Sola the Label - ABOUT US

Our journey with Sola began two years ago when we ventured to the southernmost part of Costa Rica. Between torrential rains and blazing hot afternoons, the Osa Peninsula reminded us of the toll nature’s elements can take during our endless surf sessions. Right then and there, we decided to embark on a mission to create a sustainable surf brand with a purpose—to protect our skin and allow us to spend more time in the ocean.

The journey to make our vision a reality was a long one. Flora is a documentary filmmaker and dedicated surfer from France, while Catherine is a shaper and ocean lifeguard from Quebec. We found common ground in our love for waves and were motivated to learn everything from scratch to create a surf brand using recycled materials to protect both the community and our environment.

As we explored the world together, our bond deepened through surfing and travel. Catherine lived for two years in her van, shaping boards along the California coast, while Flora traveled for almost three years in a camper truck, surfing all the waves she could find from California to Costa Rica. We believe we share this love for adventure and the ocean with the community Sola is building, and this drives us to create products that will follow you on your own quest for waves and freedom.

With a shared appreciation for minimalism and a keen eye for functional design, and driven by our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact, we started the brand with a hat made from recycled materials, ensuring durability without compromising on style. However, our journey was not without its challenges. It took countless hours and tireless effort to find a supplier willing to work with small quantities and recycled materials. Despite being turned away by many, we remained steadfast in our integrity and belief in our vision.

For us, Sola represents more than just a brand—it’s a manifestation of our shared love for the ocean, our dedication to a cleaner planet, and our belief in the transformative power of functional yet stylish design in enhancing the surfing experience.

We are committed to sharing 1% of every collection’s profits at the end of the year with NGOs that share our values. We are currently talking to a few in the Osa Peninsula and will keep you updated!