Winners of SURFER’s Emerging Brands Grant Announced
“It was no easy feat, but after reviewing dozens of applications for the SURFER Emerging Brands Grant for the upcoming CARV Expo in San Diego, the field has been whittled down to four very deserving brands. After much discussion and research, we're ecstatic to share that Mamala Surf Wetsuits, Severson Originals, Avva and Faro Board Bags have all been awarded booths at the show this June at the San Diego Convention Center. Collectively, they embody the spirit, creativity and drive that it takes to turn a good idea into a thriving company. We couldn't be more proud to have them at CARV Expo and whole-heartedly believe they're well on their way to changing the game. Here's a little bit about each of the winners:
Mamala Surf Booth #701
Since Jack O'Neill first started experimenting with neoprene in the early 1950s wetsuit design and innovation has largely been the domain of men. Mamala's women-focused approach to wetsuit making is changing all that. Founded by Angela Horacek who saw an opportunity in the wetsuit market, the company engineers premium, performance-oriented suits for women. “Mamala Surf has created an authentic specifically designed cold water wetsuit to enhance women’s experience in the surf,” reads the description on their About Us page. “A woman’s wetsuit that is warm, flexible, soft, easy to get on and off, easy to paddle, light and stylish. Wetsuits made for women by women. The wetsuit women surfers have been looking for.”
Severson Originals Booth #700
”Classic surf style from one of surfing's most classic families, when we saw Severson Originals entry form it was a no-brainer. SURFER was founded in 1960 by John Severson, and as the publication celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, we felt it was important to keep it in the family. Launched by Benji and Dan Severson, the nephews of the late SURFER founder, they are “focused on showcasing the Severson family artwork on products you love to wear. Inspired from our history and heritage in surf culture and our passion for putting brush to canvas, ink to paper, and board to wave.””
AVVA Booth #703
”Coming straight out of the South Shore, Avva, which was founded by longtime pro and native Hawaiian Kekoa Cazimero, prides itself on being surfer owned and operated. The surf industry could certainly use more of that these days. Avva its at the intersection of surf and street styles with a healthy serving of aloha. “We are forever striving to nurture our unique platform of mixing street culture, action sports, and fashion that push the boundaries of creativity while being heavily influenced by the elements,” reads their brand description. “Offering fresh colors and unique print treatments elevating classic silhouettes, mixing street wear looks with surf inspiration.””
Faro Board Bags Booth #702
”Have board, will travel. Breathing new life into the board bag business, Faro Board Bags will get you there. Sustainably minded, Faro isn't just making board bags, they're rethinking how the critical surf gear is engineered and used. Their stated goal is to “mitigate over consumption through quality long lasting goods.”
“I had fallen in love with surfing and exploring parts of the world few will ever see. However, both at home and on the road, I noticed a common problem threatening the smaller corners of the world we are all drawn to: overconsumption,” explains Faro founder Jack Ventura. “I decided I needed to do something to help others and myself become part of the solution, rather than being more part of the problem. “So, I decided to make simple, durable products from rugged and sustainable materials, with the mission of mitigating overconsumption through quality, long-lasting goods!””
Congratulations to Severson Originals, AVVA and Faro Board Bags! We’ll see you at the show!
Thank you SURFER Magazine and CARV Expo for supporting emerging brands.
Read the original article, https://www.surfer.com/news/winners-of-surfers-emerging-brands-grant-announced.
Learn more about CARV expo, https://www.surfer.com/news/surfer-joins-forces-carv-expo-trade-show-san-diego.