The Founder’s Story — From the Alps to the Islands

SurfAce was founded in 2014 in Southern Taiwan—born from a love of the ocean and the global journey of its founder, Eileen Carls.

Eileen grew up in Zurich, Switzerland, with Taiwanese and German roots. At 17, she packed her bags and moved to Taiwan to study, reconnect with her heritage, and start a new chapter. It was there she first touched a surfboard—and something clicked. What began as a weekend curiosity turned into a full-on lifestyle.

In 2021, after 12 years of island life and building SurfAce, Eileen followed her heart again—this time to Oahu, Hawaii. Now living just steps from the sea, she continues to create with the same spirit that sparked SurfAce from the beginning: adventure, purpose, and a deep respect for nature.

Surfing in Taiwan — Where It All Began

When Eileen first picked up a board in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s surf scene was just starting to bloom. The only local surf club was made up of a few passionate uncles passing on their stoke to curious newcomers. It was raw, welcoming, and full of heart—but for a young female surfer, it could also feel intimidating. Women were rare in the lineup.

Back then, finding surf gear was a mission. Boards, leashes, suits—everything was hard to come by. There was little access to English surf resources, and everyone was figuring things out on their own. In many ways, it felt like the “good old days” of surfing—pure and untouched.

Amidst the excitement and freedom of a growing scene, Eileen ran into one big challenge: what to wear. There were no bikinis made for surfing. That frustration sparked something in her. She decided to study business, learn how to sew, and design her own. That’s when SurfAce truly began.

From Home-Stitched to Global Vision

Back in 2014, Eileen began selling her handmade bikinis out of a small home studio. After graduating university in 2016, she moved into her first office space and began producing in a local Taiwanese factory. The brand grew quickly—and so did the foot traffic. By 2018, SurfAce had partnered with local retailers and opened its own brick-and-mortar shop. It was a wild, exciting ride.

Then the world changed. When the pandemic hit, Eileen made a bold move: she closed the physical store, took the business fully online, and relocated to Hawaii to be closer to the ocean and the lifestyle that inspired SurfAce in the first place.

Today, our bikinis are available exclusively online and in select retail shops across Taiwan. We're always open to connecting with new retail partners around the world—so if you love surf, sustainability, and style, let’s chat!

Why “SurfAce”?

The name SurfAce comes from “surface”—the surface of the ocean, where waves rise, break, and bring that rush we live for. But there’s more to it.

I chose to capitalize the “A” in the middle—Surf + Ace.

“Surf” speaks for itself. It’s my passion, my lifestyle.
“Ace” is about confidence. I want women to paddle out and feel like they can ace it—own their space in the lineup and focus on the ride, not on wardrobe malfunctions.

When I started surfing, I lost my bikini in the waves more times than I can count. It was embarrassing and frustrating. There were no cute, secure bikinis for surfing in Taiwan—so I made my own.

Today, SurfAce offers both leisure and active bikinis. Our active styles are surf- and dive-tested—built to stay on, no matter how hard you wipe out. Put it on, paddle out, and go ace it.

— Eileen

Ethical Manufacturing & Conscious Consumption

Until 2016, every SurfAce bikini was handmade in our Kaohsiung home studio. In 2017, we partnered with a small, family-run factory nearby—and we’ve proudly stayed with them ever since. Their values align with ours, and we believe in growing together with people we trust.

We’re committed to using local, high-quality materials and incorporating recycled fabrics whenever possible. Our goal is simple: reduce environmental impact, create long-lasting products, and inspire conscious choices—one bikini at a time.

Read more about our brand values

Sustainable Fabric

Ethical Production

Naked Packaging