Seea - Seeababes

United by the Sea: Handsome Citizens

2016-10-11T11:20:00-07:00

The paradox of photos living in the Internet clouds is that they are simultaneously disposable and immortal. We rediscovered these images of Tracee Annetts aka Handsome Citizens photographed by Carly Brown two years ago in Bali, and the dreamy mood felt no less refreshing.

Fascinated by social media’s ability to connect people across oceans and time, we caught up with Tracee to talk more about how Instagram was a lifeline to the outside world while living in Bali, and sparked face-to-face encounters with new friends.

All images by Carly Brown Photography:@_carlybrownphotography_

SEEA : How did you and your husband Micka end up in Bali?

Tracee Annetts: Although we have both lived near the sea, mostly it has been in large Coastal cities.

With 13 years working in the airline industry as flight attendants based in Brisbane, we had some truly amazing years winging our way around Australasia and taking luxuriously long overseas holidays. This included an annual hop to Bingin, Bali. It was here we yearned to spend a couple of months annually, which we have now for two decades. These holidays were the inspiration that led us to dreaming and plotting a tree/sea change.

Eventually Bingin felt like our home away from home, we had made friends that felt like family. We couldn’t resist the ease and the contentment our souls felt when we immersed there.

This quote : “We had such a wonderful time that we couldn’t bear to go back to our regular lives, and so we decided we just wouldn’t. And then all the greatness began.” perfectly describes our last holiday in Bingin which led to an opportunity to make our home there.

Our aim had long been to simplify our lives, so believing in our hearts that this was our calling, we jumped at the offer; left our careers, sold up everything and moved to the Island. An open-air, palapa roof bungalow, no walls or doors, no hot water, no car, perched on top of the Limestone Cliffs at Bingin. It was Heaven!

SEEA : We love your blog! What is Handsome Citizens?

Thank you so much! We are equally smitten with Seea and your photographers including Luki O’Keefe, who bring the Californian beach culture and global wanderings to our Insta feed.

Handsome Citizens is a blog about salty inspired stories and destinations. We are enamoured with the Ocean and beach culture throughout the decades. We have featured a number of the Seea-babes in our Interviews titled ‘Citizens of the Slide’.

We hope to provide a glimpse into the carefree existence of these noseriding sea gypsies clad in your vintage-inspired Seea suits, as well as other ‘Salty Characters’ sharing their stoke for the Ocean.

These are the stories we are drawn to, and inspire us to live simply beside the Sea, now in Byron Bay. It’s hard not to gravitate towards the Ocean’s pull and if you’ve been to Byron, you’ll know what I mean about the energy that keeps drawing you back.

See more Citizens of the Slide HERE.

And for a daily salty dose: @handsomecitizens

SEEA : What is the story behind how you met Carly Brown?

We had just started our blog Handsome Citizens early into our Bingin days and began our love affair with social media, particularly Instagram. At that time it was such an inspiring community of people connecting from all parts of the world, sharing their common ground.

Carly Brown was one of our favourite photographic creatives and we were in awe of her images. As it turned out we had mutual friends whom were coming to Bingin on holidays and Carly was with them!

SEEA : What did it feel like to meet someone in person that you only knew through social media?

Surreal! You get a glimpse of people's lives through Instagram so when you meet, it feels like you know more than you should about a complete stranger! It can be kinda awkward, but with Carly it was very relaxed… In person, she’s as you’d imagine, except multiply it! Carly has an epic personality, generous heart, a vivacious cheeky spirit and sooo creatively talented.

Idyllic days were spent on Bingin Beach lazing in the June sun; cruising around the Bukit on motorbikes and eating at the beachfront Warungs. If you’re in Bingin on Thursday nights, you’ll find most of the Village - tourists and locals - flock to the Cashew Tree for their legendary fish bbq and live music. We had a big night with way too many Gin ‘n Tonics & Bintangs and plenty of funny memories!

Highlighting the power of Instagram, Carly’s images of me wearing a SEEA surf-suit at Bingin hash-tagged #SEEA #mySEEAlife bought our story to you in California!

All images by Carly Brown Photography: @_carlybrownphotography_ and www.carlybrownphotography.com

SEEA : What other friendships have you made on Instagram?

Many! The ‘salty community’ on Instagram can be such a small world. One example was a random meeting in Bali with two photographers; Rafael (@rmbagus), from Brazil and Australian travel buddy Jye (@jyetylr).

Via the #Bali hashtag I had discovered Raf’s amazing photos and commented on a story he’d told. That same day we ended up meeting… Raf and Jye quite coincidentally visited the resort we were minding in Bingin; they’d come to ask permission to shoot the surf from the resort’s ultimate viewpoint.

Conversation from life in Bali and photography turned to Instagram, and upon swapping ‘handles’, we realised we’d already met in the Insta-world. We chatted for ages overlooking the Bingin surf break and became acquainted with each other’s stories; we all still follow each other on the 'gram now and am sure our paths will cross again someday!

SEEA : Now that you are back in Australia, how has social media allowed for you to build a life that you love?

Social Media began for us, like many, a joy of flicking through beautiful images of lust-worthy destinations; being inspired by Ocean/Surf photography and living vicariously through the galleries of gypsy wanderers. Instagram also became our referral for coffee and restaurant inspo in Bali — good coffee was hard to come by at that time on the Bukit, so once a week we’d venture by motorbike to Seminyak; we were always on the hunt for new spots to hit up! And then as time went on, we began to build ‘Insta’ friendships.

Social media eventually evolved from a visual stimulation to a creation of income for me, on our return to Australia. Our new reality was no jobs/income, no car, furniture or household items, or even a location that felt like home, so we decided to go where we’d always wanted to live; which was Byron Bay.

We set up in the Byron beachside campground and lived there for our first six weeks, while we settled in and looked for jobs and a new home. A friend of a friend who owns a couple of surf shops, checked out our Insta gallery, which led to a meeting and a request for me to run their social media platforms.

I now create social media for several businesses in both Byron Bay and Melbourne. A combination of Instagram, our website and word of mouth, has led to us meeting others requiring Social Media services.

We are looking at ways we can expand moving forward, however always conscious of maintaining a work/life balance. We have made so many friendships via the Insta community; found our place to call home and made connections throughout Australia and the world.

Our enjoyment of these 'three squares wide' of visual stimulation, has led to some life-changing moments!

See more Citizens of the Slide HERE.

And for a daily salty dose: @handsomecitizens

All images by Carly Brown Photography:@_carlybrownphotography_ and www.carlybrownphotography.com

Photo above courtesy of Handsome Citizens | Tracee afloat in Byron Bay wearing the Seea Hermosa Surf Suit.

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Australia in Transition: Pastel Moments Between Winter and Spring Swells

2016-09-16T15:23:00-07:00

Australia's chilly winter winds are on their way to the next continent, but the Spring flowers have yet to bloom. Seeababe Kirra Innes shares her favorite in-between moments to savor during this transitional season in Eastern Australia.

By Kirra Innes

I love the pastel winter sunsets and the offshore winds. Normally in winter we have days where you can surf offshore perfection all day long. Winter brings swell so you should find a wave without trouble, the only difficulty is finding logging waves.
Winter swells have more power to them so I find myself riding different crafts. I've recently got a new Keyo single fin for the more powerful swells. Sometimes logging isn't an option here.

It doesn't get too cold. The coldest so far was 10 degrees Celsius, or 50 Fahrenheit, but it's not always like that. We get a lot of south and west wind here in winter, but mostly westerlies, which is offshore for us. Because of the southerlies, it makes the water clearer in winter, which I really like. Summertime, we get north winds which blow dirty water from the rivermouth south, along with cold water off of the continental shelf.

Summer time is crazy at the ice creamery [where I work] as you could expect in a hot Australian summer, but it slows down throughout winter. This fits perfectly as the surf is normally amazing in winter, so I get lots of surfs in. The lack of crowd and an increase in swell and south winds are the perfect combination. I've just transferred over to a photography course, which I'm really excited to start. I've always enjoyed taking photos so now I can learn all the technical parts to excel in what I love to do.

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Easy Like Sunday Morning

2016-06-13T13:38:00-07:00

Freya Gibbs wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet.

On a lazy Sunday passing like slow incense burn, these organic crochet textures fade into the wild Australian environment. Pull up a recliner on the porch and enjoy the garden views.

Special thanks to Cass Hurrell, model Freya Gibbs and Hair & Makeup by Phoebe Barrett.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Freya Gibbs wears the Belinda Top in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Miramar Top and Belinda Bottoms in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Leucadia Bikini in Navy Dot.

The Blue Lagoon

2016-05-31T09:12:00-07:00

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Australia’s organic formations slay us with its immaculate beauty. A moment of serenity for the otherworldy hue of this aquamarine pool, which we just can’t help but dive in, head first.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Splash! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala Smith wears the Zuma in Verano. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

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SeeaInOz: Golden Coast Girls

2016-03-31T12:38:00-07:00

Karina wears the Samara Bottom in Gold Leaf; Rachel wears the Adria Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn; Makala wears the Jalama Top in Selva and Ensenada Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Its easy to forget that Australia is an island. In its isolation, a paradise flourishes with tight-knit communities that are equal parts connected the hinterlands and the ocean that surrounds them. Sound familiar Californians that spent winters in the mountains and summers on the shore?

Piled into our vans and caravanning along the edges of the Gold Coast, every lookout point, secret swimming pool, and bay of waves felt both amazingly new, and at home — like we belonged there.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Rachel wears the Adria Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Samara Bottom in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Rachel wears the Adria Top in Dawn. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Rachel wears the Palomar Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Rachel wears the Adria Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn; Makala wears the Jalama Top in Selva and Ensenada Bottom; Karina wears the Samara Bottom in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Rachel wears the Lido in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Tofino in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Tofino in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn. Lola wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Riviera in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Tabatinga Bikini in Cocodot. Luki wears the Riviera in Cocodot.

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SeeainOz: Only in Noosa

2016-03-18T11:54:00-07:00

Hangin' out in Oz. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Gather together three generations of the best surfers from around the world on one beach, and you’re guaranteed to have rare memories that stay with you forever. Only during the Noosa Festival of Surfing can you exit the bus from the airport, totally jet lagged and lost, and then find your friends by following the sounds of waves.

Only in Noosa can you surf under the night sky, and not be alone. “I would never do it at home but always seem to do it at Noosa. It just feels safe,” says Australian Seeababe Kirra Innes who lives in Yamba.

On her first trip to Australia, Seea’s resident photographer Luki O’Keefe shared how the locals made her feel welcome during her first days in Noosa.

Congrats to Seeababes Karina Rozunko for placing first in the Women’s Open and Makala Smith for placing second at the Noosa Festival of Surfing!

Karina connects to nature. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Martinique in Blush. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Beautiful scenery on the path to the beach. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Martinique in Blush. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala in the Tabatinga Bikini in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

“The waves are the #1 best thing about Noosa the 2nd best is the community that the waves bring together.

I hopped off the plane and on to a bus that dropped me off somewhere in the middle of Noosa. I hadn't been able to connect with anyone so I just asked someone where the beach was, like the totally lost tourist I was. I walked for quite a while in clothes that were not made for the overwhelmingly hot weather, carrying a suitcase and two backpacks across town until I heard the waves crash.

I followed the sound down a trail in the woods and found Karina who led me to the van that I now call home. Over the next few days I connected with friends I hadn't seen since their visit last summer and I met heaps of new friends that offered me a home, a board, and some waves. I'm on the other side of the world but the community feels identical to the SanO surf tribe I grew up with.” -- Luki O'Keefe.

Our resident photographer, Luki O'Keefe.

Makala in the Tabatinga Bikini in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Cluster at the point. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Kirra in the Lido One-Piece in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Our Aussie friend's got a wicked soul arch. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Kirra in the Lido One-Piece in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Tofino in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

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Why Byron Bay is the heart of women's surfing in Australia

2015-12-24T13:18:00-08:00

In the turquoise waters of Byron Bay. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

Lush forests and homesteads on one horizon, and jewel blue waters abundant with sealife on the other, its easy to see why Byron Bay's natural paradise is a magnet for free-spirited souls. "My surfs with girlfriends are never planned," says Cass Hurrell, a resident of Byron. "Living in the Bay it’s assured when you paddle out one or many of our sea sisters are out there, all smiles upon unity, our hearts singing with joy and stoked-ness."

Women surfers are plentiful along the whole Gold Coast of Australia, but there's something about Byron Bay that feels akin to our own surf enclaves in Southern California: the friendly faces, longboard culture, close-knit community, and connection to the natural land. We caught up with two local ladies — Cass Hurrell and Bree Sorrell— about what forces drew them to into Byron Bay, and the sense of belonging.

A natural water baby from Avoca Beach, Cass came to the Bay to visit friends between winters spent in Bali. After her holiday surfing pumping offshore 3-4 foot turquoise waves and resting in the quiet pastures, she packed up her beach shack and found a farmhouse to call her own. “Moving to the Bay, I found it easy to connect. Like-minded humans drawing together, the usual suspects gallivanting between Sydney, Bali and Byron,” Cass says.

One such lady that Cass met in the water was photographer Bree Sorrell, who lives in Currumbin, one hour north of Byron. “She immediately got chatting to me as if I was a long lost friend, within minutes we were laughing and being silly,” says Bree, who was equally captivated by the Bay's wildlife and energy. “My first time surfing at Byron Bay I had a turtle pass right under me, and then spotted a Koala in the tree above the carpark!" Bree exclaimed.

These two longboard ladies shared with us the special bond between women in this picturesque cove on the eastern coast of Oz.

Cass Hurrell, wearing the Hermosa Surf Suit. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

Girls paddle-out. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

Tell us about Byron Bay’s surf environment. What is it about the wave and the community that make women feel comfortable to learn how to surf and continue their practice?

Cass: Wategos is one of the most sacred waters on the east coast of Australia, with its pristine effectual beauty naturally drawing you in. Even on tiny days when there’s no swell, I paddle out just to sit with the mother ocean’s sea creatures, the local dolphins — a simple enchanting reminder of what is real.

Then you have The Pass. On a good east swell, you can take off behind the rock and ride the dreamy wave, dancing along for 200 meters, or even more. As the waves roll along the sand, there’s enough space for everyone, party wave-ing with your sea sisters and inviting other’s to join in. It’s more of a meeting place for us salty sea sisters (and brothers) who live here, a social sunset “golden hour” ritual, soul feeding goodness ensuring everything else drifts away.

Bree: We are in a time now when women are not just accepted into the water but encouraged and respected and that’s beautiful to see. It’s an expression of elegance and fun and femininity. That is definitely the vibe around here. The people in Byron Bay are generally in a great mood and there isn’t some of the seriousness and ownership that comes with more localized under-exposed breaks.

Most women longboarding these days, whether it be Byron or Gold Coast, tend to share the joy, and encourage each other. It makes you feel like you’ve got sisters out there. It’s not uncommon to woo another lady onto a great wave even if she’s a complete stranger. It’s a beautiful thing, how it should be, not taking it all too seriously.

The majority of Australians grew up around the beaches and coastlines. How does this shape the local identity?

Cass: I was recently down the coast at my dad’s house and I asked him to tell me of when I started surfing. He said “it was like you were born in the ocean, you could read the waves from day one, had no fear and your love was there before you could even walk.” His words warm my heart.

I feel my life is Mother Ocean, living every day in the sea. She is truly my greatest love. My teacher, my nurturer, my healer, my playground. My morning rituals I honor her, I respect her and all that she brings. Off shore amazingness, to howling northerly’s, our love does not hesitate. She’s powerful, yet delicate, harmonizing my mind, body and emotions.

Bree: It definitely teaches you respect for living things and not to take it for granted. I know how lucky I am to live here, but we all have to look after it. We want our great great grandchildren to be able to receive the same joy from nature and our planet that we did. I think it puts things in perspective, having such huge natural beauty around us teaches us that our “problems’ really are not problems and we are a part of something much bigger than us.

Cass Hurrell in the Hermosa surf suit. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

The ocean connects us all. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

Cass Hurrell in the Hermosa surf suit. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

Bree, how did you get into ocean photography? And how is shooting in Byron inspiring?

Bree: I’ve been photographing in the ocean for just over two years now. It was always meant to be. As a little girl I could have sworn I was a mermaid or a dolphin, spending every minute I could in, on and especially under the water. I have always had a deep fascination with being in the ocean; it has always been so unbelievably magic to me, that underwater world. It’s by far my favorite place on earth.

I guess moving into ocean photography is a natural extension of my love affair with the water. Its colours, textures, and ever changing energy are what draw me in... Every image, every frame I take, is taken because that’s a moment of beauty I have seen, in my eyes, from my heart. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to capture that... I would describe my style as the feminine side to the ocean, capturing images that evoke emotion or a sense of being right there in the picture, and capturing that connection between humans and the sea.

Role models are really important in fostering a community. Are there many women surfer role models in Australia?

Cass: Growing up I never really had a women role model. I spent my days surfing Avoca point, idolizing all who’s out there ripping. It was almost like if you grew up surfing Avoca or around, you born to surf. We’d wake up on sunrise surf anything before and after school. Since moving to Byron, I can genuinely say, that all of our salty sea sisters inspire me. We encourage, we hoot, we share the waves. It’s my social interaction.

Bree: I think in the water in Australia and especially around the east coast where we live, there is such a huge age bracket of surfers out there. I have had some beautiful connections and conversations with the older generation of surfers. The way that the surf industry has turned in the last 30-40 years, we can all learn a great deal from the people who are out there and have lived through the changes. These people have seen a completely different side to surfing and I have the utmost respect for their wisdom and knowledge. Australia is full of inspirational hard-working women. Growing up Layne Beachley was a big role model, not only a surfing champion, but someone girls can actually look up to, humble and grounded. She did a lot for women’s surfing and gave her time to a lot of charities in the community.

Meeting in the waves. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

Cass Hurrell wearing the San-O One-Piece. Photo by Bree Sorrell.

Bree wearing the Seea Palmas, digs into a fun little wave.

With so many really amazing surfers in one place, does competitive nature naturally escalate? Can it be friendly vibes all the time?

Cass: The vibe definitely changes when swell hits. On the smaller days, it’s anyone and everyone. It’s joyful, sometimes a little chaotic, yet it goes with the territory. On a decent swell, the crowds are sorted. The energy is alive, adrenalin pumping. Even if you manage to only score a few waves, for me, being present, tuning in vigilantly observing all those tearing a wave apart is just as good.

I find surfing a short board, I’m naturally more competitive. You have to be in the spot, at the right time, opposed to riding a bigger board, where you’re almost guaranteed to catch anything. Growing up surfing Avoca point, on a pumping day, it was super competitive. I remember when I first moved to Byron, I was out The Pass, I learned quickly not to be competitive, that I didn’t have to have every wave. Patience, respect and enjoy. The competitive nature is somewhat always there no matter which break you surf. The majority of the time it’s tasteful and on rare occasions if it’s not, that’s when I’d decide to paddle in, let go and look forward to my next surf.

Bree: The vibe in the point breaks around the east coast here can change, and there’s always going to be a few people who are out for an argument or want to tell you what to do or not to do. But in the end, most days are filled with happy, healthy and supportive people. I have met the love of my life and most of my friends in the water, and surfing with everyone is such a joy and we always make sure we extend that to every person in the water, encouraging everyone no matter what age or stage they’re at. Joy is joy and it rubs off.

What does the sea teach you about yourself and your place in the world as a whole?

Cass: Dancing in the sea on my 9’4, as I trim along I close my eyes, connecting my feet to my board gliding naturally with the sea, I trust. It’s like the sea allows me to just be me. Me for me. Feeding my heart and soul with love, self love. Encouraging me to be the best version of myself. I crave her solitude every day, zen town. There’s a divine time purity when surfing, being in the right place at the right time, just like riding the waves of life. Teaching us that we must trust, truly trust and the rest will follow exactly how it’s meant to.

At the end of the day we are all in the ocean for the same beautiful reason, from anyone who’s learning to surf or have surfed all his or her lives — it connects us all. It’s pure. It’s real. It’s free. And for us lady sliders, the Bay celebrates that. I continuously remind all my friends who are starting out on a board, it’s not about who can stand up, what maneuver you pull off, who can walk the plank and get their toes on the nose… It’s about getting out there every day and enjoy Mother Ocean. Get to know her, talk to her, and enjoy!! Enjoy!!! Enjoy!! Then you’re surfing!

Get out there and have fun! Photo by Bree Sorrell.

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Crossing Hemispheres: Seea launches in Australia!

2015-12-18T16:12:00-08:00

From left, Seeababes Kirra Innes, Cass Hurrell, and Leana Rack. Photos by Cinzia Brambilla.

Seea has landed in Australia! To celebrate our launch in Australia's top surf retailers, Seea co-hosted a few special in-store parties on the east coast.

We've always thought of the Gold Coast of Australia as a sister coastline to California — two sunny, surf-centric beach communities gathered near fun point breaks that inevitably produce genius wave riders. After three shops in two weeks — Patagonia in Byron Bay, Salt Living in Coolangatta, and Finbox Boardstore in Thirroul — and seeing everyone's beautiful faces come out to support, our fondness for Oz has shot above the stars.

Special thanks to everyone who came out, Foam Symmetry magazine for co-sponsoring, Patagonia Byron Bay, photographers Cinzia Brambilla for being our eyes in Byron Bay; and Nathan Oldfield and Macauley Rae for meeting up with Aussie Seeababes Kirra Innes and Cass Hurrell to capture a magic session at Broken Head between the events; Corona for the drinks, Salt Living, Finbox and all our Australia retailers: Oceanstyle, Surfection, SurfStitch, and Siberia.

Keep scrolling to party with us in Oz!

Well dressed ladies enter Patagonia Byron Bay. Photos by Cinzia Brambilla.

Hi friends! Right, photographer Ming Nomchong. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Packed house in the Patagonia Byron Bay party. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Right, Seea sales rep and master of ceremonies, Leana Rack. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Party vibes. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Fresh cut flowers all around. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Live music at Patagonia Byron Bay. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Best party in town happening at Patagonia Byron Bay. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Visual size check on a Seea suit at Patagonia Byron Bay. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Packed house at the Seea film screening in Byron Bay. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Sitting room/ standing room at the Seea film screening in Byron Bay. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Intimasea plays in Byron Bay. Photo by Cinzia Brambilla.

Surf break! That same weekend, Australia Seeababes Kirra Innes and Cass Hurrell paddle out nearby. Photo by Macauley Rae.

Cass Hurrell wearing the Hermosa Surf Suit in the sweet spot at Broken Head. Photo by Macauley Rae.

Kirra Innes on the nose wearing the Leucadia Bikini at Broken Head. Photo by Macauley Rae.

Next stop: a lovely champagne evening at Salt Living in Coolangatta.

Raffle prize at Salt Living in Coolangatta, a framed underwater photograph.

Welcome to Finbox in Thirroul.

Live music at the Seea Finbox event in Thirroul.

Inside the Finbox Boardstore event.

Seea in Italy film screening at the Finbox store. Thanks to everyone who came out!

Thank you to everyone who came out to Seea in Australia!

Local ladies: say hello and shop for SEEA at Patagonia Byron Bay, Salt Living in Coolangatta and Finbox in Thirroul!

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Salt of the Earth: Meet Australian Seeababe Kirra Innes

2015-12-10T15:46:00-08:00

Meet Kirra! Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

One of the first things we noticed about new Australian Seeababe Kirra Innes (aside from her lovely cross-step) was her inherant respect and appreciation for nature. Kirra grew up in the village of Wooloweyah on the eastern coast of Australia, where she spent her childhood playing in the dirt at her grandmother’s plant nursery, looking up at the treetops and birds in the rainforest nearby, collecting shells on the beach and diving for lobsters.

In Australia, it’s not uncommon to look out into the horizon and see more open land and nature than humanity inhabiting it. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, but its population is just under 23 million, concentrated in a few city centers, and peppered between the beaches and forests. A comparison: California alone has 15 million more people than the entire country of Australia. Being surrounded and humbled by nature's beauty, its no wonder that many Australians have a cultivated respect for the environment and each other's place in it.

“I grew up outside and I think that it has made me the person I am now,” Kirra says. “I always had nature around me and preserving it means a lot. I see kids these days stuck in the social world and not looking out and just enjoying the simple things.”

Kirra spends most of her free time enjoying the outdoors — in the forests and the waves — and we caught up with her to find out her favorite places to enjoy the salty air in Australia and what’s she’s growing in her garden.

Kirra Innes in Broken Head, Australia. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Kirra Innes in the Zuma Surf Suit. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

What were your first memories of surfing?

I was given an old beaten up short board to learn on. Dad said when I can stand up I can get a new one. I think I was about 7-years-old but we lived away from the beach and it was just a holiday thing. I really caught the bug about five years ago when my boyfriend’s mum put me on a Mal. There was no looking back, I was hooked.

My parents didn't surf so that was a little hard as well but as soon as I got my license I was never home. You could find me at the beach surfing.

The first wave I remember was on a friend’s longboard. He pushed me on a wave and away I went. I can't really describe the feeling but I couldn't wipe the grin off my face so it must have been pretty good.

Why do you love longboard surfing?

I love the feel of riding my log. It's so relaxing and I find most of the time, humbling. Sometimes I'll just trim along a wave stand there and take it all in. I find you’re playing with the wave, riding it, feeling and the energy.

Longboarding is a big part of my lifestyle. It makes me happy and keeps me healthy. The friends you make through the surfing community are for a lifetime.

Who do you normally surf with?

I normally surf with older crews, nearly all old enough to be my parents but good vibes happy faces and sharing waves. It's always good to get out there. Take turns, hoot and carry on like stoked grommets. It’s all part of the culture of surfing — encouraging everyone to smile, have fun and don't take it to serious.

I think that in the surfing culture you’re in with everyone — young or old. Personally I find it easier to get along with older people. I have ever since I was little. I think that might be a main part of why most of my friends are older. That being said I do have young friends as well, haha!

Kirra Innes in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottoms. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Kirra Innes. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Kirra Innes in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Kirra Innes in the Zuma Surf Suit. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Tell us about the area where you grew up.

I grew up with 100 acres of rainforest two hours south of where I am now. It was amazing. I had the best time of my life there with so much to explore. On weekends or school holidays we went to a place called Station Creek. That was my second home — a beautiful bay filled with a pebbly beach and a creek on the other side. I'd play in the shories, go diving to get lobsters with dad and collect shells with mum.

You said that you live by a national park. What’s special about the one near your house?

I'm surrounded by national parks. It's amazing that they can never be developed so will have the feeling of being in the bush all the time. It's mostly low-lying shrubs at the moment because of a recent fire, but it is truly beautiful. There is a feeling that comes over you, maybe numbing, I can't really describe it. Maybe it's the negative irons of nature.

There are these beautiful little birds. They burrow in the ground and have amazing colors if you look carefully you will see one. They are shy so if you sit quiet enough you might get a close look.

What’s your normal surfing ritual during the changing season? Do you travel one season more than the other?

I mostly travel in winter. It's not as busy at work and in the surf as well. It doesn't get to cold compared to most places so winter is almost like autumn. The swells are good too. Most of the points work during winter so that's a plus.

My favorite places to travel to in Australia would possibly be Crescent Head or Noosa. I like Byron but it gets a little overwhelming with crowds at times. But it's such a beautiful place.

You said that you grew up in your grandmother's gardens and love to have your own too. What are you growing in your garden now?

I have all sorts of cute little plants. Bromeliads, little pig face flowers and some cute succulents. I don't have a veggie garden at the moment but I'm working on it. Home grown food is always better.

I love planting flowers they are probably my favorite. I love adding color to the garden, I feel it makes it happy.

How do you think gardening and surfing are related?

I feel connected to the earth when I'm gardening just like I do when I'm surfing — enjoying nature’s elements. It's all about patience and a little practice. I try to plant all year so my garden always looks lush, but I do forget about my flowers so when spring comes around I get a flowery surprise.

Thank you Kirra, we are so happy to have you join the Seeababes family!

Kirra Innes in the Zuma Surf Suit. Photo by Macauley Rae.

Kirra Innes in the Leucadia Bikini in Luna. Photo by Macauley Rae.

Kirra Innes in a quiet moment between the sets. Photo by Macauley Rae.

Kirra Innes in the Leucadia Bikini in Luna. Photo by Macauley Rae.

MORE FROM AUSTRALIA:

Travel Diary: Seeababe Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald in Lennox Head, Australia

2015-10-28T20:12:00-07:00

Chrystal with her 5'10 Speed Monkey navigating the rocks. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

By Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald

An ancient volcanic hillside greens to the sea, Lennox Head is one of Australia's most iconic right hand points. This friendly coastal town is a surfing mecca and home to Australia's largest National Surfing Reserve. Within a 7.2 km stretch of exceptional waves, Lennox attracts and breeds some of the worlds most talented surfers whom grace the lineup regularly.

Still chilled out with a core surfy vibe, and far less traffic then Byron Bay, Lennox is for those who don't mind a bit of bush walking and rock hopping. If you make it past the brown snakes and barnacles without stubbing a toe or snapping off a fin, you're laughing! My husband Joel and I often find a wave to ourselves here, by walking or paddling just a bit further. These photos are taken by the two of us, in these sacred playgrounds of the Saltwater People.

All photos by: Joel Fitzgerald and Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald.

Beach pebble walk outs though pandamus trees wearing the Leucadia bikini and Rincon jacket. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Chrystal going left in the Leucadia Bikini and Rincon jacket. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Chrystal going right in the Leucadia Bikini and Rincon jacket. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Post Surf stoke! Chrystal wears the Leucadia Bikini and Rincon jacket. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Chrystal and Chad Campbell on the green way. Chrystal wears the Leucadia Bottom and Doheny Rashguard. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Chrystal going down the line wearing the Leucadia Bottom and Doheny Rashguard. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Locals only. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Winged migration. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Days like these…Photo by Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald.

Pandamus trees are great natural shelters! Chrystal wears the Leucadia Bottom. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

This is our neighborhood. Photo by Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald.

Serenity. Wearing the San-O. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Byron shire Hinterland, taken from Hot Air Balloon photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Chrystal staying low in the San-O. Photo by Joel Fitzgerald.

Volcanic green photo by Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald.

MORE AUSTRALIA TRAVEL:

Lessons in the Land Down Under by Leah Dawson

2015-04-14T20:52:00-07:00

Leah Dawson ducks into the green room in Australia wearing the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Stripe. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

"Less is more" in the Australian outback. Seeababe Leah Dawson surfs her face off and shares the lessons she learned during her recent trip to Oz.

by Leah Dawson

Australia is a land of wonder. I’ve traveled there three times now, and each experience has brought profound happenings that undoubtedly influence the path of my life. This third time embodied themes like, ‘learn from the past’, ‘in the flow’, and ‘less is more’…

Catwalk: Leah Dawson in The Zuma Surf Suit from funtemplates on Vimeo.

I flew straight into an unique surf invitational hosted by a coffee shop called Glass, where I joined a collection of surfers who all marveled and chose from 35 1960’s Hayden Longboards, each in mint condition, all different, all heavy.

I listened to participants speak about the subtleties, the uniqueness of the resin colors at that time, the age of board by the fin design, the way the board responds in the pocket. Their excitement invigorated me; such a respect, and too, knowledge about our past, and application into their present surfing.

Leah Dawson holds the board that was surfed in Morning of the Earth. Photo via @leahloves

Leah Dawson heads into the ocean, wearing the Seea Zuma in Black Stripe. Photo by Chrystal Fitzgerald.

At Noosa, I was in the sea for nearly every bit of daylight when the cyclone showed up. At times there would be 60 people on the break and 30 of them were the best men and women on logs in the world. The Noosa Festival is the largest surf event in the world, with over 600 competitors this year. I picked the most crowded week to be in Noosa, but many of my heroes were there, and I got to share the sea with them. Tom Wegener, Thomas Campbell, Devon Howard, Derek Hynd, all zooming past me with grins on their faces.

Leah Dawson in the Zuma in Black Stripe. Photo by Shelly Dark.

Some of my favorite moments of the trip were the intrinsic gathering of Seeababes in the lineup at TeaTree. It was my first time being around all the girls at once, and the joy and innate beauty we brought to the lineup was undeniable to every one.

We spent hours sitting on our boards waiting for sets, laughing, Makala laughing the loudest and raising everyone’s fun meter. We traded off waves, all inspired by each other’s unique style and movements, singing, whistling, laughing, dancing as we all did circles and circles in the bay.

It was the first time I’d met and seen Lola surf, and I sat mesmerized in the lineup by her posture and creativity while riding. Karina and Mele both shared epic performances in perfect waves in front of a huge crowd on finals day, showing the longboard community that women are uniquely gorgeous perched on the nose in the pocket. Hallie impressed everyone with her seamless transitions between goofy and regular nose rides, with a technicality and style we may only elsewhere see in CJ Nelson. Each of these ladies carries an elegance with her surfing; surfing for her soul and camaraderie with the ocean and her friends above all else.

Leah Dawson in trim. Photo by Albert Falzon.

Mele Saili in Australia. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Mele Saili wears the Swami's in Blue Fossil. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Makala Smith, standing confidently, wearing the San-O in Coral under a shirt. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

I decided I wanted to surf as simple as possible on the trip, to move slowly, delicately allowing the board to find the fastest parts of the wave. It was reiterated to me countless times how powerful simplicity and minimal effort speaks volumes by the surfers I look up to. Just standing there has never felt so good.

After 60 hours in one week in the water, and not keeping up with my normal alkaline diet, a small cut from the rocks began into an infection. I was forced to rest, and did so in the company of legendary Australian Surf Filmmakers, who shared with me hours of wisdom and insight. As I reluctantly started a course of antibiotics to stop my knee from the growing infection, I too learned the medicine can be a lifesaver and that I am grateful for Western, Eastern, and all medicines. It is up to us to know what we are allergic to, and what benefits us.

As I rested my knee-with-a-fever, my new wise filmmaker friends reiterated their adoration for simplicity in surfing, working life in the flow, less is more. There were hours of discussing intuition and learning how to turn up its volume.

A quote I heard and will never forget sums it all for me, “The closer we get to pure source, the less choices we have to make."

Just as like riding a wave, the closer we get to oneness with the ocean while we surf, the less deciding we do on the wave, and the more in the flow we become. Becoming in harmony with the ocean teaches us this simplicity that is so very healing and applicable to every walk of life.

Leah Dawson wears the Swami's in Tiles. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

KEEP TRAVELING THROUGH AUSTRALIA:

Adventures in Oz: Byron Bay Beauties x The Drifter

2015-03-22T13:40:00-07:00

Lola Mignot in Byron Bay, photo by Ming Nomchong.

The anticipation was rising, and Byron Bay's famed glassy perfection didn't disappoint.

Being foreigners in roaming cell phone tower zones, connecting in real life with our Aussie family branches was a game of comment tag through Instagram posts and email chats on stolen Wi-Fi. And when the stars finally aligned for California Seeababes Mele Saili and Lola Mignot to share waves with Byron Babes Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald, Lauren L. Hill and photographer Ming Nomchong, it was heaven-sent fun.

Special thanks to Ming Nomchong for capturing the blissful session. Don't miss her blog, The Drifter for more salty inspiration.

Mele Saili wears the Seea Swami's in Blue Fossil. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Lola Mignot wears the Seea Mundaka Wrap Top and Solimar Bikini Bottoms in Luna. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

The inspiring Lauren Hill slices through the crowd. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

A brilliant dance. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

The graceful gliding of Mele Saili. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald wearing the Leucadia High-Waist bottoms in Luna. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Lola over the edge. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Filmmaker Nathan Oldfield joined in the fun. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Bing surfboards team rider, Lauren Hill. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Lola Mignot. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

MORE SEEABABES IN OZ:

Seeababes sweep the Noosa Festival of Surfing 2015!

2015-03-16T16:06:00-07:00

Mele Saili in Noosa. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

The annual Noosa Festival of Surfing feels like the best global reunion. Every year, we are grateful for the spiderweb of Aussie connections that grows wider and happier with each visit. Starting at the Sydney airport, we pile into a caravan of surf mobiles, camp and surf along the way to the eastern coastline for the festival.

This year, we are so proud of the Seeababes that swept the women's events! Congratulations to Karina Rozunko who placed first in the Maui Jim Sunglasses Women's Pro and second in the Goddess Women's Open, Mele Saili who placed first in the Goddess Women's Open and Lola Mignot who placed second in LED Design Junior Women.

For full results go to the Noosa Festival of Surfing website HERE.

Karina Rozunko during one of the heats at the Noosa Festival of Surfing 2015. Photo via Noosafestivalofsurfing.com

Mele Saili after one of her heats at the Noosa Festival of Surfing 2015. Photo via Noosafestivalofsurfing.com

Cool and confident, Makala Smith at the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Photo via @letmesea on Instagram.

Another great shot of Mele Saili leaning in. Photo via @letmesea on Instagram.

Winner of the Women's Open Mele Saili during the final round. Photo by Narrow Path Media.

Second place in the Junior women's, Lola Mignot goes in reverse. Photo by Narrow Path Media.

Another one of Karina Rozunko flying, winner of the Women's Pro. Photo by Narrow Path Media.

Congrats again to the Seeababes who placed and competed!

MORE SURF FESTIVAL FUN:

The Perfect Travel Accessory: Mayde Beach Towels

2015-01-07T08:28:00-08:00

Seea Hermosa in Limestone with Mayde towel. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Swimsuits and towels are like a surfboard and fin, two complementary parts that pretty much always travel to the beach together. We loved Mayde’s Turkish towels in vibrant stripe designs and the more we got to know the adorable couple behind the company, it was a match made in beach paradise to put our two styles together.

Mayde was founded by husband and wife team, Sylvia and Tim Hill in the Gold Coast of Australia. Sylvia had given up work at the time to raise their newborn son Duke, but was feeling itchy feet to start a project during his naptimes. It hit them to revive an old idea Tim had to start a towel business. Who doesn’t need towels and even more tempting if they're stylish?

They put their creative minds together (Tim’s background in apparel and retail, and Sylvia’s in fashion and music/entertainment) and reinvigorated historic Turkish towels (peshtemals) that date all the way back to the Ottoman Empire and were traditionally used in the hammams (Turkish bath houses). Because the woven fabric texture of Turkish towels appears more similar to a luxe cotton dishtowel than a terrycloth towel, they are lighter weight, faster drying and roll up in a smaller space, not to mention could be turned into a wrap or scarf — a single multipurpose accessory that a busy mom, or any vagabond beach girl would love.

Seea Jalama Bikini in Sea Glass. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Sylvia swears by them from first hand experience. “They were a God-send when I was last in Istanbul — giving me warmth when I was travelling in the cold wind on open top buses and ferries, the perfect blanket on flights and airport layovers, and even as a scarf on the cooler days. I was also able to use it as a cover when I visited any mosques and was the perfect thing to sit on whenever I stopped for a while to rest (and being pregnant on that trip meant I took LOTS of rest stops!). It was my go-to item everyday whilst I was travelling,” she says.

“When you buy a Turkish towel, you're not even really buying just a towel. You're purchasing something that spans the seasons, can be used from room to room or can even be a fashion statement. The way you use it is up to you,” she says.

Case in point: “I definitely got a kick out of seeing the young son of a photographer using one of our towels to hang off a tree on a beach, like a little monkey. Even kids get creative with the way they use these towels!”

Check out all the colors of Mayde Turkish towels, blankets and bath towels (including some terry versions) seen in their photoshoot here and more at their website: Mayde.com.au!

Seea Hermosa in Limestone. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Chicama in Cable Knit. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Monterey in Black Diamond. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Pacifica Legging in Purple Shell. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Chicama in Cable Knit. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Thanks to Mayde Australia @mayde_australia and crew!

Photographer: Chris Cooney @chrisscooneyphotography
Hair/makeup: Tara Wheatley @mercer_makeupandstyling
Photographer and styling Assistant: Dajana Cahill @dajanabanana
Model: Tegan Dermek @tegaan

MORE FASHION:

Better than Coachella, the Byron Bay Surf Festival

2014-10-31T16:57:00-07:00

Byron Bay Surf Festival 2014!

We imagine that the Byron Bay Surf Festival is like a surfer's version of Coachella, but even better because it's at the beach! The three-day festival held Oct. 24-26 was a coastal bum’s dream of sensorial happiness: live music concerts, surf movie screenings, expression sessions, yoga, SurfLit Lounge, artists and brands selling awesome stuff and way more events to please the eyes, ears, body and creative mind than we can list.

Seeababes Makala Smith, Leana Rack and Chrystal Fitzgerald were up in it all last weekend and still smiling days after from the vibes. They guided us through some of their festival highlights!

All the surf-related events were held at Wategos Beach, a gorgeous world class point break. Board demos and expression sessions had the water packed all weekend long, and even the sand was a space for creativity. Sand drawings were done by a local artist that gets up at 4am to draw on the fresh and untouched beach.

Wategos Beach in the early morning.

Sand Art on the beach.

Close-up of the sand art.

There was plenty of socializing and happenings to check out between surf sessions, or just have a minute to take it all in.

Makala hanging out on the grass. Photo courtesy of Byron Bay Surf Festival.

The festival field.

Chrystal Fitzgerald with Drifter Bali friends at the Surf Art Market. Photo courtesy of @dawnwolfdreamer on Instagram.

Gato Heroi in the Wild Things installation.

Closer look at the boards that are also like works of art.

Beach day!

Yoga for surfers stretching. Photo courtesy of Bryon Bay Surf Festival.

Feed your mind in the Surf Lit Lounge. Great thinkers and local legends talked about their love for surfing and the surf life.

Surf Lit schedule. Photos courtesy of Bryon Bay Surf Festival and Chelsea Palmer.

The inspiring story of Pascale Honore in the Surf Lit series was an inspiration to show that anybody can surf. Pascale became a paraplegic 19 years ago as a result of a car accident and had always wanted to surf from spending so much time watching on the shore. One of her son's friends Ty Swan strapped her on his back and they were off, Duct Tape Surfing!

Donate $1 for a pair of headphones!

Board made out of bottles! And he actually surfs it.

~ A S a l t y L i f e ~ What a weekend. Byron Bay has just spent the weekend vibe'ing off it's face on surf culture and today's @coronaextra_au party wave was an awesome finish to the best festival in Byron Bay. A massive thanks to the whole festival team for all their hard work in creating a very special event that is held dear to the hearts of all surfers. And a special thanks to the RADEST media team for capturing all the magic. @_carlybrownphotography_ @bethanyrylesphotography_ @stefanjosefilms Couldn't of done it without you legends. See you all at the @beachhotelbyronbay this arvo for the official after party of the @byronbaysurffestival #festival #jobdone #byronbay #surffestival

A photo posted by M I N G N O M C H O N G (@thedrifterblog) on Oct 10, 2014 at 9:49pm PDT

See you next year, Byron! For more photos, check out the Byron Bay Surf Festival website and this video produced by the festival.

Buzzing on 'Surf Culture' | BBSF 2014 from Byron Bay Surf Festival on Vimeo.

All photos courtesy of Byron Bay Surf Festival, Makala Smith and Chelsea Palmer unless otherwise noted.

KEEP ON TRAVELING THROUGH AUSTRALIA:

Seea Now in Australia!

2014-10-18T00:19:00-07:00

Leana in the Palmas in Copper and Chrystal in the Gaviotas in Tea Leaf. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Beach communities in front of point breaks, organic farmers markets, surf family culture and some of the most stylish gliding ladies in the line-up — Australia feels like a sister to Southern California.

In honor of our arrival into the Southern Hemisphere, Seeababe Chrystal Fitzgerald and our Australia representative Leana Rack teamed up with photographer Ming Nomchong for just another day in the life of a Bryon Bay babe — with a 1950s twist. Special thanks to Jason Collins from Classic Cool Byron Bay, Maya and Liss (Life in the Slow Lane) who lent their beloved and well-kept vintage vehicles for the shoot.

“From the rustic beach house, to getting away in your very own caravan and having a surf where ever you find yourself, it’s living the dream life in a day!” says Chrystal of the creative collaboration that depicted what it feels like to live in Australia.

Read on to be swept away to Byron Bay and find out the list of surf shops where you can now find Seea in Australia and New Zealand!

All photos by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Hermosa in Tea Leaf. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana in the Palmas in Copper. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana in the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Hermosa in Tea Leaf. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Monterey Bottom in Black Diamond. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Monterey Bottom in Black Diamond.Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana in the Palisades neoprene high-waist shorts. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the San-O in Black/Ivory. Leana in the Riviera in Zilian. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the San-O in Black/Ivory. Leana in the Monterey Top in Black Diamond and Palisades high waist bottom. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the San-O in Black/Ivory.Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana in the Jalama in Sea Glass. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana in the Jalama in Sea Glass. Chrystal in the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Rincon jacket available only on funtemplates.com.Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Rincon jacket available only on funtemplates.com. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Marina neoprene pants available only on funtemplates.com. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Marina neoprene pants available only at funtemplates.com Photo by Ming Nomchong.


Chrystal in the Marina neoprene pants available only at funtemplates.com. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Carmel neoprene one-piece available only at funtemplates.com. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Rincon neoprene jacket and Marina pants one-piece available only at funtemplates.com. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal in the Rincon neoprene jacket and Marina pants one-piece available only at funtemplates.com, Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Thanks to all the hip Australians and Kiwis that were amongst the earliest supporters of Seea. Check out the list of shops below where you can now touch, try on and buy these Seea suits in Australia and New Zealand!

Fandango Surf Co., Yamba, NSW

Finbox Boardstore, Thirroul, NSW

Noosa Longboards, Noosa Heads, NSW

Patagonia Byron Bay, NSW

Salt Living, Coolangatta, Queensland

Siberia, Iluka, NSW

Sunhouse Surf Shop & Cafe, Coolangatta, Queensland

The Surfing Tribe, Christchurch, New Zealand

MORE AUSTRALIA & SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE GOODNESS:

World of Wavecraft with Crystal Fitzgerald and Leana Rack

2014-08-13T07:27:00-07:00

Aussie babes with their diverse wavecrafts. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

What’s the best wavecraft to ride? The one that will be the most fun! Surfgirl magazine’s latest issue featured Seeababe Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald and Seea’s Southern Hemisphere sales rep, Leana Rack talking about the boards they reach for the most.

Having a surfboard shaper as a husband, Chrystal has a constant flow of arrows in her quiver to experiment with. We asked the experts, "What do you get out of having a diverse quiver?" Chrystal answered with a smile, "More days in the water and even bigger grins." Leana added, "Appreciation, gratitude and endless joy in wave riding and ocean activities." Read on for more of the Seeababes' escapades in Aussie sliding.

Special thanks to photographer Ming Nomchong for capturing the fun session! Read on to see the story in Surfgirl magazine and Chrystal's quiver advice.

Chrystal Fitzgerald featured in the "Foam Glide Fun" story in Surfgirl magazine. Photos by Ming Nomchong.

What do you love about surfing different kinds of wavecraft?

Chrystal: The reason I love surfing different kinds of wavecraft is because, rain, shine, big, small, or nearly flat —whatever the conditions — I can get out there and enjoy the thrill of riding a wave. Each craft is unique in its function, therefore different techniques and approaches to wave riding are necessitated, this leads to growth as a surfer and is really fun.

Leana: I love the opportunity to connect to the wave from a different perspective and alternate periphery. Also, to have an experience in the ocean that creates new and unique sensations; such as speed or body sensation! It also creates an appreciation for the craft you may surf well, and the humility of taking out something you may not have ridden! So fun!

How do you choose what you want to ride on any given day?

Chrystal: My craft choice is ruled by the surf spot, the size and conditions, and what I feel like riding on the day. The place where I am surfing is of the greatest consideration.

Leana: I always chose my log first!! But I read the tide, size of the wave and type of break and go from there!

Chrystal with a board shaped by her husband, Joel Fitzgerald. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal with her handplane wearing her favorite bodysurfing combo: the Seea Palomar Crop Top over the San-O One-Piece. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal gets down low. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Chrystal catches a little peeler. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Which board in particular have you been reaching for the most and why?

Chrystal: 7'0 Sea Gypsy with drifta fin set up, which I can ride as a single fin, shaped by my husband Joel Fitzgerald for all around conditions, its just super and easy to get waves on.

Leana: I reach for my 9'4" Takayama single fin log but it does depend on the conditions. If it is bigger and punchier, I LOVE the surf mat!

For bodysurfing, mat surfing or paipo in particular, what Seea suits work the best and why?

Chrystal: When I'm laying down or completely submerged in the ocean as I am on a Paipo, bodysurfing or matting, and rely on my upper body more, I choose to wear the Seea Hermosa suit, as it covers my chest and arms giving me the security and functionality I need. Alternatively I use the San-O suit with a Seea rashguard over the top.

Leana: Seea suits are the very best in design, function and form. They give coverage, beautiful lines shaped on the body and comfort. I like pairing the Palomar in Tea Leaf cropped rashie with the Palisades 2mm high waisted neoprene bottoms = PERFECT.

Leana Rack featured in the "Foam Glide Fun" story in Surfgirl Magazine. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana has a blast on her mat. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana wears the Seea Palomar Crop Top and Palisades neoprene shorts. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Leana makes a smooth turn on her longboard. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Shop Chrystal and Leana's favorites: The Palomar Crop Top in Black Diamond, San-O One-Piece in Limestone, The Palomar Crop Top in Tea Leaf and Palisades High Waist Neoprene Shorts.

Want to learn more about surfboards? Read about the art of surfboard shaping in our interview with shaper Christine Brailsford!

Southern Hemisphere here we come! Welcoming Leana Rack to the Seea family!

2014-04-30T09:51:00-07:00

Meet our new sales ambassador in Australia, Leana Rack in the San-O! Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

The first time Leana Rack skimmed across the water on a longboard, her body’s innate nature took over.

“You feel like you have done it all your life but you just got to the water in that moment,” describes Leana — a classically trained ballerina — about her first feelings of surfing. “It’s already in you, that movement, that motion with the wave and your surfboard.”

Though Leana began surfing later in life, her awareness of the earth, bodily grace and self-assured intuition easily transformed her into being captivating natural water dancer. On land, Leana parlays her sense for style into her own fashion agency, Prism that now represents Seea in Australia! We were won over by Leana’s beaming personality and like-minded values to build Seea’s relationships with the best-fitting stores in the Southern Hemisphere.

Leana instinctually moves. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Leana’s home around Byron Bay at the most eastern tip of Australia is akin to many parts of coastal California and the people who live there: world class point breaks and alternative wavecraft riders, wild national parks to explore and tight knit surf beach communities dotted along the coast.

From ballet dancer in the city of Melbourne to surf fashion on the coastline, Leana shared with us her journey and why she loves to call Australia home.

Leana's favorite sign.

Watego's Lines rolling in.

What's the surf culture like in Australia?

Beach life and ocean activities are ingrained in our culture here. Surfing has grown exponentially and surf culture has always been a huge part of Australia’s identity. What is especially beautiful is that the number of women surfing has expanded so much, and the female surfer — that traditional “surfer girl” — has gained a much stronger presence in our ocean community with a more sincere appreciation.

What's Byron Bay’s style and your community of friends there?

Byron Bay has a unique and breathtaking setup with Arakwal National Park surrounding Australia’s most easterly lighthouse. On the eastern side known to locals as “the cape,” are two beautiful point breaks and some of the most perfect longboarding waves in the world, the Pass and Watego's Lines. On the western side is an endless stretch of long beach breaks and stunning headlands.

My friends here are my family and we are a connected group of surfers, artisans and passionate humans. They continue to inspire me and enrich my existence. My lady sliding friends and I work on projects together, support each other’s creative journeys, passions, joys, and strive to protect that which is precious to us, especially the ocean. Most recently Lauren Hill, Chrystal Fitzgerald, myself and a group of dedicated and brave local women produced The Vagina Monologues to raise monies for an organization called Assist A Sista that provides homes and safe havens for women and children who have been subjected to domestic violence and other highly traumatic situations. We raised $23K for them in one night! It was incredible!

Leana shops at the local farmer's market.

How did you first get into the fashion industry?

I grew up in a small town on the mid-north coast of New South Wales (NSW). I spent most of my earlier years until the age of about 25 in the dance world. After completing a specialized BA in Dance/Drama at Deakin University in Melbourne, I was practicing classical ballet, contemporary dance, choreographing dance works and dance modeling.

After living and working overseas and also in Melbourne, Victoria, I moved back up the coast to have a quieter existence and be closer to family and nature. In the North Coast of NSW, I worked in sales for a small boutique label and then furthered my studies at Tafe NSW in Fashion Design and Technology. Having extensive skills in garment construction and fittings, I became the fit model for a local women’s surf brand. I continued to work at the brand for a number of years in sales, marketing and administration.

Now I have just set up a small fashion agency called Prism and will be Seea’s Australian and New Zealand representative. For me, the joy in creating relationships and my love for beautifully constructed garments has led me to where I am now. A deep passion and love for the movement, and beauty in life is always translated into my working environment.

Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

How did you get introduced to surfing?

I did not surf as a kid as my mum was a ballet teacher, hence my career in the dance world! But, I had always loved and lived near the sea even in the city, and I feel like I always knew that one day I would have the chance to connect to the ocean on a much deeper level. It was not until I moved to Byron Bay that I had my first longboard hand-shaped and hand-painted for me by a friend that I began my journey as a surfer. Humbling and precious, I will never forget those first few moments like starting a new relationship. I finally got the chance to dance upon the sea!

Leana's gets ready for a surf. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

How is surfing part of your life?

The ocean and surfing for have become an innate part of my life. For all the things that the sea has taught me about myself and shown me — I am steeped in gratitude. To be able to be completely connected and present is such an incredible gift. It is a sacred place to be, just like yoga.

[Like yoga,] there’s no outcome, there’s no one looking. There’s nothing in it other than your own relationship and reflection of time that you have with yourself. Just to be in the moment and have no expectations of the moment will always reveal the path and changes in your body or skills at some point. If you keep doing something you can only incrementally improve. I think the joy is doing it without that expectation.

Leana at one of her favorite point breaks. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

What does surfing give to you?

Surfing has changed my life on so many levels. For me the sea is like a big amazing mirror: she reflects you, so in that way it is a place of healing, absolute joy, devotion and respect. It allows you to be completely connected to nature and the earth’s natural rhythm and breath. Surfing is also really really FUN. I love riding a traditional log and love the feeling of being in full trim, such an amazing feeling!

Byron Bay sunrise.

The Hinterland in Byron Bay at dawn. Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Lennox Head, one of the famous surf breaks around Byron Bay, Australia.

Why is Byron Bay special and what are your favorite places?

I feel like I live in a part of the world that has a real beauty and sacredness. Incredible nature, surf breaks, yoga, designers and the most incredibly conscious food and health community. So amazing and I also share my life with amazing friends.

The Pass (Palm Valley) at sunset would have to be one of my most special places, a longboard wave that peels forever and a sunset that takes your breath away. My absolute favorite place in the world here is a secret, hahahaha.

Leana's outdoor office. Photo by Nathan Oldfield

Welcome to the family Leana! Photo by Nathan Oldfield.

Keep exploring Oz by reading about our first Australia-based Seeababe Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald.

Shop Leana's favorite suit, The San-O!

Shops interested in carrying Seea in Australia may contact Leana Rack at [email protected].

Seea Kin: Interview with Lauren Hill

2013-02-22T15:14:00-08:00

Photo of Lauren Hill by Swilly

We are continually inspired by intelligent lady gliders whose extracurricular passions include making art and doing good. Environmental activist Lauren L. Hill is wholeheartedly all of the above and more.

We were pen pals with Lauren before meeting her in person in Pisa, Italy after we came back from the girls surf trip in Sardegna.

Lauren currently lives between Florida (she was born in St. Augustine and grew up on Anastasia Island) and Byron Bay, Australia where her schedule is dictated by when’s the best time to surf. We caught up with Lauren to learn more about her many irons in the fire: a documentary surf filming trip to India; educating about gas drilling in Australia and her zine Sea Kin. The zine and website is a dense collection of stories and images compiled by famous surfers and relative unknowns that’s captivating from page to page. It swallowed up our afternoon in escapism like a good book while on vacation.

Read on to hear Lauren’s insight on the male/female dynamic in surfing cultures across the globe and what it means to label yourself as a feminist today.

Portrait of Lauren Hill by Takanami

Interview by Rhea Cortado

You call both Florida and Australia your home. Besides the surf, what about the culture of those two places makes them home?

I love the slow pace of Florida and, maybe more than anything else, I love the food: datil pepper sauces, lemony sweet tea, boiled peanuts and black bean burritos are basically a recipe for home.

Floridian surfers have exceptionally low standards for surf, and I take a bit of pride in that. Haha. We are born and bred with an appreciation for anything rideable, because the surf doesn’t get amazing all that often.

In my experience, Australians are comparatively quite snobby when it comes to judging the surf. But they have every right to be. You have to be picky as a surfer in Australia, because you could spend every waking hour getting good surf, by Floridian standards.

I love the beach culture of Australia. I guess it makes me feel less like a beach bum odd-ball when I’m surrounded by lots of others who really just want to be playing in the ocean all of the time. And they actually make it a priority. I also love Australian humor. They have a way of not taking things so seriously that is so very different from American culture.

What does the day-to-day of Lauren Hill look like?

For the past few years I’ve had distinct 6-month spells that are starkly different. I try to spend the first half of the year in Australia and then the [second] half of the year traveling with Florida as a home base.

I’m a bit of a homebody, so I really love staying still for the first half of the year. If there is surf (and there usually is), a typical day revolves around swell, wind and tides. My favorite days are when I get to ride a shortboard at one of the punchier points in the morning, followed by a big lunch of veggies from our garden, a sunset longboard slide in Byron, and then just collapsing in bed from surf exhaustion afterward. In between surfs are for writing, reading, gardening, nap taking, or researching.

As a female, how do you find the surf culture different from the US versus Australia? Is the male/female surfing culture dynamic different in Aus?

Surfing is taken much more seriously in Australia. It’s considered a “real” sport that garners the attention of the nightly news and the headlines of newspapers.

I definitely feel the gender divide more strongly in Australia, especially in the water. The history of Australia is a very rough, rugged and masculine one, and those characteristics still define a lot of Australian life. I know a number of well-traveled women who find Australian men to be some of the most generally chauvinistic of any they’ve met. I’m not sure whether or not I agree, but I definitely witness a good bit of macho-aggression in the water here.

With that said, there are probably more women surfing in Byron (where I live) than anywhere I’ve traveled to in the world. It’s awesome! It feels much more natural and inviting to have both women and men in the line-up. So, it’s a bit of an empowered feminine bubble that I live in, getting to be around so many women surfers, but I prefer it that way. Most of the men in the line-up aren’t complaining, either.


Photo of Lauren Hill by Swilly

Tell us more about your environmental activism work. What are your current projects and how can we get involved?

I’m working on a few projects at the moment:

1. The threat of Coal Seam Gas in our backyards here in Australia is really disconcerting, especially the inevitable poisoning of water that occurs as a causality of the process. Last weekend I visited another one of the exploratory drill sites in our area. It was perturbing to see drills already in the ground, hunting for gas so near to home, and so close to world class surf breaks. The local community there has been demonstrating for weeks, trying to ward off Met Gas Co. from carrying on, but to no avail. The amount of shortsighted greed and destruction involved in CSG in unthinkable. We must prevent these corporations from pillaging our homelands and waters. To get educated and involved read here. And watch: 101 East: Risky Business on Youtube.

2. I’m helping with The Economics of Happiness Conference here in Byron, held at the community centre March 15th-17th. It’s an amazing gathering of thinkers and activists from around the world who will speak and hold workshops about localization. All kinds of topics will be covered, including education, economics, art, surfing, health, community, and ecology, for example.

3. In April I’ll be traveling to India with a crew of four other lady sliders for the first all-female surfing/humanitarian documentary trip:

"With unshakable determination for a better world, we—Crystal Thornburg-Homcy, Liz Clark, Emi Koch, Ishita Malaviya and Kate Baldwin and myself—will travel through Southern India. Our goal is to document the ways that surfing, yoga, and ecological creativity are bringing hope and fueling change for local people and the Planet. We’ll be making a film of the journey. Help us fund the trip!

The Kovalam Surf Club in India

What do you find are the biggest challenges when you are educating people about environmentalism? What is your approach to overcoming those?

I don’t really aspire to educate people, I just like to share what I’ve learned and experienced. Most people are more receptive to hearing first hand accounts instead of abstract facts and figures. And that’s the real strength and importance of surfers being environmental custodians—we’re canaries in the coalmine. We’re not in labs studying the slow decay of marine ecosystems, we get sick from ocean water filled with runoff and we are on the beaches that are littered with plastics. I appreciate book learning, but experiential knowledge helps bring environmental issues to life.

I tend to find trying to share ideas about gender much more challenging than talking about environmental issues. Most people can see the ways that we are altering our planet now, but it’s much more difficult for most to clearly see something as deeply ingrained as gender and how destructive rigid conceptions of gender can be for men and for women.

Photo of Lauren Hill by Swilly

You've said that you support feminist and ecofeminist issues--what does it mean to be a feminist today? Why is it important, especially as a surfer?

Feminism means standing up for equality and recognizing that the feminine has traditionally been overlooked and undervalued.

For example, women and men tend to surf differently. Instead of celebrating this, most people (women included) tend to judge women as inferior surfers. The way men surf has been accepted as the best way. In reality, women’s surfing tends to emphasize characteristics that are just different to the way men ride waves.

Feminism means that all people should have the right to choose how they want to be, unfettered by social impositions of how they “should” be.

Feminism is about supporting men AND women. Men have just as many crazy expectations placed on them as women—to look and act in certain ways—and men suffer from those pressures just like we do. Most men in western cultures have essentially been taught to deny any semblance of femininity. And that’s not fair, or possible, for any holistically healthy human, in the same way that it’s crazy to deny that all women also possess what we call “masculine” traits.

So many women of my generation and younger are terrified of the word feminist. They associate it with being angry, man bashing or think that it’s no longer relevant. It’s such a shame.

We need look no further than our own surfing culture to see gender imbalances at work. One of the founding missions of second wave feminism was to attain equal pay for equal work for women and men. Today in the US women still only earn .76 cents on the dollar for what a man earns for doing the same job. And if you want to see extreme inequality, look at the pay gap between women and men on the ASP world tour. Women are able to earn only a fraction of what men earn for winning contests. I don’t really follow contests or care much for them, but it’s still not fair, and it’s undeniable proof of the devaluation of women’s work and unique talents.

Sea Kin is a really impressive collection with a variety of stories and diverse contributors. How did you compile submissions? How did you choose what made it in the magazine?

Thank you. The Sea Kin ‘Zine is basically a compilation of surf culture the way that I see it. The articles and imagery are all by and about my friends, really. It’s filled with the musings of creative, passionate, and open-hearted sea kin, united by our love of the ocean and envisioning different paths for what it means to be a surfer.

Images from Sea Kin zine

What is your vision for the Sea Kin blog and website?

I’d love for it to be a hub for creative thinkers, sliders, and do-ers; a place to share the stories that are so often overlooked by mainstream surf media.

We know picking a favorite board is like picking a favorite child. But which boards in your quiver do you find yourself reaching for most often lately?

My go to log is a Bing Silver Spoon; I basically never travel without it (which can be incredibly frustrating at times, due to its size and weight). I love the subtlety of small waves and there’s nothing like the glide of a heavy single fin log. Lately, I’ve also been loving my 7’3 Bing Raven single fin. It’s so playful.

I see so many cute surf wetsuits, swimwear and lifestyle women’s brands come out of Australia! What is it about the culture and people there that is conducive to creativity and those products?

I think that the average Australian woman tends to be more fashion-forward than the average American gal. When you combine that passion for fashion with the outdoorsy nature of Australian life, it seems like we end up with some pretty innovative takes on surf wear.

Sometimes the more popular line-ups around here look like fashion parades—filled with women and men getting really into what they wear in the water. As long as people are having fun, it’s awesome.

What are some of the most valuable lessons that surfing taught you?

To be still and listen.

Photo of Lauren Hill by Dawe

Lina Reyero: Seea babe in Byron Bay

2011-12-14T13:56:00-08:00

Here are some awesome shots of Argentinian beauty Jorgelina Reyero surfing in the Bolinas suit.

Photos by Gus Goozee.

Riding a rad fish in Bali.

Nice waves my friend!!! Good thing you remembered to keep the second shoulder strap for this session ;)

Logging at her home break, Wategos.

And here is an enchanting video of one of her solo session in Byron Bay.

Video by Rest your eyes.

Enjoy ~