Skip to content
Mix & Match Your Perfect Set – 15% Off Your First Order Eco-Conscious Swimwear – Handmade to Order Designed by a Surfer, for Surfers
A Surfer’s Tale of Connection, Community, and Craftsmanship

A Surfer’s Tale of Connection, Community, and Craftsmanship

Written by: Marilia Capeli

|

Published on

|

Time to read 2 min

Kiley’s love affair with surfing began under the guidance of her dad—a lifelong wave rider himself. Like many surfers, her early experiences ranged from exhilarating to intimidating, but her passion only grew stronger over time. Today, she’s a testament to how surfing can shape not just a sport, but an entire lifestyle.

Early Days: Childhood Memories

“I started surfing with my Dad when I was a little girl,” Kiley recalls. Though she initially loved riding waves together, a terrifying wipeout at five made her step away for a while. But it didn’t take long for her to rediscover the stoke. “I quickly fell in love again when I started surfing with my friends. We’d beg our parents to drop us off at the inlet at sunrise, and we wouldn’t leave until it got dark—sometimes walking over five miles in bikinis, barefoot, and longboards in tow. I was addicted. I still am.”

Finding Peace and Clarity on the Water

As Kiley’s surfing matured, she realized the ocean offered more than a good time with friends—it became a spiritual sanctuary. “Being on the water brings me peace and clarity,” she explains. “It’s a therapeutic space where I feel connected to nature and my inner self. I’m ever amazed by and grateful for the ocean.”

Surfing as Lifestyle and Community

Whether she’s sneaking out for a quick session or carving out an entire day for the waves, surfing guides her schedule. “It’s a culture and lifestyle that shaped who I am,” Kiley says. Even her choice of surf spots reflects her quest for solitude and reflection. “My favorite local break is a quiet side street in Jacksonville. On a good day, it can rival the pier without the crowds. There’s something vulnerable and beautiful about allowing yourself to be alone in the ocean—respecting that you’re a guest in someone else’s home.”

Staple Pieces from A2: Practical & Fashionable

When it comes to gear, Kiley relies on A2 Swimwear for both style and function. Two standout favorites? “The strapless one piece with spring colors, and my pink halter neck one piece,” she says. “They support my surf sessions because they’re practical and fashionable. No wardrobe malfunctions, plenty of compliments, and I can show my unique style.” For Kiley, it’s about having surfwear tailored to her needs: “Just as boards are often handmade and tailored, why shouldn’t suits be the same?

Sustainability and Handmade Craft: A Surfer’s Responsibility

Kiley underscores the importance of sustainability for surfers: “One of the main traits of a surfer is to be environmentally conscious. The ocean is our livelihood, and we care to protect it.” She appreciates how A2 Swim’s handmade approach means less waste and more intention: “It’s both a craft and a shared experience between the creator and the wearer. There’s something special about knowing your suit was crafted by two skilled hands.”

Advice to New Surfers & Life Beyond the Lineup

Her wisdom for newcomers to the waves is straightforward: “Have fun, stick with it when it gets hard, and be respectful of the culture, etiquette, and safety practices.” That culture extends beyond surfing itself. For Kiley, the ocean has shaped her worldview, brought her a community of like-minded people, and expanded her sense of global connection. “It gives you something to never stop chasing. It humbles you and reminds you to be grateful. Not to mention it keeps me fit!”


In the Water, and in the World

Kiley’s story reflects the essence of A2 Swimwear: a blend of mindful craftsmanship, respect for the ocean, and a deep-rooted passion for surf culture. By choosing suits that are handmade to order, surfers like Kiley demonstrate a commitment not only to quality gear, but also to the planet they cherish.

Ready to discover your own go-to pieces? Check out our A2 collection and ride the waves in comfort, style, and sustainability.