Surf Monk: Covering the Endless Summer
A clothing label might change a surf tradition that is almost as old as the wave-riding sport.
For decades, surfers labored to put on wet suits at the edge of beach-side roads. Their only coverings often were flimsy beach towels, and they typically changed in full view of passing motorists.
Claudia Taylor, who grew up in the beach town of Malibu, Calif., thought there had to be a more comfortable and dignified way of putting on a wet suit. Her answer was the “Surf Monk” robe.
Instead of struggling to keep a towel fastened to one’s waist, the surfer can slip into a roomy Surf Monk robe and put on his or her wet suit with fewer distractions. Unlike a bathrobe, the Surf Monk robe does not open in front. It is put on like a pullover sweater, fits something like a caftan and looks like a medieval monk’s robes, hence the name of the label.
The robes are constructed from a terry velour material made out of organic bamboo. Its first season shipped in August. For its Spring 2008 season, Surf Monk will offer robes made out of an organic cotton knit.
The robes retail for $200 and have been sold at one of the most respected boutiques in California surfwear, ZJ Boarding House in Santa Monica, Calif. The robes also come in different cuts such as a full-length and knee-length. There are robes made for men, women and kids. Taylor stressed the label is not just for the surf crowd. They have also been sold at Planet Blue in Malibu.
For more information, contact (310) 382-1558.—Andrew Asch
