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FINDING YOUR OUTERKNOWN THE THING YOUR BODY GLOW

THAT YOUR MIND BUZZ IS ENCOURAGING MAKES YOUR SPIRIT SING

SOMEWHERE, BEYOND THE SEA

In the summertime the skies have a way of shedding their cool, muted layers, revealing more of the world. Looking out to sea, the horizon line sharpens. Our passions, our pursuits—a destination—becomes clearer. You see exactly where the edge of the world is. But the funny thing about horizons is that they move…yet we still chase them. We use that ethereal, unreliable border as a navigational tool to sail toward— and beyond. We hold on tightly to

other weightless instruments like hope and curiosity, and continue to wonder, against all odds: Is that a wave? Is this work of art beautiful? Can I be better to the earth? In the summer, we discover it doesn’t matter that what we sail toward might be some phantom island or hazy mirage the old mariners call a Fata Morgana. It’s the wondering that animates us. This summer, turn over stones. Follow unkept trails. Glare into the distance. Find your Outerknown.

LOOK BEYOND HORIZONS

Kelly, wearing his APEX Evolution Trunks in Burnt Orange with trusty Slater Designs R&D shape by Mike Woo, peers through the binos in his front yard at a possible peak beyond the Banzai.

Sage Erickson, feeling that moment-before-submersion thrill wearing the Eclipse Board Short in Pitch Black.

SEBASTIAN INLET | TOM DUGAN

Continually redefining the boundaries of greatness.

Somewhere between grom and GOAT, over the course of 11 world titles to his eventual 8th Pipeline win on the eve of 50—somewhere within that expanding infinity—Kelly captivated every surfer on earth and showed them what is possible. When the best keeps progressing—that’s what you call Constant Evolution.

Malia Manuel is like a much-needed breath of fresh air–gentle, kind and invigorating. Maybe it’s her incredibly humble approach to life, the small, beautiful community she grew up in or that she’s dedicated much of her life to helping others live the healthiest most fulfilled life possible. Whatever it is, it’s empowering and has us wanting more. When it came time to shoot our Spring/ Summer ’25 campaigns, we knew we had to get Kaua’i-born pro surfer on board. We also had a chance to connect to learn more about her story.

OK: How old were you when you first started surfing?

MM: I started tandem surfing with my parents around 3 years old.

OK: And I read that you won the US Open of Surfing at the age of 14, that’s incredible! How insane did that feel?

MM: It feels surreal! At the time, I was just focused on making it through enough heats to save up for my first car. But that win ended up leading to so many amazing surfing opportunities I never could’ve imagined.

OK: When did you make your debut as a professional surfer?

MM: When I was 16, I was committed to qualifying for the World Tour.

OK: You’re not only an incredible surfer but also founder of “the sclpt co.” as well as a certified holistic nutritionist. What inspired your quest for holistic wellness?

MM: Thank you! I feel fortunate to have grown up surrounded by a generation of healthy, active, and motivated individuals. Being around people always striving to be better has been truly inspiring. As a competitive surfer, I was able to focus entirely on becoming the best version of myself—physically, mentally, and as an athlete. Wellness is all encompassing so there is always something to learn, evolve and “sculpt” a better version of yourself no matter what era of life you’re in and that’s the most fun part of the journey.

"EVERY DAY, EVERY WAVE IS UNIQUE. IT ALLOWS YOU TO TAP INTO THE PRESENT MOMENT, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS, AND BE YOUR OWN ARTIST ON THE WAVE’S CANVAS."

Malia Manuel, all-smiles, mid-turn on a Slater Designs Great White Twin by Mike Woo while on the North Shore.

OK: Do you have any daily wellness practices or rituals you particularly love?

MM: I am trying to emerge a better version of myself daily and connecting deeper into a sense of self. Slowing things down and being in nature are just a few values I try to practice. Traveling for most of my career, I’ve found that routines help me function at my best. My key ritual is nourishing and moving my body—whether it’s surfing, sculpting, hiking, swimming, or beach walks. I also love meal prepping and planning, which makes it easier to sustain an active lifestyle.

OK: What inspired you to start your own company?

MM: The inspiration behind starting the sclpt co. was to encourage people to sculpt a better version of themselves, whether through movement, nutrition, or mindful practices like recovery and meditation. Our products are based on the versatility to take with you on-thego so you don’t have to compromise your routine when you’re abroad.

OK: You are clearly a lover of Mother Earth and nature. What sustainability practices or causes are most important to you?

MM: As I get older, I have become more mindful of my position in the world and my responsibilities to humanity, the surf community, and community at home now. I’m conscious how I want my experience in this journey to reflect the legacy I leave.

As someone who grew up on a small island, I’m passionate about supporting local farmers, fishermen, and local grocers. By sourcing food locally, it can help reduce our environmental footprint in key ways. Local food is often fresher, meaning less food waste, and encourages seasonal eating, which is gentler on the environment. My goal is to continue to create a conscious and mindful lifestyle, so our kids can inherit a healthier, more sustainable world. Every small step matters when it comes to shaping the future for the next generation.

THE LIGHTWEIGHT WEEKEND SHIRT IN MARINE BANKER STRIPE → $128 ORIGIN ONE-PIECE IN PITCH BLACK → $128

FIND WHAT MAKES YOUR SPIRIT SMILE

CAMP SHIRT → $98

THE S/S STUDIO SHIRT → $98 THE BEACH TOWEL → $58

THE SLOWDOWN SHIRT → $148

RISE WITH THE DAWN,

Sage Erickson, soaking up that precious golden light before a sneaky dusk surf session wearing the Origin One-Piece in Copper.

SETTLE WITH THE SUN

SCHULZ

KEVIN SCHULZ ON SURFING, FIREFIGHTING, AND FINDING HIS OWN PATH

Legacy in Motion

Born and raised in the surfing hotbed of Southern California, it’s no surprise that surfing was a part of Kevin Schulz's life from an early age. Since he was ten, he’d accomplish quite a list of goals, from becoming sponsored, to qualifying for the USA Surfing Team, to competing in the WSL Qualifying Series and Stab High, to traveling around the world. At the same time, Kevin is also pursuing a career in the fire service, carrying on the legacy of his father, Karl Schulz, who worked 35 years with the LA County Fire Department, retiring as a Captain. Kevin was recently on the frontlines fighting the Palisades Fires, which only further speaks to his love and passion for his community.

OK: So it sounds like you had two options growing up: surfing or fire department.

KS: Yeah [laughs]. Those were the only two ways I was going to go. So, it's fun. I get to make a little bit of both. That's more recent, though. I got hired in 2022 up in LA County with the hand crew, which is like all brush fire stuff, and then I applied to municipal departments after that.

OK: What is it like for you to be able to carry on your dad's firefighting legacy?

KS: It was a hard transition originally, just starting from the ground up, and it takes a lot of time to get into it, but growing up around my dad and seeing how much fun he had with it was an inspiration for me. I got to grow up doing so many fun things

Pro surfer and fireman

Kevin Schulz, flaring on his Slater Designs S Boss by Dan Mann around home.

PHOTO: AARON CHECKWOOD

“Seeing how rewarding my Dad’s career was made me want to pursue the profession as well. I also wanted to be able to provide the same life for my family that my folks were able to provide for me. The fire service is a great way to do that and also be a part of your community. Following in his footsteps has been pretty rad.”

BLANKET SHIRT IN SUNRISE MOJAVE STRIPE → $168

SURFBOARDS GROOVE BY ROB MACHADO

with my dad. So, seeing how rewarding his career was made me want to pursue the profession as well. I also wanted to be able to provide the same life for my family that my folks were able to provide for me. The fire service is a great way to do that and also be a part of your community. Following in his footsteps has been pretty rad.

OK: Are there any parallels for you between surfing and firefighting?

KS: It's definitely different than surfing. There's still a lot of parallels in the same aspect. The complexity of it and the challenges. The team stuff, too. Surfing is an individualistic sport, but you're always around a crew of people when doing it. There's etiquette with surfing where you have your Kelly Slaters and the top dogs, and you would never step on their toes.

And you have to work your way up in the lineup. I grew up competing, and that's a high-pressure environment where you're expected to perform, and that's the same thing with the fire service. You kind of have to be able to perform under pressure.

OK: At Outerknown, we're always encouraging folks to get offline, embrace adventure, and find their Outerknown. What would you say is your “Outerknown”?

KS: I would say that my Outerknown is getting outside and experiencing what nature has to offer. Whether that be surfing, hiking or just spending time with family outside. I love working with the team at Slater Designs on new surfboards and testing them as well. I feel like any activity that gets me outside and moving is my Outerknown.

APEX EVOLUTION TRUNK BY KELLY SLATER IN BURNT ORANGE → $168

TOM BLAKE SURF CLUB TEE → $58

BUILT FOR THE BREEZE

Pro surfers Sage Erickson, wearing the Gauze Weekend Shirt in Salt and Malia Manuel, wearing the Luna Wrap Dress in Salt, tango with the trade winds on a surfing lay-day.