We can all do our part. Choose environmentally friendly and ethically made products
In an effort to make an impact and do our part for the environment, Bikini Adventures sources sustainable swimwear brands that are ethically produced. Brands that use sustainable swim fabrics can help reduce waste, water and emissions.
Most swimwear is made from virgin polyester or nylon. This kind of material not only sheds micro-plastics into the water with each wash, but it’s also a waste of resources. Why create more of an artificial fabric when we have so much nylon laying along our shores and floating in our seas? For example, abandoned fishing nets.
One of the best eco-friendly materials is ECONYL, which is regenerated nylon from pre and post-consumer products. To make ECONYL, waste like fishing nets, fabric scraps and carpet fluff are used in a regeneration and purification process. They are spun into a yarn and reworked to create a recycled nylon fabric. Perfect for swimwear and cleaner oceans! Another eco-friendly fabric is REPREVE, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.
Here are 8 sustainable and ethically produced swimwear brands that can help you reduce your impact on the environment.
All of Soulti’s products are eco consciously made from recycled fishing nets. By wearing recycled fabrics, you can help clear discarded fishing nets from sea beds, and minimise land fill.
Soulti also use deadstock fabrics which means that some of their patterned fabrics came from leftover fabric cut offs. This method reduces landfill and fast fashion by providing fabric off cuts with a second life.
The Ginger Rose separates are reversible, providing you with the freedom and creativity to mix up your salty style while also reducing the amount of swimwear you need to buy. Each reversible piece has the option of a patterned or plain side, making items adaptable for any occasion. Two suits in one = less landfill.
Born on a road trip in Central America and now home to the salt, sunshine and endless point breaks of Noosa, Australia, Ocean Flo swimsuits exude the colour and sultry vibes of summer in Latin America.
Made for the adventurous, wild and free spirited, Ocean Flo are a small business dedicated to ethical practices and wish to create their swimsuits in the most sustainable way possible. Each swimsuit is made from recycled plastic bottles and reclaimed fishing nets. All postage bags are certified compostable and they only use FSC renewable forestry or recycled paper hangtags, labels and packaging printed using soy based inks. They are 100% plastic free and have a strong emphasis on durability, so all their swimwear has a double lining, which means not only do they fit super snug, they’re designed to last longer.
SEPTEMBER the Line is a collection of luxury and elevated surf and swimwear. Their signature luxury Italian recycled fabric is made from 100% regenerated nylon yarn made from pre and post industrial waste, such as ghost fishing nets and carpet fluff. Instead of being disposed of in the landfill, they are recovered and transformed into the regenerated nylon that makes your SEPTEMBER the Line swimsuit.
SEPTEMBER the Line wants you to wear their swimsuits for years, maybe even decades. That’s why they use only the highest quality recycled fabric. The recycled nylon is woven with 22% Xtra Life Lycra®, a higher durability than mainstream swimwear fabric. Durability = Sustainability. Many brands use a thinner and cheaper lining material on their swimsuits, but SEPTEMBER lines all their swimsuits and bikinis with the same Italian recycled nylon as the outer fabric. This gives the suit an enhanced shape retention that sculpts the silhouette, smooths and supports you in all the right areas and leaves you feeling amazing and confident in and out of the water.
The separates are reversible giving you two bikini’s in one, helping reduce the amount of ‘things’ in your life, which in turn helps reduce landfill.
The swimwear is manufactured at an ethical, family owned factory in Bali. The brand believes in small run production over mass production.
Elation the Label is a sustainable and ethically produced unique swimwear label, eco-consciously made from ECONYL and REPREVE, helping rescue waste from our oceans and landfills.
Elation pride themselves not just for the manufacturing and production process, but the finer detailing of their brand by using environmentally friendlier options in every way possible. These include compostable mailing satchels, compostable hygiene stickers, digital printing using eco-certified dyes, heat pressing and reusable storage pouches.
Demalou produces versatile, hyper-resistant, elegant, breathable and soft surf bikinis, but by far the best thing about the brand, is its green soul. Made from a sustainable techno-fabric with 100% regenerated polyamide fibre from post-consumer materials.
When Founder, Friedy, first started Demalou, she read an article which stated that in Hong Kong, where she was based, over 5.2 million plastic bottles are thrown away every day. She was so shocked that she immediately decided to try to do something about it. The idea was born to use recycled materials. She contacted and met lots of manufacturers and fabric producers before she found what she was looking for – a material which is not only eco-friendly, but also fantastic for swimwear, as it feels like a second skin and has a superior resistance to chlorine and degradation from suncreams and oils.
Zealous Clothing is a sustainable swimwear brand, created by Marie Kristin-Krause, specialising in sports bikini’s. They are heavily investing in initiatives to make a positive impact and protect our environment, in order to establish a more sustainable way of doing business. A few initiatives include:
Bikini Adventures has produced a sustainable surf wax that is 100% biodegradable, produced with the highest-grade raw materials in order to have a positive impact on our environment and for our surf riders.
This surf wax is not produced with petroleum jelly, which is a common ingredient in other wax types, that is toxic for our environment, therefore surpassing cheaper, inferior and more toxic waxes. Petroleum jelly is a highly unstable product and separates from the rest of the waxes when exposed to temperature variations. This separation is what causes surf wax to become slippery and causes frequent top-ups.
As a handmade label, Lagoon Designs strive to reduce their waste as much as possible. Their swimwear is handmade in small batches, rarely having left over inventory, which allows them to have very little to zero waste with production.
If you're planning on taking some time out to go traveling soon, why not try surfing?
It’s hard to describe the experience of surfing in simple words. While it offers thrills, spills and excitement, hitting the surf can also provide a sense of meditative calm in an otherwise busy world. Many people have a misplaced tendency to categorise surfing as an “extreme” sport, but the opposite is actually true: surfing helps to enrich the mind and provides a workout that often leaves beginners wanting more.
If you’re planning on taking some time out to go travelling at some point soon, the chances are you’ll find yourself with the perfect opportunity to try surfing. If it has piqued your interest in the past, you’ll no doubt want to get involved straight away. However, if you’re apprehensive about catching some waves, here are some reasons why you should consider surfing while travelling:
1) Surfing is much safer than you think
If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of a professional surfing competition on the television, you might be under the misapprehension that it’s all about wipe-outs, hardcore waves and injuries. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, only around 2 injuries are suffered per surfer for every 1,000 days they enter the water. With the right kind of equipment, a board designed for all abilities and an experienced instructor, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Most instructors will recommend using a thicker, wider board to begin with. These boards are easier to balance upon and will also allow you to keep afloat much easier. They are also made from foam so are softer if you fell. No surfing instructor will expect you to attempt anything you’re uncomfortable with, and the basics are relatively easy to get to grips with.
2) Surfing is great for the body
While working out is important for staying in shape and keeping on top of fitness levels, sometimes hitting the gym can feel like a bit of a slog. It’s laborious, it’s boring and it’s all too easy to lose interest on the treadmill. The good thing about surfing is that it’s incredibly fun, to the point where most people forget about just how beneficial it can be for the body.
Surfing is essentially a full-body cardio workout that combines elements of strength and weight training. Your arms will feel the burn as you swim against the waves, your core will be put through its paces as you force yourself to stay upright, and your legs will become toned with all the paddling you will do.
3) Surfing is great for the mind
The meditative qualities of surfing are not to be underestimated. It teaches patience, requires concentration and helps you to switch off from the stresses of everyday life as you focus on the task at hand. Sure, it may be frustrating to begin with as you struggle to stay upright or tumble one too many times into the water, but once you crack the basics and ride your first wave, you’ll feel a sense of elation and satisfaction like no other.
4) Surfing helps you become one with nature
Various studies have espoused the benefits of getting closer to nature, and surfing delivers these benefits with aplomb. It’s possible to encounter all manner of marine wildlife when surfing, including exotic fish, seals, whales and dolphins. The more you immerse yourself in the surf environment, the more at one with nature you will feel. You’ll also gain an insight into the environmental challenges that threaten our oceans at present, and this will help you to feel more connected with Mother Earth.
If you’re looking to expand your horizons, set yourself new challenges and refresh your mind while travelling, surfing is almost certainly something you’ll want to try. Why not tick another item off your bucket list and catch some waves?
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Interested in ocean swimming, but not sure how to start? Here are some ideas
“I just can’t swim in the ocean”
“I could never swim that far”
“I am too scared of the ocean”
We hear these “can’t” phrases time and time again. And we return a patient smile when we hear them, because we have witnessed first hand, time and time again, people with the above attitude, completely conquering their fears and embracing ocean swimming.
I met a 30 year old girl who had never submerged her head in water. She had never even blew bubbles in the bath. She completed a 1km ocean swim.
I met Mark when he couldn’t swim 50metres without stopping. He now competes in 10km ocean swims and is currently in training for the 20km Rottnest Island swim in Western Australia.
We have volunteered to be a Can Too coach for the last eight years and have been lucky enough to witness some pretty incredible journeys of those who have overcome their fear in the ocean to complete 1km or 2.7km swims after just 12 weeks of training, including our mum and Bec’s partner.
The participants haven’t grow up in the ocean like us. For them to achieve their goals and cross that finish line with a huge smile is a true inspiration, and what keeps us involved in the program!
Our childhood consisted mainly of countless tumble turns. From the age of nine, we were constantly training for and competing in swimming events. We progressed through school to state to national competitions until we were 18. When we weren’t in the pool, we were in the ocean. Swimming laps of Manly Beach, or around the headland to the next beach, now fixated on fish, which was a nice change from the black line!
We went on to teach swimming. Both kid and adult beginner programs, before technique training for those wishing to conquer ocean swimming.
Most of our life has revolved around swimming and the water, however we hadn’t been fully aware of all the benefits of swimming. Taking the time to research them, we are so grateful of our involvement in the sport and lifestyle. We encourage everyone to get involved, as you’ll see from benefit 6 – anyone can do it!
Health Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a good all-round workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water. This contributes to the following health benefits:
Beauty Benefits of Swimming – Smooth butt and skin!
The pressure of the water on your tissues helps remove cellulite. Water is denser than air, and it squeezes your limbs gently while you exercise, relieving edema or swelling. You use your thighs, calves and buttocks muscles extensively in swimming, particularly in breaststroke and improve circulation in cellulite-prone areas. Increasing blood circulation improves skin tone and health, and toned muscles smooth the areas where cellulite still exists.
Ocean swimming as further benefits as salt water has significantly higher amounts of minerals, including sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium and calcium, which improves moisture retention in the skin and detoxifies skin to promote new cell growth.
Meditative
Swimming boosts endorphins in the body that increase feelings of wellbeing. Studies have shown that swimming produces the same “relaxation responses” as yoga, and the stretching and contracting of your muscles can heighten this experience. Not only does swimming increase relaxation chemicals, it is also highly conducive to meditation. Ocean swimming is even more conducive to meditation as exercising in natural environments has been shown to have greater benefits for mental health than exercising elsewhere. This is because it combines the benefits of exercise with the restorative effects of being in nature.
People find themselves in a meditative and relaxed state when they are in, on or under water because the breathing patterns used during swimming stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (the system that controls organ function and quiets the brain) influencing the brain positively. The weightlessness of water can also have a calming effect on the mind, even changing or slowing down brain waves. Submerged in water can provide a distraction from life, giving a sense of mindfulness and awareness of one’s surroundings.
Swimming also forces you to work on your breathing and that brings us into the next benefit.
Cures Asthma and increases lung capacity
When your face is under water, oxygen is at a premium. In turn, your body adapts to use oxygen more efficiently.
There is a far higher level of moisture present in the air when you’re at a swimming pool in comparison to the dry air that you’ll experience at a gym. The moisture in the air makes it far easier to breath, perfect for those that suffer with asthma and find cardio in the gym or in the park that bit too hard on their lungs.
Swimming can vastly improve asthma symptoms, even cure it (based on my own experience*) I suffered from Asthma as a child, which is the reason our parents entered me into swimming lessons from an early age. My asthma puffers accompanied me to all my swimming competitions up until I was about 16. Then I found I just didn’t need it anymore. I don’t suffer from Asthma any longer. I haven’t needed a puffer for 12 years!
Swimming increases overall lung-volume and teaches good breathing techniques resulting in lower resting heart rates, lower blood pressure, and better running performance.
It makes you a better runner
By increasing your ability to take in and effectively use oxygen, swimming increases your endurance capacity. Swimming increases your lung capacity and forces you to learn better breathing techniques that can aid you when running. Air-fuelled benefits aside, swimming trains your glutes and hamstrings, your core, and your shoulders—all of which are needed for improved running form and performances.
Anyone can do it
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, pregnant, a new mum, or an Ironman competitor, swimming is a workout that you control what you get out of every session. Even if you can’t swim, with the right training you can transform this activity to be integral to your every day life. Read more about how swimming has transformed lives here.
If our 60 year old Mum can swim 2.7km out at sea, you can too!
It alleviates major stress
While exercise-induced endorphins will do wonders for your stress levels, getting in the water for your workout may have its own special brand of mood-boosting benefits. Being submerged in water dulls the amount of sensory information that bombards your body, helping to bring on feelings of calm, much like soaking in the bathtub!
It turns back the clock
Regular swimmers are biologically 20 years younger than their driver’s licenses say they are, according to research from Indiana University. Scientists say that, even up until your 70th birthday, swimming affects blood pressure, cholesterol levels, cardiovascular performance, central nervous system health, cognitive functioning, muscle mass, and blood chemistry to be much more similar to that of your younger self. Who needs night cream or botox?
It makes you smarter
Blood flow to the brain increased by up to 14 percent when men submerged themselves in water up to their hearts, according to a Journal of Physiology study. Researchers believe water’s pressure on the chest cavity may have something to do with it, and they are now studying whether water-based workouts improve blood flow to the brain better than do land-based ones. Stay tuned.
It opens you up to awesome experiences
Want to jump off the back of a boat? Swim around the Greek Islands? Go snorkelling in the Caribbean? Mastering swimming allows you to participate in so much more than you ever would’ve imagined. Swimming is a life skill, it changes lives and it opens the doors to a lot of fun stuff.
An inspirational story about Ishita Malaviya, India's first female surfer who challenged the norms of her culture and now inspires other young girls of the community to get out there and just have a go
India isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but alas, being surrounded by water, there sure are waves!
Surfing in India isn’t common. And it most definitely isn’t common for women. We couldn’t be more inspired by Ishita Malaviya, India’s first female surfer who challenged the norms of her culture and took up surfing. She now now inspires and teaches other young girls of the community to get out there and just have a go.
We are so inspired by the efforts of Ishita as they align with our values as a business particularly empowering women to participate in water activities.
Brown Girl Surf have created the above short film with the help of ‘Storytellers for Good’, to document the inspiring story of India’s first female surfer.
Ishita’s vibrant smile and sparkling eyes represent her joy and passion for surfing. She has founded her own surf school with her boyfriend, the Shaka Surf Club and models for Roxy in her spare time.
Ishita is joined by a unique and talented group of women –
Crystal Thornburg-Homcy, Liz Clark, Lauren Hill, Emi Koch, and Kate Baldwin to feature in a Dave Homcy Film – Beyond the Surface. With unshakable determination for a better world, they travel through India documenting the ways in which surfing, yoga, and ecological creativity are bringing hope and fueling change for local people and the world.
Photo credit: Ming Nomchong
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