IT WAS THE YEAR 1973…
I’m a photographer, skier and most of all Surfer. For years growing up in Hawaii.
I had always wanted to open a surf shop and also get into the world of manufacturing surfwear.
But I knew absolutely squat about stitching, fabrics, sewing machines, silkscreening and the likes.
Living in Santa Cruz, California in 1973 I figured I would just continue to shoot skiers and surfers and bide my time until the right opportunity came along.
THEN ONE DAY AFTER A STOKED FILLED AFTERNOON OF SURFING, STANDING IN MY KITCHEN STILL IN MY WETSUIT, THE PHONE RANG
It was SURFING MAGAZINE. They were looking for someone to hire!
Long story short, I immediately moved my photo operation and my dreams to San Clemente…southern California!
After a 2 year stint at SURFING and learning all I could about the surf industry, I opened Sutherland Surf and Sport. What followed next is what dreams are made of. I was able to manufacture surfwear, I was able to film and most importantly I was able to Surf and enjoy the lifestyle that I had always wanted since I was a grom growing up in Hawaii.
I’M A RISK TAKER. ALWAYS HAVE BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE
The original plan back in 1975 was not only to build the Sutherland brand…but to create a lifestyle for myself and my family,
A surf life where I could get away with scoring perfect waves, travel and still manage to manufacture some kool surfwear.
DURING MY WANDERLUST YEARS OF BETWEEN 14 – 16 YRS I WOULD OFTEN VISIT WAIMEA BAY AND DREAM OF ONE DAY BEING ABLE TO SURF SUCH LARGE WAVES
I wanted to be part of the tribe of surfers like Fred Van Dyke, Peter Cole, Jose Angel and others who lived life on the edge.
I am still here 50+ years later enjoying the same stoke that they experienced. I will continue to build the brand that I started in 1975 and I invite you all to enjoy the ride with me.
Surfing Is Good.
Tom
Kiana’s Story…
IT STARTED AS A PHONE CALL
Tom had seen my photography and my video work and told me he was inspired.
I told him that I was an outdoorsy kinda girl who loved nature, swimming, surfing
and SUPing! I actually wished I was a mermaid when I was a little girl.
SURFING IS A BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL SPORT…
If I’m able to capture any part of a surfers magical performance, whether in a still or on video then I have forever told their story for generations to come.
I’m honored to have the opportunity to showcase their talents with my artistic abilities.
I HAVE A VIVID IMAGINATION AND A MIND FULL OF WONDER
So when Tom asked me to come on board to showcase my talents and make pictures come alive….I jumped at the chance.
I get to do what I love…surf and play a part in creating an iconic surf brand.