High-Performance Swimsuits, for Women, by Women
Earlier this year, I took a job in Ecuador to shoot a new surf swimwear line by Caramel Clothing, a small Ecuadorian brand whose goal is to design functional, beautiful swimsuits for women surfers. I photographed Ecuadorian pro surfers Titi Vargas, Cristi Game, and Titi Game on an epic van-based road trip from Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands.
Photo: Cristi, 17, qualified to represent Ecuador in the ISA World Junior Championship in Portugal this year. Titi Vargas also qualified for the ISA World Surfing Games in Costa Rica, but neither of them can afford to compete. They later told me that pro surfer women in Ecuador don’t stand a chance making a living as a surfer, “We do it because we love to surf. Mimi Barona is the best woman surfer in Ecuador and even she can’t make a living as a surfer.”
Driving dirt roads around Ayampe
Titi Game surfing the point at Montañita
Co-founders of the swimsuit line Renata and Gabi at work in the shop.
Titi and Cristi Game walking through jungle.
Titi and Cristi Game
Waiting for the wave.
Maria Elena and Titi Vargas in front of her hut in Montañita.
Kicker Rock in the Galapagos Islands.
