This is the beginning of a little series of visuals showcasing our Mademoiselles of the Sea’s and adventures!

Volume 1 introduces you to Laure Mayer, creator and designer of Lore of the Sea, her world, her passion and her vison of female surfing.

Enjoy !

All images and edit by John Wiley from John Wiley Visuals

View all our surf-proof suits and wetsuits here

Posted on the 15/08/20

The beauty of living in Byron Bay is that you don’t need to travel anywhere to meet friends from all over the world.

Just before our trip to Mexico (story coming up soon!), we got to share some super fun peelers with Lola Mignot from Mexico/France and Millie Nabeshima from California/Japan - yep, this town is pretty multicultural! -.

With the change of seasons the air has become a bit more crisp but the water remains so warm that it’s enjoyable to surf in our bikinis and surfsuits.

Let me introduce these two beautiful Mademoiselles of the Sea we shared the day with:

Lola Mignot, semi french, semi mexican, living in the famous spot of Sayulita, Mexico. She comes to Australia regularly, usually around the Byron Bay Surf Festival & Noosa Festival to take part in the competitions.

Lola is one of the most stylish longboarders we’ve met - there isn’t much more to say, her surfing just flows gracefully.

Millie Nabeshima, born and raised by her Japanese family in the heart of California has been living in Byron Bay for the past few months. She is the cutest surfer out there, a super-tanned ballerina with a constant smile on her face. You’ll see her in the ocean pretty much every day as she barely takes a day off surfing!

Here are a few shots of that day taken by Jemma Scott 

Based in the beautiful town of Biarritz in the south west of France, Cecilia Thibier is a very talented self-taught photographer. Seven years ago, she decided to quit her highly regarded job as a journalist in Paris to move to the coast, following her heart and her passion : surfing, women and photography all together.

Cecilia is one of those amazing humans that doesn’t think twice when making a decision, she’s a go-getter filled with the most positive energy we’ve ever seen.

Her and her little family travel the world every year to escape the French winter and chase waves. This year, they decided to come live the Australian dream in Byron Bay in search of perfect longboarding waves and talented lady loggers.

Here’s a little visual story we shot on a hot day in the Bay with 'Mademoiselles of the Sea' Ivy Thomas, Roisin Carolan and Laure Mayer.

Ivy wears the Zurri Top Sage , Biarritz Bottoms and Acotz Cropped top Floral Grey

- Words and photos by Dave Thew, film photographer -

There are a fair few lady loggers in Byron Bay. Some grew up here, some settled from afar, and a few are holiday-makers. Sure they have their differences, but they have a lot in common. Firstly, there are all regulars in the lineup out at Wategos and The Pass. Secondly, they all have heaps of fun in the water; smiles all round. Another thing they have in common is their elegance. Don’t get me wrong; some guys are great to shoot, but heaps move around like an old wombat (myself included!). All I have to do to get a decent photo of these girls is point the camera at them and they do all the work. These shots are from one of the usual fun days in The Bay. Warm water, blue skies, and party waves a plenty!

Surfers
Roisin Carolan @roro.carolan wearing the Lafitenia Surfsuit
Laura Ashley @lovesundancekid wearing the Socoa Surfsuit
Stephanie Schechter @Stephanieschechter wearing the Artha One Piece
Laure Mayer @lauremyr wearing the Beltza One Piece
 

35mm film photos and words by Dave Thew

A short video by Keita Ikawa presenting the first Mademoiselle of the Sea and lady slider surfing in her Australian home Byron Bay.  

Published on the 15/08/2016

Living the dream in the most famous Australian East Cost surf town, Isabelle Braly is the definition of what we call a styler and we’re blessed to have her as one of our Mademoiselles of the Sea. 

Her surfing is the perfect combination of grace and style, combined with strong technique, and that rare sense of humbleness. 
Wearing the biggest smile, Izzy is a ball of positive energy and it’s always inspiring to surf around her. 

Here’s a little insight into Izzy’s busy life split between days at the beach, motherhood, and her professional life as a lawyer.

Ballerina style wearing the Lafitenia Surfsuit - Photo by @moceanmediahouse

INTERVIEW

LORE: Adopted Australian, you are originally from the US, where did you grow up and how did you get into surfing?

IZZY: I grew up on the beach in St Augustine, Florida. My dad owned the local surf shop. I had the luxury of being able to roll over in my bed an check the waves.

LORE: How long have you been surfing, and what types of boards do you ride?

IZZY: I started surfing on surfboards when I was about 7 years old. Prior to that I stood up and "surfed" on bodyboards. I mostly ride longboards but you can also catch me on the odd fat little shortboard as well. The last few years, I have been privileged with riding surfboards made by Thomas Bexon. Tom's boards have been magic for me.

LORE: How did you end up in Australia? What made you decide to call Byron Bay home?

IZZY: I first came to Australia to surf and to study. I surfed a lot and studied a little. But then I ended up getting a professional job, falling in love, having a baby and now it's been 13 years!

LORE: You’ve been competing for years, on the LQS, the WSL’s Longboard tour, and at the Noosa Festival; which event was the most memorable for you? 

IZZY: I find this a difficult question to answer because I am not sure if I love any of the comps... anymore. Longboarding is easy for me to love but the professional women's longboarding tour is difficult for me to love. There are only a few competitions annually, the prize money is limited, the location of the competitions, like China, are often obscure and the waves generally are not dreamy.  

Critical section in the Parede Surf Tee - Photos by @moceanmediahouse

LORE: What events are you planning to enter this year?

IZZY: This year I don't have any plans to enter any big events. I entered the Noosa Logger, which was a nice weekend escape; and I will most likely enter the Evans Head Invitational in October. These are more family events which are more fun than professional.

LORE: How do you manage to train, keep surfing everyday while being a mom and having such an important job as being a lawyer?

IZZY: I juggle and do not prioritise sleep as much as I probably should. The baby/work life balance is a lie.

LORE: What’s your best surfing memory?

IZZY: Surfing Witch's Rock in Costa Rica with my long-time school Kristin. We thought we were the female versions of Pat and Wingnut from Endless Summer II. haha

LORE: Which surfing destination are you dreaming of going, or returning to?

IZZY: Awww the Telo Islands or Fiji look pretty good.

LORE: Who inspires you most in surfing? 

IZZY: Eric Walker. He is a local guy that absolutely loves to surf. He is in his sixties, hangs 10 everyday and reads waves with the utmost skill.

LORE: We love seeing you in Lore of the Sea; how do our pieces make you feel? what’s your favorite suit?

IZZY: I love the Lafitenia surfsuit. I've been wearing it to death. Its just so easy to wear. It's designed beautifully: good boob support, the long sleeves are great for sun protection and it stays on without having to readjust after every wave or whitewash.

Rocking the Lafitenia Surfsuit - Photo by Michael Spazz

A sweet short video filmed at the Pass, featuring our first ever Lafitenia Surfsuit.