News + Events: Look at Us

By Sandra Olson
Women's Surf Style Magazine
Summer 2006

Interview with Girls4Sport

How and when was Girls4Sport founded and by whom?
Girls4Sport was officially started in May 2003 but we were throwing ideas around earlier that year. We launched our first season of surf and water wear in July 2003. Here’s the short story on how Girls4Sport got off the ground here in the USA. There are three co-founders: Gary Macbeth, Leanne Riem and Kim Ruby. Gary, who is based in the UK, was working with a company called Girls4Football (soccer her in the USA!). Gary threw the idea ‘over the pond’ and asked Kim, a long-time friend and surfer, if she’d be interested in launching the idea in the USA starting with the surf industry. Thinking for just a few seconds and then asking Leanne to join and bring along her branding and design expertise – Girls4Sport started.

What do you feel makes you stand apart as a surf company in the women’s industry?
Girls4Sport is dedicated to creating performance clothing with the female body in mind. That might sound like a cliché, but we take it seriously. Our current surf and water wear line is designed for women by women with super comfy SPF 65-rated fabrics, built-in shelf bras, out of the ordinary prints, and flattering fits for all body types. Each product is tested out by our team riders. New product ideas come directly from our customers. We think through each product in terms of fit, style, comfort, fabric, print and how it will work for active women who love the water.

You promote "real" women and "real" bodies... why is this, seeing' as we live in a overly "body-conscious" society?
We think that society has created a warped ‘ideal’ body image for women that is just not attainable most of us. This warped image is not based on ‘real’ women. At Girls4Sport, we believe every woman is the ideal woman. Vitality isn’t a trend and being a healthy, active female is the best beauty secret we know. Girls4Sport strives to provide a fit for "every body". Nobody looks as good as a swimsuit model in a magazine, not even the swimsuit model in the magazine. With digital enhancements and a host of other visual tricks, we tend to lose sight of all the glorious sizes and variations of the female form! We're happy to celebrate real women in their real lives, on the move. Inspiration and heroes come in all different shapes and sizes; you never know who she might be. You can find our real women under YOUR STORIES: http://www.girls4sport.net/yourstories.shtml

Your products are designed to protect women from the sun and elements, can you tell us a little more about them? Girls4Sport knows sun protection is important for everyone. Our fabrics have been professionally tested and receive a UPF (UV Protection Factor) rating and are given an equivalent SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. To simulate use and wear in real life, our fabrics are tested wet and stretched. Our tested fabrics are rated at the maximum of SPF 65 and block at least 98% of UVA/UVB rays. In terms of styles, our long sleeve provides the maximum sun protection. Our sleeveless rashguard is another great option for sun protection, protecting your neck and back from the burning rays yet have more arm freedom and movement.

What are your favorite products that you are offering this summer that surfers should know about?
Our new hipster bottom has a drawstring for extra staying power. Water woman can pull the string as tight as needed depending on their sport and wave size! The sports tank top is a new addition to the line. The t-back style gives extra freedom of movement for paddling. We also have a great new ‘snag-free’ board short. No Velcro. Nice lace-up from with a lycra gusset to give the needed coverage. Women love these!

What is the difference between Girls4Sport & Girls4Surf?
Girls4Sport is our brand of clothing and gear. We use Girls4Surf in a couple of ways, on t-shirts with a fun, retro logo. We also use it to promote surf camps and clinics encouraging girls and woman to get out in the water with a variety of offerings.

Where can we find your clothing?
We’re in 100s of retailers around the country and the latest list is updated on our website. We’re also available through the following: Nordstrom department stores, Amazon.com, and shop.girls4sport.com .

How do you feel women's surfing has changed in the last 5 years and where do you see the industry heading?
More and more women are out on the water and it's more acceptable. It's been such a male-dominated sport for so long but times, they are a-changing. We'll see more attention given to women in this sport just as the gender evolution we've seen in other sports.

Anything else you would like to say to the surfing community?
No matter who you are, be an ambassador for the sport and the ocean!