brand ambassadors

February

Bienvenidas New Ambassadors

MI OLA… We LOVE Ambassadors

Stoked? We sure are! Two years ago we started the MI OLA Brand Ambassador Program for women who lead healthy, active lifestyles and #GetOutThere. We are so proud of how the program has expanded to create the MI OLA WORLD.

We love our ambassadors as much as they love us. So let’s give a huge sun salute to the latest ambassadors to join the program and continue the movement! Follow our sirens around the world for epic journeys and winning ideas. Be sure to check them out at @miolasurf and in our blog.

BOOM! Our latest MI OLA Ambassadors.

Jen Panetta - @flentil
Jen lives in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Although she is pretty landlocked, she loves to SUP at a nearby lake. A competitive runner for the past 20 years, currently, Jen races for a local store which has a highly respected team at local and national levels. She loves being on her toes! As long as she’s outdoors, she’s happy. Jen looks awesome in her MI OLA Thong Tha Thong Bottom!

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Jen - @flentil

Danielle “Rima” Jomaa - @costarima
Rima is a lifestyle and health blogger, traveling the world. Currently residing in Southern California, Rima will be moving to Costa Rica in April with her husband. She recently left for a three month trip in Southeast Asia. She teaches yoga and is an avid surfer.

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Rima - @costarima

Sharleen Gonnet - @sharleen_yoga_moorea
Sharleen lives in French Polynesia, a surfer’s and mermaid’s paradise. She is a yoga teacher, surfer, mermaid, SUP lover, swimmer, body boarder, and healthy cook. Sharleen often travels to Bali for vacation. Are you jealous yet?

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Sharleen - @sharleen_yoga_moorea

Verena Gratz - @laa_sirenaa
MI OLA ambassadors love to travel the world, but newbie Verena really travels all of the world! A flight attendant based in Munich, when Verena is not surfing the Eisbach River, she loves surfing in the ocean, playing beach volleyball and running.

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Verena - @laa_sirenaa

Caroline Carlson - @carolinegcarlson
Located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado (most of the time), Caroline loves to travel to Utah, California, and the Caribbean. She lives a very healthy and active lifestyle. Having a MI OLA BIKINI that can keep up with her SUPing, swimming, climbing or plunging into an alpine lake is vital. During colder months you can find her rock climbing and backcountry ski touring.

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Caroline C - @carolinegcarlson

Andrea Maria Vitiello - @mermaid.drea
From Puerto Rico, this Boricua is studying in Florida. Naturally, Andrea has a passion for all things ocean. Her favorite activities include free-diving (40 feet), surfing, fishing, lobstering, yoga and playing in the waves. Her passion for daybreak has her chasing sunrises on Florida’s East Coast in her MI OLA Casita Boythong.

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Andrea - @mermaid.drea

Rebecca Foss - @roamwildandfree
A full-time self-described “nomad”, Becca and her husband are currently traveling Peru and Ecuador for the next 3-5 months. She lives to breathe in the salty ocean air and being on top of the water riding a wave. Becca loves to climb (boulder and sport), surf, hike, ski, summit peaks, longboard, practice yoga.

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Becca - @roamwildandfree

Leslie Norberg - @lesnorberg
Leslie grew up in Minnesota - which means lots of lakes and water sports! At 18, she got the opportunity to do a life-changing trip in the Canadian Arctic. She paddled with six other women roughly 500 miles in 50 days. Leslie now is a canoe trip leader. She also enjoys rock climbing, skiing, cycling, SUPing, wakeboard, running, hiking, playing and exploring. Leslie currently is spending the next six months in New Zealand. Good thing she is packing her MI OLA Pin Up Top and Casita Boythong.

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Leslie - @lesnorberg

Victoria Burgess - @aquaholicv
Victoria is from Florida, where she lives in bikinis as one of South Florida’s elite SUP racers and SUP surfers. Always on the move and very involved in her community, Victoria hosts one of the biggest SUP race series in the Southeast, the RK Sunshine SUP Series. She is also on the board of the South Florida Longboard Association, the longest run longboard club that is still together in Florida. She also head coaches the Broward County Special Olympics SUP team.

Photo by MI OLA Ambassador Victoria - @aquaholicv

Interested in joining the MI OLA Ambassador Program?

Know of anyone who should #GetOutThere with us?

Shoot us an email at info@MI-OLA.com

November

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving - a time when families across the US gather to feast and reflect on what is important in their lives. Over the past few year’s this holiday has become more and more about consumerism and shopping with countless “Black Friday” sales. While we certainly love a good bargain, MI OLA loves Thanksgiving because it is a holiday about being with family and friends and giving thanks. This year MI OLA mermaids are giving their thanks from all around the world.

And Paris, sweet Paris, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Helena, @helenamania, Costa Rica and New York, New York
I am thankful for every day. It sounds corny, I know, but every day I think about how lucky I am to be alive and have a great 4-year-old daughter and be leading MI OLA. I am also thankful for all the little annoyances. If I’m complaining about being a bit chilly, that means that I’m lucky enough to be in NYC. And if I’m annoyed that I’m sweaty all the time, I’m lucky to be in Costa Rica. If we’re able to get annoyed, that means that most of our most important needs, food, shelter, safety, are being met. So we should be thankful that we are lucky enough to get to wait in line… at Starbucks, at the bank, … at the store when we’re buying holiday gifts - because so many people don’t get to do those things.

Myra, @myragonzalez, London and New York, New York
I am most thankful for my husband, our good health and the family and friends that love and support us. I have a job I love, that allows me to help provide for our needs. I am grateful to have traveled around the globe with my work. I cherish I am able to live in London and still keep my feet firmly rooted to Brooklyn / NYC with a yearly dip or two into Costa Rica. I acknowledge how fortunate I have been (and still am) to experience all I do when I #Getoutthere. I am super thankful to be working with Helena and to be part of the awesome MI OLA team, where goals and aspirations continue to grow and flourish. Of course, let’s not forget Mandu and Alley - my 2 cats - their laziness inspires me to DO MORE. Finally, I am thankful my friends in Paris are safe and coping well. I am in awe of their courage. Vive Le Monde - Vive l’Humanité.

Kristen, @sambatothesea, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving - when I lived in New York City I used to go to the Thanksgiving Day Parade before heading out of the city for Thanksgiving dinner with my family. I have lived in Costa Rica for three years now and have missed celebrating Thanksgiving in the US. This year my family is bringing Thanksgiving to me, turkey and all the fixings. I can’t wait to see them here in Costa Rica and I am so thankful that I am able to spend this beautiful holiday with them this year!

Adrienne, @yokeens, Outer Banks, North Carolina
I wake up every day thankful…. I walk across the street to the beach and thank the ocean for being so amazing. The great force that is ever changing with each day, yet has a presence that is always the same magnetizing pull. This alluring ocean can be angry, unforgiving and eat you up one day then calm, nurturing and playful the next. And, I thank myself for always trying to be a similar pull…. being open to new experiences: being patient, eager and willing yet aggressive while staying attentive and welcoming to new ways of doing things. I have accepted I am an ever changing being that gets better and better with time. That admitting mistakes and learning from them, and listening to others is the ultimate way of living…..
“Are you jealous of the ocean’s generosity?
Why would you refuse to give
this joy to anyone?
Fish don’t hold the sacred liquid in cups!
They swim the huge fluid freedom.” - Rumi

Catherine, @kathmarquis, Tamarindo, Costa Rica and Montreal, Canada
This year, I am thankful for all the positives changes in my life and for all the support I get from my family and my friends. I am blessed to be surrounded by beauty, love and friends from around the world.

Susi, @insta_susi, Norway
I am thankful to the handful of people who love me from the bottom of their heart and to all the support I get from my family.

Kate, @chucktownoceangal, Charleston, SC
I am thankful for a healthy body that allows me to dive into life and enjoy each and every moment, whether it be surfing fun waves, going to a live show with friends, or spending quality time with family and furry friends. I am also thankful for having the ability to make change happen. Be it helping someone in need, or helping protect the environment. I am grateful for any part I can play to make a difference.

Ashley A, @theviewfrom6ft, Texas
I’m thankful for the opportunities I have to travel and connect with people this upcoming holiday season. For meals cooked by caring friends in Houston. For spontaneous days spent exploring with new friends in India. For scuba diving the Mexican reef that first captured my heart with my brother. For the heartfelt reunions in the Florida sand. For the giddiness of planning Brazilian carnival adventures with like-minded coworkers. For the sweet words from my Instagram family and other lovely MI OLA girls across the world.

Jessica B, @jessicabellofatto, Long Island, NY
I am thankful for the body, the breath, my yoga practice, long paddles, clean green head high waves at my home break in Montauk New York. I am thankful for my amazing family, especially my boyfriend Adam and my three kids - Jack, Uma, and Jahya.

Katie, @westbutt, Florida
This year, I am thankful for my healthy mind and body, my new (and old) friends who stick by me and my new job! As always, thankful for the beautiful Sunshine State I live in and for another chance to finish out a year!

Briana, @bvalorosi, Lake Tahoe
I am thankful for my MI OLA bikinis!!!
I’m thankful for the sunshine and moon. Grateful for all the water that pulses in and around our bodies. Thankful for the mountains that present challenge and a shifted perspective. I’m thankful for the humbling ocean and the way it makes me feel small. I’m especially thankful for my healthy body that allows me to play, stretch, bend, hike, surf, climb and practice yoga. Love.

Elena, @findmeoutside, Oregon
I am thankful for good health, friends and family, as I am every year. This year in particular, I am thankful for being so close to finishing my radiology technologist program! I have worked towards earning this degree for 3 years now, and come the spring, I will be done! I am thankful for all the opportunity social media has brought into my life. So much debate lately about whats real or fake, but in the end, does it really matter? If what you are doing is making you happy, you’re doing it right… just keep doing that! I have been lucky enough to have made so many great connections over the last year through social media, and I am looking forward to the new year and what I will learn and new connections I will make! Cheers!

Gigi, @surfearnegra, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
I am thankful for my husband’s chocolate chip cookies, my doggie “West”, the opportunity to choose simplicity in everything. Thankful for functional family relationships (even though every family has that one crazy uncle) and for hope: because it makes everything in life possible!!

Elise, @babeinthewaves, Tahiti
I am thankful for the most beautiful gift of life - to be pregnant and to found a family with the man I love!

Ashley B, @ayeboulet, Lake Tahoe, California
Each day I am thankful for love, inspiration, support, health, and opportunity.Being in love means seeing the beloved all around me. I am so blessed to be surrounded by a constant state of love and for that I am so thankful.
I am motivated and inspired by beautiful people. I constantly see inspiration in the people I love as well as complete strangers. There is so much beauty in the world if we choose to acknowledge it. We are changing the world at every moment, we are so deeply interconnected.
I receive support and guidance from those I cherish. With their support, I have become more confident and successful in my endeavors.
Health! I am so blessed to live and enjoy the active life I do. I love playing in the outdoors and my adventurous spirit is fueled by a lifestyle only possible with good health. I am blessed not only for my good health but also for the good health of those I love.
Opportunity has provided various avenues throughout my life. Saying yes to these opportunities has helped to shape the person I am today. The people I have met, befriended, and loved have provided me with ample opportunities and experiences that I will forever be grateful for.
I believe it is important to BE.HERE.NOW as Ram Dass would say. Living in the moment and appreciating your current place in life is of the utmost importance. I believe that time is precious and it is important to live in the moment and be grateful for who you are and what you have at each moment of every day. For the days that pass are a memory and our lives are a collection of these experiences. I hope to constantly practice a life of gratitude.

August

Surf Like A Girl

Surfing was originally a female sport. According to legend, Pele, the Goddess of Volcanoes, was the first surfer. There are also very old hawaiian wood cuttings that feature naked native women surfing.

Now, however, surfing is male dominated. Only 1 in every 10 surfers is female. In the past fifteen years, there has been a boom in women surfers and that number will keep growing - thanks to rad female pro surfers, movies like Blue Crush, social media, and more women #gettingoutthere and charging!

Paddling out into a lineup that is 95-100% male is common. At times it can be quite macho out there, and this vibe affects us, good or bad, while we are out surfing. So - at the risk of being sexist - we asked our Brand Ambassadors about their experiences surfing with the boys and what take aways they have for us surfer-mermaids.

Male line-ups are the norm.

Our mermaids are indifferent to a mostly male lineup. They’re used to it. Kate (@chucktownoceangal) commented, “I like to surf with anyone, male or female, as long as they have a good vibe and attitude and show respect for all the surfers in the lineup, beginner or advanced. It’s all about sharing waves and having a good time!” We say AMEN to that!

@chucktownoceangal

What do you do when someone intentionally drops in on you or snakes your wave?

The best thing to do is to just show them you can surf by catching up to them and passing them by. They probably won’t do it again.

Katherine (@katiezmc) said, “If they drop in, pass them! That’s always embarrassing for a guy.” If there is not room to pass, stick up for yourself or use the utilitarian stink eye. Ambassador Nena (@nena_belen) has used, “Are you serious dude!?” in front of a crowded lineup. Sometimes the surfer may not know that they are doing something wrong…or that you know that they are doing something wrong!

(Helena our Chief Bikini Officer interjects “Costa Rica can be supremely macho… One time I had a guy drop right in on me. I passed him. He never said anything to me about it. But later he apologized to my husband for disrespecting me… Pura Vida.”)

@katizmc in Rockaway, NY

Surfing with better surfers pushes us to be better.

Does surfing with guys push us to be better surfers and more aggressive? Our French Polynesia Ambassador Elise (@babeinthewaves) commented, “Surfing with men helps me to go in bigger waves and to be brave in the lineup, even if I am scared by the huge waves.”

We prefer to think that surfing with better surfers pushes us and our ambassadors agree that gender does not matter, surfing with a male or female who surfs better than you always helps to improve your skills. Katherine wisely said, “I think we all push each other, and I hope that I inspire them as much as they inspire me. Surfing with females who surf better than me makes me surf better as well.”

@babeinthewaves

What do you do when it’s really aggressive in the line-up and you’re losing your stoke?

First and foremost, don’t let other people control your stoke.

Try not to get vibed out and get out of the water. If the atmosphere is just way too macho, paddle down a bit (on a beach break) or find another spot to surf nearby.

If there’s a ton of hooting and hollering… and a lot of “go go go,” try to ignore it or - crazy thought - let it invigorate you. Kate stated, “I actually love being called into waves and you know what, the worst that can happen is you wipe out, and honestly I never feel more alive than after a wipe out, it reminds you that the sea is in charge.”

Creepy come-ons in the line-up ?

It’s great to say “hi” to everyone you’re surfing with… or shoot them a big smile. Not so great to hit on someone, follow them around, or grab them. And as a female surfer, you may have to deal with that type of behavior. The great thing about surfing is you’re very mobile. Use the waves, currents and your arms and legs, and move away from the offending surfer. If they are really obnoxious or persistent, you might need to say something to get them to back down.

Nena says “Unfortunately, this does happen. Things such as “nice swimsuit” as you are paddling by or creepy looks. I have had dudes grab my legs before too. NOT ok.”

@nena_belen

OK, so let’s do a quick recap of how to surf like a girl:

You will be surfing with mostly males. Don’t let this psyche you out! (Enjoy the view!)
If a wave is rightfully yours, go for it.
Stick up for yourself! If a guy says something inappropriate, let them know. Someone dropping in on you or snaking you over and over? Let them know that it is wrong.
If you feel uncomfortable with the vibe in a lineup, find an emptier spot further down the beach.
Surf with better surfers, regardless of gender. Watch. Learn. Repeat.
However, know your limits. It is dangerous to be out in waves that are way above your skill level; for you and your fellow surfers.
Be safe and HAVE FUN!
AND make sure you wear your MI OLA bikini so you don’t give everyone a free show!

July

#GetOutThere Guide: Spray Lakes, Canada

Over the past year, our Brand Ambassador program has grown with amazing women from all over the world. We have e-ventured around the globe to places likes Bali, British Columbia, Florida Keys, Hawaii, and Lake Tahoe with our Brand Ambassador #GetOutThere Guides. This week we are heading to the Canadian Rockies with one of our original Ambassadors, Marianne (@mariannerika).

Marianne is a Yoga and SURFSET Instructor born and raised in Canada. During the Alberta winters, Marianne travels to different locations around the world in search of great hiking, surf, yoga, long boarding, SUP and camping.

#GetOutThereGuide: Spray Lakes, Alberta, Canada

I am fortunate enough to live a short drive to the Canadian Rockies where I get to play outdoors in the wilderness. Hello Grizzlys! I work part time and play full time. I enjoy spinning, painting, playing with pups and napping anywhere with my cat. I am a sunshine junkie and am happy to sit out in the sun all day by a lake with a drink, go water skiing on the lake where I live, and practice Yoga outdoors by a tree anywhere!

One of the most beautiful places that I have been and where I love to SUP is Spray Lakes, just 50 minutes from Calgary, Alberta. I have traveled around the world, seen many places and I always come back to Canada and am just in awe of the beauty of our Rocky Mountains. The beautiful thing about Spray Lakes is its accessibility, as it is located just outside Canmore, Alberta.

How to Get There:
Take Trans Canada Highway, Highway 1, WEST from Calgary. As you approach Canmore, take exit 93 (Three Sisters Parkway). Stay left on 742 up the mountains to Spray Lakes!

Activities and When to Go:
Spray Lakes used to be inside Banff National Parks boundaries, but was released to provide hydro-electric power to the town of Canmore. This lake is 55 miles/88km long used for recreation. The lake provides stunning views, is quiet and absolutely serene. Activities include SUPing, hiking, golfing or even biking to Banff on backcountry trails!

The AMAZING thing about Canada is that almost anytime is a good time to go. Head to Canmore in the winter and enjoy winter skiing, snow shoeing, warm fiery lodges and outdoor skating. More of a summer person? Golf, hiking, SUPing and rock climbing are all available and can be done in and around Spray Lakes. One season I would avoid is spring, as the weather is unpredictable and there can still be many park closures.

Where to Stay:
Accommodations are anywhere from camping, cheap motels on the highway, to villas or mountain resorts in Canmore. Personally, I think camping is your best option at 16 km from Canmore. Opening dates are subject to snow levels, but if you prefer the warmth of a hotel and comfort of a bed, then stay at any of Canmore’s fabulous lodges and drive up for the day!

Where and What to Eat:
Bring a picnic up in the mountains for the day or grab a meal at Harvest Cafe for breakfast or lunch (closes at 3pm). Communitea Cafe offers healthy fresh food, the best selection of coffee and tea, and great live music. Head to Grizzly Paw Brewing Company in the evenings for authentic Canadian cuisine (like poutine, beaver tails, bison burger, maple syrup, back bacon, and Nanaimo bars), a pint of their handcrafted beer, complimented with a stunning view of the Three Sisters Mountain Range.

Enjoy exploring the Canadian Rockies, I know I do, time and time again the view will NEVER get old!

June

How Do You Summer?!

When I met you in the summer
To my heartbeat sound
We fell in love
When I met you in the summer

For the MI OLA mermaids in the USA, Summer kicked off with Memorial Day weekend. But, since we LOVE Summer, we are celebrating one more time with the official start of Summer this Sunday, June 21. Can we get a heck yes!!!

The MI OLA brand ambassadors are up to some pretty #MIOLAwesome things this month. (When are our ambassadors not out rocking it?) Longer days means more time to get outside and #getoutthere. Like Briana @bvalorosi in French Polynesia.

@bvalorosi

The MI OLA mermaids are participating in Time Magazine’s “#howisummer”. Check out Amanda’s @mermanda_. She just got back to Florida from India after completing a 200 hour Yoga teacher training and is jumping for joy.

@mermanda_

How do you Summer? Show us! Post a photo using hashtags #MIOLAwesome and #howisummer and tag @miolasurf. When we use your photo on Instagram and Facebook, you get a 10% discount at MI-OLA.com

@insta_susi

@chucktownoceangal

@ayeboulet

@jazzywazzy898

@urbanoceansup

@babeinthewaves

@meredithdrangin

@barefoot_farmer

June

#GetOutThere Guide: Pender Island

There are 24 hours in a day. During the summer, Pender Island in British Columbia gets 16 hours of sunlight. So many more hours to #GetOutThere and have fun!

This month we chatted with Brand Ambassador Ashley Averill and got familiar with Pender Island. Ashley (@theviewfrom6ft) grew up in the beach town of Clearwater Florida. She loves of all things water related and shopping (kinda sounds just like us!).

#GetOutThereGuide: Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada

Becoming a MI OLA brand ambassador has been a natural fit for me, fueling my ever growing addiction to bikinis! Last year my bathing suit collection and I spent the year traveling and working around South East Asia. I now have settled down a bit, calling Houston, Texas home. BUT, I still frequently take off and on trips anywhere I can find a coast, including Pender Island in British Columbia.

Pender Island is really a pair of two islands: North and South Pender, which are separated by a narrow canal and connected by a one lane bridge. The islands (in total) are a 13 sq. mile gem in the Salish Sea off the west coast of British Columbia (BC), Canada. Winters in Pender can be cold and windy, but the summer has long days of sunshine and temperate weather perfect for fishing, hiking, boating, sailing and even scuba diving (if you’re ready for the 55 degree water). The modest population swells in summer. The rolling hills, forests, lakes, small mountains, coves and beaches offer plenty of options to #GetOutThere.

How to Get There:

Book a summertime plane ticket to Vancouver and then hop on a BC ferry in Tsawwassen, or fly to Victoria and then hop on a BC ferry in Swartz Bay near Victoria.

Activities:

Hiking: Pender offers lots of hiking trails, many with otherworldly names likes Magic Lake and Enchanted Forest, which take you up small mountains, past lakes to waterfalls, and offer great views. The Greenburn Lake hike starts by the fire station on Gowlland Point road you can find a trail past Greenburn Lake up to oak bluffs from where you can look across the Gulf Islands back to the United States. On clear days in Pender you can view Mt. Baker in Washington. This great website has more information on the more popular hikes on the island: http://penderislandhikes.webs.com/ .

Get wet: To relieve tired feet, switch to exploring the island via paddle board or kayak. You can rent both at Poet’s Cove Marina and Resort. Pender is protected by the other Gulf Islands around it, so the water is generally calm around its 38 miles of coast line. You can launch with a tour group from the marina or go on a solo trip from one of the island’s rocky beaches.

Pender offers more public beach access points than any other Gulf Island. By kayak, you will have access to even more secluded coves. Paddling allows you to go mostly unnoticed by the islands’ wild life from bald eagles to seals and - if you’re lucky - Pacific Northwest orcas.

Where to Stay:

After hiking and kayaking, you can catch a free ride at one of Pender’s “car stops” - Pender Island’s sanctioned equivalent to hitch hiking - to a camp ground, a B&Bs or inns, or one of the many rental properties. The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve runs two campgrounds on the island: Prior Centennial Campground which is a vehicle-accessible and Beaumont Marine Provincial Park for boat-in/walk-in camping. Port Browning also offers front-country camping on their lawn. For more luxurious digs, head over to Poet’s Cove Resort and Spa for water front villas and concierge planned activities.

Where and What to Eat:

There’s a terrific Farmer’s Market at the ‘Mother Bear’ Community Hall every Saturday from Easter through Thanksgiving. You’ll find handcrafts, live folk music, and local produce. Wine grapes, peas, bean, greens, apples and blackberries all grow on the island. The sweetest blackberries are the ones you pick yourself from roadside bushes. The other local culinary highpoint would be seafood from the cafes and bistros at any of the marinas. The food at The Stand will amaze you, especially because it’s being served out of a converted camper. The Stand is located next to the ferry dock, so grab a breakfast sandwich or burger on your way off the island.

March

#GetOutThere Guide: Marathon, Florida

They say that in Florida they salt their margaritas, not the sidewalks. Sounds enticing, huh?

Don’t worry, the 5PM Friday work bell is almost here…BUT in the meantime, how about we help kick-start your weekend with some local knowledge on Marathon, Florida by Brand Ambassador Amanda Minton (@mermanda_).

We give you full permission to grab your sunglasses, kick up your feet on your desk, and put an umbrella in your coffee mug. Check it out!

#GetOutThere Guide: Marathon, Florida by Amanda Minton

My name is Amanda Minton and I am from Charleston, South Carolina. The past 5 years I have been traveling the globe and living in various cities across America. When I’m not waiting for a stand-by flight I like to dive for underwater treasure, SUP around the islands, or practice Sun Salutations in the sand.

Right now I have found myself in the middle of the ocean on a rock they call Marathon, Florida. Marathon is the heart of a string of small islands known as “The Keys.” Mile Marker 55 on US 1.

How to get here?
If you can’t drive here look into flights at both Miami (MIA) and Key West (EYW) airports.

What to do?
Kite Boarding: Winter is a great time for Kite Boarding. The wind is steady and there are plenty of spots for both beginners and experienced surfers. Aaron at FloridaKeysKiteSurfing.com says, “If it’s blowing we’re going!” They also give lessons and rent gear!

Yoga: We have the amazing Island Yoga Studio here that offers a variety of classes as well as Yoga Workshops to deepen your practice. Jolie Wilson is one of the beautiful teachers and the owner of two health and wellness studios here in the Keys.

Aquarium: Sometimes our Sunshine is in Liquid form, but not to worry! Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is open rain or shine. It is hands down the most beautiful aquarium I have ever been to. They offer amazing encounters that get you up close and personal with the residents. You can hand feed Sharks, eels, and Stingrays here; where it would be too dangerous experience in the open ocean.

Stand Up Paddle: You can take a Stand Up Paddleboard Eco tour with me and we can cruise out around the Atlantic Ocean and the Florida bay. You’re sure to see sea stars, rays, & sharks!

Dog Friendly: We have two dog friendly beaches in town Coco Plum if you have any four legged friends!

Walking: A walk along the old 7 mile bridge is a great opportunity for photos and learning a little about the History of the Keys.

Where to Stay?
Bring your tent! Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you can camp right there. They also have cabins if you don’t want to rough it.

Where to eat?
Curly’s Coffee is the place to start your day! They also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles.
Island Fish company and Tiki Bar is one of the best meals *Grouper Sandwich* and it has an amazing view of the Gulf.
Sunset Bar and Grille, as the name would suggest is a “Go-To” for Sushi, Dinner, and watching the sunset.

There is a ton of stuff to do here, so I hope you all bring your suits and come check it out!

XO,
Mermanda

March

Bienvenidos

Bienvenidos! Willkommen! Benvenuto! Bem-vindos! WELCOME to the MI OLA team!

We are so stoked. As MI OLA grows, you are growing with us. What started with a handful of adventurous women, our Brand Ambassador program has grown to over twenty AMAZING ambassadors from all around the world. From the United States, Canada, Moorea, Australia, Spain, to Norway, our Ambassadors #GetOutThere. Check out the newest members to the MI OLA Brand Ambassadors!

Kayla @barefoot_farmer

Raised in South Florida and now residing on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kayla is a garden teacher at an elementary school.Shea works outdoors in a garden with her students teaching them about healthy food, nutrition, and how to care for the land and themselves. When she is not working you can find her outdoors either swimming at the beach, hiking a mountain, doing yoga on a paddle board, playing with her dog, or dancing.

Shantal @shantalcachela

A super awesome surfer girl from the Canary Islands in Spain, Shantal also loves to climb, swim, run, and SUP. Shantal plans to move to Bali for a year and travel around Indonesia working with NGOs.

Ashley @ayeboulet

Growing up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Ashley is no stranger to the outdoors. Currently residing in North Lake Tahoe, Ashley enjoys yoga, art, music, concerts and festivals, fire spinning, painting, ceramics, backpacking, hiking, paddle boarding, skiing and kayaking.

Melissa @missmelissaaa, @peconicwatersports

Melissa spends her summers working in the Hamptons teaching wake boarding, water skiing, surfing and more. During the off season, she loves to travel to destinations such as Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Dominican Republic.

Katherine @katizmc

Katherine not only is a super awesome surfer girl, but also she is from our very own Chief Bikini Officer Helena’s hometown, Breezy Point, NY!!! Katherine surfs New York City year round (yes, there is surf in NYC!) She recently graduated summa cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Technology where she majored in Fine Arts, with minors in Spanish and Art History.

December

#getoutthere in 2015

We live by the motto #getoutthere and you challenge, and inspire, us every day! So what is the MI OLA team up to in 2015? Our Team Riders and Brand Ambassadors seriously rock…check out what their goals are this year!

Helena (our chief-bikini-officer) @miolasurf

To get in the water every day I’m in Costa Rica. 5 times a week to swim or surf, and extra times to play with my 3 year old who’s getting more confident with her swimming skills.

When I’m in NYC for work, to be active every day… and maybe (if it makes $ sense) to join my pool again. Being in the water makes me happy, healthy and strong.

Izzy @izzyisup

I will be studying abroad for 3 months in Panama! I know it will be a crazy experience and I can’t wait!

Briana @bvalorosi

In the new year, I am setting the intention for many travels. In February, I am coming to Costa Rica for a week long yoga retreat, then in May, a month in Baja for my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training. I am manifesting balance in 2015- on and off the mat, spiritually, mentally, physically, and in ALL of my pursuits.

Ashley A. @theviewfrom6ft

To get back into a morning routine with a yoga practice, time for homemade oatmeal or smoothie bowls, and the dedication to walk to work not drive. Waking up early is hard but so worth the me time.

Ellen @artemis_elleven

My aim for 2015 is to keep improving my underwater photography.

Jordyn @jordynbaratt

Surf trips to Baja, Mexico and entering (and winning) as many surf contests as possible!

Susi @insta_susi

My New Year’s Resolution is to get in great shape & snowboard & surf lots in the next year. And in general just to get outside lots. Hopefully we get nice summer waves so my daughter can learn to surf ; )

Rachel @rach.palmer

Welcome to the MI OLA team!

WOW!

In May, we started our Brand Ambassador program - for active women that love MI OLA as much as we do. We are small and growing company, and we were only able to select a handful of the amazing women who applied. We promised that as soon as we could, we would share the bikini love with more ambassadors….and that time has come! We are beyond stoked to announce the follow new rad MI OLA ambassadors!

(P.S. Our current brand ambassadors are rocking it; they inspire us by getting out there and being active. We love seeing their amazing photos. Be sure to check them out on Instagram.)

Harmony Dawn @urbanoceansup

Harmony grew up spending summers at her families lake cottage in Saskatchewan and has lived in Colorado, Mexico, Hawaii and California. She now resides in Ottawa and owns Urban Ocean SUP.

Izzy Poulin @izzyisup

Izzy is from La Jolla, CA. She has been surfing since she was 10!

Nicole Burns @nicolemichelley

Nicole is also a California girl from Surf City aka Huntington Beach, CA. She likes to surf, do triathlons, mud runs, kayak, mountain bike, and go on long hikes.

Rachel Palmer @rachpalmer98

From Sydney, Australia, Rachel is 15 and competes with her surfing club in Bondi. When she turns 16 she looks forwards to joining Sea Shepherd, a marine conservation society.

Samantha Johnston @skxip

A Sophomore at Penn State University, Samantha is always outside… running, skiing, longboarding, swimming, surfing, shooting surf photography, or just enjoying a beautiful day.

Amanda Minton @mermanda

Currently living in Alaska, Amanda’s travel itineraries include things like hiking Diamond Head, swimming under the Falls of Pirenopolis, surfing Recrerio, and SUPing Ketchikan.

Jessica Altieri @thelifeofjessica

An Earth Science major at Stonybrook University, Jessica is a nature enthusiast, free spirit, lover of the sun, stars, sky, and sea.

July

MI OLA Brand Ambassadors!

Back in May we started our search to find active chicas that love MI OLA as much as we do for our Brand Ambassador program. We were stoked to see the interest in the Brand Ambassador program. The responses we received were AMAZING; there were applications from women all over the world with such inspiring lives! We honestly wish we could step in your shoes for a day or two! It was certainly tough narrowing down the list as we are a growing company and would have loved to have all of our applicants be MI OLA Brand Ambassadors.

So who did we chose?!?! We are beyond excited to announce these amazing women as MI OLA Brand Ambassadors..and we already are loving the photos that they are sending in of their adventures in MI OLA!!!

Susi @instasusi and @kof_clothing
Susi resides in Norway and already is traveling around the world with her MI OLA suit. Current location is a surf check from Bali!

Marianne @barefoot.outdoor.yoga
A yoga teacher trained in our backyard Playa Negra, Marianne resides in Calgary. We are loving all the yoga and SUP photos!

Jordyn @jordynbarratt
Originally from Hawaii, Jordyn now lives in Southern California. Either way, both places have some great waves and we love seeing Jordyn rock MI OLA while surfing.

Meredith @meredithdrangin
Meredith lives in Colorado and is always doing something active outdoors from kayaking, hiking, skiing, or mountain biking.

Ellen @artemis_eleven
All the way from down under, Ellen is from Australia. Check out her amazing underwater shots that she is getting! LOVE!!!

Caitlin @sunburntandsalty
If you ever are thinking of taking a trip to Rincon, Puerto Rico, Caitlin is your chica to show you around! Surfing, yoga, or good eats, this chica has you covered!

Briana @bvalorsi
From Tahoe, California, Briana not only is one of our Brand Ambassadors, but she also can give you some great advice on outdoor gear that you really need!

Jenny @jennyanyway
From Florida, Jenny and her family are on a summer-long road trip up the East Coast of the US. So cool!

Sara @smskier
MI OLA athlete Bailey Rosen introduced us to Sara, who is from California. We love having another SUPer spread the love of MI OLA.

Jaylen @jaylenkate
Tennis pro, SUPer and beach lover, Jaylen resides in Savannah, GA…and small world we know her from our Tamarindo, CR home base!

Ashley @theviewfrom6ft
Ashley resides in Thailand and one of her favorite hobbies is scuba diving…we told you that we have awesome women from all over the world!

Ginger @gingerharris
You all first saw Ginger a couple months ago ROCKING MI OLA in some pretty amazing yoga poses to celebrate her 36th birthday. From Florida, we are stoked to have Ginger as one of our Brand Ambassadors.

We are stoked to have these women help spread the love of MI OLA! Be sure to follow their adventures via @miolasurf on Instagram!

Bienvenidas New Ambassadors

Giving Thanks

Surf Like A Girl

#GetOutThere Guide: Spray Lakes, Canada

How Do You Summer?!

#GetOutThere Guide: Pender Island

#GetOutThere Guide: Marathon, Florida

Bienvenidos

#getoutthere in 2015

Welcome to the MI OLA team!

MI OLA Brand Ambassadors!

MI OLA

TOPS

BOTTOMS

RASHGUARDS

COLORS

ABOUT US

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

MI OLA NEWSLETTER

MI OLA

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

MI OLA NEWSLETTER

Nice to meet you!

15% off