High-Performance Swimsuits, for Women, by Women
Earlier this year, 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鈥檛 stand a chance making a living as a surfer, 鈥淲e do it because we love to surf. Mimi Barona is the best woman surfer in Ecuador and even she can鈥檛 make a living as a surfer.鈥
Driving dirt roads around Ayampe
Titi Game surfing the point at Monta帽ita
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 Monta帽ita.
Kicker Rock in the Galapagos Islands.