Gabriela Mateo

Endless Summer An appropriate title for my wardrobe would be "Endless Summer", because it embodies a tropical vibe. Getting closer to embracing the surfing lifestyle means getting to play with more colorful and lively beachwear. It starts as a trend that everyone is following: dark Ray Bans, bright tank tops with images of waves and boards, and Roxy board shorts. Eventually I gravitated to the more practical aspects of the sport, like performance, comfort and protection. My lycra collection ranges from plain black or white to eccentric mixes of colors and patterns. I feel like a mermaid in the blue-green waters of the Pacific Ocean with my turquoise and purple rash guard. But more importantly, I feel comfortable and fresh. The perfect mix of neoprene, spandex and polyester give anyone practicing water sports the boundless free movement, as well as completely feeling the embrace of the ocean. In addition, these materials are very practical, protecting against surfboard rashes, sunburns and even bug bites. Perhaps the most crucial piece of clothing for surfing, skating and other warm weather sports are board shorts. The ideal short allows for smooth hip movements, provided by a not too tight but not too loose grip around the waist. My electric rainbow Hurley board shorts are the perfect fit to properly perform pop-offs and such other movements on the board. When the waves are pounding, I find it best to wear a securely tight bodysuit. These come in different cuts and sizes, but when the perfect fit is found, comfort and flexibility are guaranteed. Not worrying about bikinis falling off during stronger and bigger waves maximizes the surf experience significantly. My collection aims for proper performance but also plays with style. From shell and coral patterns to more simple one color pieces, I try to keep up with current trends. For sunset and sunrise I prefer more discrete and subdued, lighter tones like grey, dark blue, or light pink. Sunny midday sessions I like to bring even more saturation and life to the Caribbean backdrop of yellow sand and deep green palm trees. Bright purple, electric pink to stand out, or calmer orange and brown tones that remind of the sea life. Regardless of this range of tropical colors, playful hues and animal prints, the perfect bodysuit gives the female surfer comfort and confidence to paddle freely, jump actively and play happily among the waves. To complement the tiredness from so much fun in the ocean, some stretching and relaxation is much needed. Yoga depends much in the body's position and temperature, and a proper attire is essential for each practice. Like surfing, proper attire is essential for practicing yoga. For more upbeat and hot classes, I rely on wearing fresh synthetic fabrics that won’t lose their shape. Blends of nylon and spandex allow for continuous movement without feeling constricted. The fit has to be the perfect balance of tight and flexible. For slower and calmer sessions, I go for looser and softer cotton pieces. I opt for simple, quiet colors and peaceful images, like trees or the classic India pants with elephants. And for the last phase of shavasana, I wear a wool or cotton sweater to cozy up and warm into the final relaxation posture. My street wear is simple: classic blue jeans with a plain and comfortable t-shirt with either stripes, patterns, or surf or band logos. My favourite part of my city outfits are my shoes: bright neon colors and fascinating authentic textiles from Perú or Guatemala decorate my feet and bring talk life to the streets. Definitely lively and active, I also prioritize practicality in my footwear, making sure my shoes have good grip for walking and skating around the city. If the nights are not so chilly, a simple pair of dark blue or dark green espadrilles does the trick. Slipping into such natural textures like esparto rope gives a nice step.