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by Caitlyn Roux March 18, 2022 4 min read
We got the opportunity to interview Elizabeth from @curvysurfergirl, as part of our joint collaboration for SEPTEMBER's new SS22 surf swimwear range - Collection Nº6.
Reversible Jane Top & Alice Bottom in Sky Blue/Glacial Blue
As mentioned in a Forbes article, Elizabeth is 'the movement making waves for plus-size athletes'. We teamed up with Elizabeth, a change-maker in the surfing industry, to design a range of swimwear that includes sizes up to 2XL.
Being an independent woman-owned and small-batch production brand, up until now we did not have the resources to expand our sizing offering. However, we are so excited to be able to break down the barrier to size-inclusive swimwear and offer more sizes.
Our collaboration features the:
We are particularly excited about this collaboration as it gives SEPTEMBER the opportunity to explore unknown territory. Being an independent woman-owned and small-batch production brand, up until now we did not have the resources to expand our sizing offering. However, we now get to start breaking down our barrier to size-inclusive swimwear and offer sizes for more beautiful female figures.
We set up an interview with Elizabeth to scratch below the surface and get to know the inspiring woman behind the popular @curvysurfergirl Instagram account.
Tell us a bit about your surfing journey: how you got into it and what you love about surfing?
I took my first surf lesson in October of 2012 on a trip to Hawaii. Ever since I caught my first wave I was totally addicted! I felt so at home in Hawaii, and in 2017 I permanently relocated to Oahu where I began taking lessons with my surf school Ohana Surf Project. I had numerous insecurities, especially around my weight and learning so much later in life than the typical surfer. However, my surf instructor Chelsea constantly inspired and motivated me to continue through the many challenges and victories I experienced. Thanks to her and the surf instructors at OSP I continue to develop into the surfer everyone knows today.
What was your inspiration behind starting the IG account @curvysurfergirl?
I began the process of following the growing body positive movement in 2018 along with other numerous social media influencers online. I somehow thought surfing and athletic spaces were exempt from the body-positive movement because I had never really found or seen influencers in athletic spaces. Surf media has been dominated by incredible athletes with perfect bodies for so long, that my primary focus was on trying to be more like them by losing weight and being a better surfer. However, after the loss of my job in 2020 to the pandemic, I spent more time in the body-positive social media space, and eventually one day after surfing I saw a photo of Kanoa Green with her surfboard. At that moment it dawned on me - why wasn't surfing part of the body-positive movement? Rather than waiting for someone else to come along and invent it, I decided to start building the community I'd always hoped to find myself and that was the beginning of the Curvy Surfer Girl movement almost two years ago this summer!
Reversible Jane Top & Alice Bottom in Army Green/Forest Green
How did you come to know about SEPTEMBER?
I learned about SEPTEMBER by scrolling through social media and following some of my favorite surfer girls who were wearing and modeling their super cute swimsuits! I loved the designs, elegance, and sustainability of the brand and became an instant follower and fan.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day usually involves spending time out in the ocean whether surfing, swimming, diving, or boating. I also enjoy the process of posting and creating content while connecting with the online Curvy Surfer Girl community in the comments section and direct messages. I spend the remainder of the day with my Great Dane rescue, Koa, and catch up with friends over the phone, complete household chores and respond to media requests.
What do you, alongside other women within your community represent in the world of surf today?
We represent the modernization of surfing through inclusion and diversity. Surfing in the last 50+ years has portrayed such a narrow perspective of women selling swimsuits or the thrill of elite athleticism. However, there are thousands of women around the world of all shapes, sizes, ages, and skills who practice surfing with little to no representation. Our community is creating and celebrating the many aspects of surfing that have long been overlooked by traditional media. This new representation is welcoming even more women into the tradition of surfing while celebrating exactly who we are in the present moment.
Ami One Piece in Burnt Sienna & Ami One Piece in Sargents Blue/Peacoat
Why do you believe creating this change in the surfing community is so important?
This change is so important because all women deserve to feel celebrated, welcomed, and excited to participate in the activities they love like surfing. This change is eliminating not only the stigma and shame associated with body image, ageism, and ability but also tangible barriers to entry like size-inclusive swimwear and wetsuits needed to participate in the sport.
What message do you aim to share with women all over the world?
The message is simple, surfing is for everybody! It's time to celebrate the amazing body you are in and experience the joy of riding waves!
Read more about Elizabeth through her website, and other relevant articles like, The Inertia. Give @curvysurfergirl a follow for some inspiring, encouraging and all-inclusive content!
X Erika + SEPTEMBER
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by Erika Togashi October 21, 2022 3 min read
by Caitlyn Roux April 11, 2022 3 min read
by Caitlyn Roux January 14, 2022 3 min read 2 Comments
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I couldn't love the Rita top more! It's provide the perfect amount of support (I wear a 34C) and looks really cute on too.
This bikini set has quickly become my favorite. It's the perfect blend of style and function. I love that when I travel, I only have to take one bikini because it covers everything - perfect for sunbathing and chilling and stays in place when I'm surfing - done and done!
The Ami one piece style provides the perfect amount of coverage and support, making it a best choice for activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing or chasing kid on the beach! Overall, the Ami one piece is a great choice for anyone looking for a swimsuit that combines both style and function.
This black one piece really has it all, it’s comfortable, flattering and stays on even in the ocean. Never have to worry about a slip again. Perfect booty coverage as well!!
I look better in this suit than I expected/hoped. Compliments from friends are overwhelming haha. Love the back design and the material! So lux and soft and I keep touching myself hahaha. Would love to get different colors if there ever will be 🤍
I love the color and fit of these leggings! The material is soft and I felt super comfortable training in it at the gym. I can't wait to give it a try for yoga! I would recommend these leggings paired with the Isa Sports Bra. Such a gorgeous set!
Sometimes I have nowhere to put my phone when I'm at the gym and I must say this top took that stress away! Its back interior pocket is super useful and I'm able to train without having to worry about my phone falling out. I also LOVE the unique color and soft material. It looks awesome when paired with the Mahogany Hustle leggings!
I love the material and color! I feel confident surfing and swimming in it even though it is just a hair small for me but I have always had a hard time finding sizes. Love it! Would definitely recommend this brand to friends
I love everything about the Lucky bottom (and the matching Eden top). I spent a long time searching for a bikini that stays *on* while surfing and this definitely meets that standard. It's also super comfortable and just slips on. The high waist and full coverage bottom are not only feminine and flattering but add a touch of modesty, which I truly appreciate as someone who seeks out more coverage in my surf and swimwear. Definitely my go-to bikini when it comes to surfing. Also, the Plum colour is LIFE! :)
I used it just for swimming on the ocean and jumping off places and is very comfy, stays on its place at all times. The fabric is of good quality and soft to the touch.
Also it seems that as long as you take care of it it won’t become loose.
I love this bikini top! Is so comfy that I even use it as a bra! I rrlove the color green as well! It fits perfectly!
I love this top - stays put, comfortable, seems like it will last.
I feel so elegant and put together in it. Bonus, it stays put for trying out new sports on boards... like wing surfing! I usually wear a size small in most outdoor activewear, but based on the reviews and models measurements I decided to go with M. It was a good choice, but the small may have also worked! I am 5'5" 125lbs, 34 bust, 28 waist, 37 hips.
Great colors and definitely quality material! The cut is super cute, but is for those with small torsos and larger bottom--like an hourglass figure--so take into consideration with sizing. I'm usually a small, but am returning because I would need a medium (5'5", ~130lbs, but I have a straight figure--bottoms fit great, but too small in waist and shoulders).
Love this top. It's light weight and soft. I wish the other colors and prints were in stock- I'd buy another one.