Emma said the evening was as a massive success and was hoping to throw similar events in the future.