Friends of Paradise
The friends of Paradise Surf listed below are just a handful of the people, organizatins, and companies that have been a part of the Paradise Surf Shop experience since it's inception in 1997. These friends have supported Paradise Surf over the years and Paradise Surf continues to support them. This list is by no means the exhaustive list of all of the friends of Paradise who have shown their love and support since day one!
Tim Ward is an accomplished artist, illustrator and graphic designer living in Santa Cruz, California, so, naturally, he was the first person we thought of when we wanted to develop a logo for Paradise. Along with several other designs, Tim created the original Paradise Surf girl logo. Tim has created logos for many local companies, including Pacific Wave, Santa Cruz Surf Shop, O'Neill's and many others. Please click Tim's logo to learn more about Tim and the services he provides.
Paradise Surf has chosen Alternative Apparel as it's blank supplier because Alternative Apparel is dedicated to providing premium merchandise to their clients. They are committed to requiring and upholding labor standards and aligning themselves only with vendors that share this same commitment. They have adopted ethical guidelines and principles for use with their vendors. Click their logo to learn more about Alternative Apparel.
Founding Director Dionne Ybarra is a Mexican American woman born and raised in a marginalized neighborhood in East Salinas, California. The idea for The Wahine Project presented itself when as an adult she took up surfing and it transformed her life. She has since sought to share the liberating and empowering experience of a relationship with the ocean. Dionne has come to the understanding that more time in the ocean becomes a powerful vehicle for connecting girls to their own self-empowerment as well as a way to connect communities of diverse girls to environment, ocean and with one another. She created The Wahine project to eliminate the barriers that may get in the way of those relationships and provide opportunities for them to grow.
Founded in 1998, Ride A Wave is a 100% all volunteer run organization dedicated to giving children with special needs the chance to feel the thrill of riding a wave and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or economically challenged. If you have never volunteered for Ride A Wave, you should - it will be an experience you will never forget! To learn more about Ride A Wave and how to volunteer, click the logo.
The Santa Cruz chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, founded in 1991, is near and dear to Paradise Surf owner, Sall Smith-Weymouth. Sally was chair of the chapter from 1993-1994, as well as volunteer coordinator, secretary/treasurer over the years. Surfrider Santa Cruz volunteers are united by their love of and respect for the ocean and by their desire for clean water, healthy beaches and access to such sites. Click the logo to learn more about the Surfrider Foundation, Santa Cruz Chapter.
Brown Girl Surf works to build a more diverse, environmentally reverent, and joyful women’s surf culture by increasing access to surfing, cultivating community, amplifying the voices of women of color surfers, and taking care of the earth.
Operation Surf provides a week-long program which is an epic, life-changing adventure for our wounded-veteran and active-duty military heroes, bringing participants directly to our events within supportive coastal communities, and exposing them to the healing power of the ocean through adaptive surfing taught by world-class instructors. This all-inclusive event provides an environment where participants work to overcome perceived limitations connected to their physical and psychological disabilities. Participants receive food, hotel accommodations, travel assistance, clinical and medical support, and all the resources needed to instill hope and confidence in the water, on the board, and in their daily life. These are all provided at no cost, and are funded through generous financial and in-kind contributions from our sponsors and donors. To learn more about Operation Surf, click the logo.
Ashley Lloyd-Thompson is not only a talented musician but she is one of the best surboard shapers around. Each of Ashley's boards are made with love and custom designed to your specifications. In the market for a new board? Click the logo and learn more about Ashley and her boards.
Maia Negre is an amazing artist who found her artistic talent right around the same time she worked at Paradise Surf Shop, at age 17. Maia's artwork carries a passion for the beauty of the ocean, action sports, and the quintessential California lifestyle. Check out Maia's website by clicking her logo and be prepared to be wowed by her amazing artwork.
Aylana Zanville, owner of Ola Chica introduced herself to Paradise Surf Shop after she began to make bikinis specifically for surfing. The unique design of Ola Chica bikinis ensures a secure fit while surfing. Check out Ola Chica's range of surf bikinis by clicking her logo.
Leslie Stabile of Bella Mare is an amazing silversmith and jewelry maker. Using seaglass that she has collected from around the world, Leslie creates one of a kind pieces of jewelry, each with a story to tell behind each piece of seaglass. Check out Leslie's amazing designs by clicking the logo.
Hotline wetuists was founded in 1979 by professional surfer Brenda Scott Rogers and her good friend Hiro Iida of Japan. After a serendipitous meeting facilitated by Brenda's dad, Doc Scott, the two became fast friends and the two found they shared a vision of developing an international trade business. The result was Hotline wetsuits. Hotline wetsuits has and will always be a strong supporter of women's surfing. This sense of goodwill has prevailed at Hotline since it's inception and is an integral part of the on going philosophy of the company and its' employees.
Betty Belts owner Donna Pu'u came to Paradise Surf Shop back in 2003 selling beautiful sea shell belts that immediately became a big hit with Paradise clientele. Donna's success in the early days lead to her creating an amazing line of ocean inspired jewelry and accessories made with dignity. Hers is a socially conscious business that reflects the deeper values of a life lived around the sea. Click the logo to learn more about Betty Belts.
Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women was founded the same year as Paradise, in 1997 and has grown into the premiere surf camp for women. Las Olas has introduced the sport of surfing to thousands of women over the years. The Las Olas/Paradise connection started with a few cross-promotional programs, as well as sharing employees, such as Julie Cox and Ashley Lloyd-Thompson. Click on the logo to learn more about Las Olas - where they turn women into girls!
Black Girls Surf is an empowerment and development surf camp for Black girls wanting to pursue professional surfing. We're changing the visual.