by Erika Togashi March 02, 2020 2 min read

How does a person make dedicated "self-time" these days? Constant text messages, a longer and longer inbox, and nonstop social media can destabilize the best brain and soul. How, where and what to do to find wholeness?
After six hours on a plane and three hour car ride, I was in Northern Nicaragua ready to step into a week at Rise Up Surf Retreat with my collaborator, Kassia Meador. Months earlier, Rise Up reached out to me wanting to connect with like-minded people and brands to do something unique. I was elated because I had already been following them and loved their creativeness and energy. Quickly, the idea of hosting an all female surf retreat that would be solely dedicated to helping re-balance, re-center, and re-ground was born. Friend, fellow surfer, environmental enthusiast, and SEPTEMBER collaborator, Kassia Meador would be the ideal woman to co-host such a retreat. A retreat to focus on our feminine self - to breathe, surf, meditate, surf, share, listen, support, encourage, surf again, build and rebuild confidence, heal, and surf some more...what an ideal week lay ahead.

Kassia Meador

Erika Togashi - Founder / Creative Director for SEPTEMBER the Line
14 solo women arrived from all walks of life, ages (26-55+) and surf experience. Every woman came with her own personal reasons, hopes, needs, and goals. We all had different surf experience and we all constantly helped and encouraged each other. We gave each other our needed time and space - time to pause, breathe, think and remember why we were there and what's really important to each of us - whether it is a morning surf, spend more time with loved ones, more time alone, boundaries at work and out of work, reset that work/life balance, be kinder to ourselves, or surround ourselves with more positive people and information. Kassia's powerful and awakening sound journeys, along with daily yoga, helped balance it all.

Gloria, Loren, Jen, Jen & Theresa looking gorgeous in their SEPTEMBER suits & KassiaSurf Leggings
Nothing but laughs and smiles with this wonderful group of women.

Erika Togashi - The Scorpion Top with UPF50 helping to protect from the strong Central American sun
In the week we had together, I found it so powerful to look around in the line up and see all the women who were now new-found friends cheering each other on without egos...What a unique blessing to be with all these women who exuded encouragement, smiles, support, sharing, listening and open hearts for each other and ultimately for themselves!

A moment to remember. Such stunning women all wearing SEPTEMBER.

Kelly, Rise Up Surf Couch and Kassia

I have so much love and thanks for Corina of Rise Up and Kassia Meador for making this collaborative week happen with such an amazing group of women and I look forward to sharing some party waves again soon!
All photos by Loren Bradley
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by Charlotta Linder December 08, 2025 1 min read
Thoughtful picks for surfers, wellness lovers, and anyone prioritizing self love and ease.
by Charlotta Linder September 01, 2025 2 min read
Most swimwear lasts one summer. SEPTEMBER suits are different — designed for longevity, made with recycled Italian fabric, and trusted by surfers for over 3 years (and counting). Discover why timeless swimwear is the smartest, most sustainable choice you can make.
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.
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I love the print and I like how I feel secured wearing it. I will not showing anything when I wipe out :)
I really love the way this print looks with the retro cut. It's super cute for just lounging and hanging out or being more active. The fabric is super sturdy and the coverage is great for whatever activity you decide to part take in. It's my favorite suit of the season :)
I saw someone with this suit and had to order it for myself. I really like the fabric and fit. I’m a 60+ surfer and this suit gives me the support and coverage I need in a suit.
I love this suit. It has the coverage I was looking for, fits so well and the quality is top notch. I bought it for a scuba diving trip and wore it all day. I got a small top and large bottom. Would recommend!
This suit literally feels so good. The fabric is so beautiful and feel so hugged and supported. Doesn't move an inch while surfing!! I also just feel so girly being able to surf in a two piece. I normally have to surf in a one piece.. but this magic suit makes it possible to tan my tummy during my surf session. Just came home from a surf trip and it was almost like any other suit I brought didn't exist because I wore this one everyday.
I have this in basically every color. It's my ride or die bottom for coverage, protection and comfort.
My chest is always the first thing to burn on my body. I've been so good about protecting my face and not as vigilant about my chest and neck-- until now. This top is so cute and also very functional. I put it on sometimes mid-beach day when I feel the sun is cooking me most. I also like how it has the thumb hooks so you can protect your hands, too. I have this in multiple colors. I really like the fabric of the "Olive Eco Rib" color most. It's the most durable. I've taken it to Mexico in pretty solid surf and it stays put. It's nice to throw in your surf bag for travel incase of jellyfish or sea-lice since it will protect your arms, neck and hands while paddling.
This suit has quickly become a favorite. The coverage is perfect--secure, flattering and comfortable. The material is nice and thick too, so no worries about it being see-through. Comfortable, durable, and stylish for long surf sessions. I had been looking for a white surf suit for a while, since it is such a nice color to film and photograph, but I was concerned I wouldn't find one that offered the right coverage. This suit is up top the task!
I love how it feels and wear. The only thing is it runs small even if it by the size chart in USA measurements. I always wear a size a Medium but when ordering Medium here it runs a bit small so will need to order the next size up
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!