Alana Martinero - Surfkini

When did you get your first surfboard?
I made my first board with my Dad when I was around 12 or 13, my cousin has it and it still floats, even after flying off our roof on the way to the beach one day! (Dad swears it was me who tied it down that day)

What do you love about surfing?
The salty water, the sunshine, the smiles, the visits from dolphins and turtles, I only need to get one wave to have a good surf.

Do you have a most memorable session?
First proper cover up was pretty epic, seeing it is still the only one I've had!

Who / What inspires you to do what you do?
To be my own boss inspires me every day, freedom to wake up and check the surf before deciding to go to work would be nice….that keeps me inspired.

What is your favorite Surf Travel destination?
I have had some fun surfs in Bali, caught Ulluwatu on a few awesome days and got some good ones at Lakey peak too. I'd love to check out the Ments and Maldives.

What kind of education have you had?
I passed year 12 then did a Aromatherapy massage course, the rest has been learnt as I go.

How did you get into design?
I've always drawn clothes and sewn my own clothes, that morphed into Surfkini when I couldn't find something that ticked all the boxes to surf in. I'm 33, I've done all sorts of work, massage therapy, film production, accounts, admin, sailing but I've always dreamed of doing my own thing. Surfkini came about and I went with it, it is important to have confidence, even if you have to fake it.

How did Surfkini get started, tell us a bit about what you do?
I was tailoring all my bikinis to work better, I was cutting and sewing two pieces together and adding and taking away until I got fed up and just started making my own. I've done it all so far while working a full or part time job to pay the bills. It is slowly building, I think when you start with no cash you have to be patient but it's getting there!

What do you love most about your job?
Seeing girls in the line up wearing my designs and loving them.

Do you have any advice for any aspiring designers?
Find something you really love and you will never run out of ideas.

What is the next step for you and Surfkini?
Really excited about the coming Summer, I'm loving the new designs and hopefully the ladies love them too. We just shot the 2013/2014 look book and catalogue so will be launching very soon! Yeeew!

Where can we find you online?

Posted by: Troy Roennfeldt, on September 24, 2013
Categories: Interviews

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