by Erika Togashi March 18, 2022 4 min read
We got the opportunity to interview Elizabeth from @curvysurfergirl, as part of our joint collaboration for SEPTEMBER's newest swimwear range.
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.
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!
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.
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 Charlotta Linder June 19, 2025 1 min read
A short Q&A with Dana Hamann—surfer, retreat host, and co-creator of DanceLightly Surf & Awareness Retreats. We chat about what inspired her journey, life in Lombok, and her deep connection to the ocean.
by Charlotta Linder May 20, 2025 3 min read
Erika and Nat discuss the SEPTEMBER x Alaia Mentawai collaboration, sharing their creative journey and what inspired the collection.
by Charlotta Linder January 24, 2025 2 min read 1 Comment
Discover why winter waves are always worth it—our top tips for staying warm, making every chilly surf session unforgettable, and enjoying those post-surf moments. 🍵
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Stumbled across this suit at the Xanadu surf shop on Lombok and loved the green bean print! But ahh the fit is amazing. Truly one of the first surf bikinis that I feel confident wont fly off if I get hit by a big wave. I bought the same style in red too! So cute and *actually functional!
Ahh I'm obsessed. Truly one of the first surf bikinis that I can feel confident wont fly off! I have the matching top and bottom and cannot stop wearing them. I bought the same style in red too! So cute and functional!
The made of this bottom is just perfect…fabric felt soft and smooth while hugging the body perfectly. It’s a modest coverage but still had me feeling free and not restricted in the hips area while surfing! Love love love this:)
The cutting of the top is flattering and felt so secured during my surf session. The print is just perfect. 10/10
If you are extremely fair like me but spend hours in the sun this is your top for no more burns. Covering neck,chest and hands has been a game changer for me in the water. I even wear this top mountain biking! Highly recommend if you want a cute and flattering top but want to take care of your skin.
Amazing surf suit bottom that stays snug if you’re spending hours in the water- I’m always skeptical of lighter prints being see through but this pattern is not at all, it’s a thick material but feels light on the skin. Super happy with these bottoms and have already taken them in three surf trips!
i originally bought this because i had burned my bum pretty badly & not only did it prevent this from ever happening again but it stays on perfectly and doesn’t leave a hard tan line. big fan😍😍
heya guys, i recently bought this bikini and IM LOVING IT😍😍 i have a hard time finding a bikini that keeps everything inside the top, in general but especially for surfing and im sooo impressed with how safe the top is despite being super comfortable and light! thanks so much for making these 🫶🏼🫶🏼
This is officially my favorite suit to surf in! The Alaia Surf Suit keeps everything perfectly in place so I can focus on surfing without worrying about adjusting anything. I usually pair it with the Scorpion Rashguard, and together they make the perfect set functional, comfortable, and stylish.
I also love wearing it to the beach with my daughter. We can run around, play, and still feel super cute. The material is amazing you can really tell that Erika and the team at September know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to both performance and design.
This is now my summer staple. Feels very cool with the heat when it’s wet.
I’ve recently been surfing in this top and honestly can’t believe how comfortable a rashguard can be. I’m a redhead, so sun protection is super important and this top nails it. The thumb holes offer extra coverage on the backs of my hands, and the higher neckline gives great protection without feeling restrictive.
What really surprised me is how soft it is. So many rashguards feel rough or end up causing more of a rash, but this one is buttery soft and gentle on the skin, even after long sessions in the water. September really got everything right with this piece functional, protective, and super comfortable.
Suit fits true to size and feels perfect in the Honolulu summer ocean! I hope it lasts forever!
Love the print and the fabric. Perfect for diving !
Great top, fits well and true to size. Super soft material. The print is vibrant and detailed. I surfed in it the other day. It was comfortable the whole time and stayed in place.
Great surf top! Fits true to size and is secure. I am a 34C and the S fits my bust well. I do wish the straps had a bit more elastic for extra support but very pleased with the overall fit, comfort, and functionality!