Meet Kassia

Surfer. Storyteller. Retreat host. Ocean lover.

Video captured by Jersson Barboza.

For nearly three decades, Kassia Meador has inspired surfers around the world through her graceful style, deep connection to the ocean and passion for sharing what she's learned along the way. Ahead of our collaboration, we sat down with Kassia to talk about surfing, style, sun protection and the lessons the ocean continues to teach her.

Whether someone is hearing your name for the first time or has followed your journey for years, what's something you'd love them to know about you beyond surfing?
 I really feel I'm here to pass on whatever I've learned in my 29 years of surfing, whether it's a wave or something else. I love sharing, connecting, and expanding this community of surf stoked people. So come party wave with us and let's spread the stoke.

Many people know you as a surfer, traveller, storyteller and retreat host. Looking back, what parts of that journey have shaped who you are most today? 
I don't really think one single thing or event shaped me into the person I am today. As is every adventure, every encounter... really everything that happens in our lives shapes us into the person we are forever becoming. And I've certainly had many epic adventures, which continue to provide me with plenty of content for fireside chats hahaha...

Photography captured by: Maria Rojo.
The ocean has taken you all over the world and through many different chapters of life. What is one lesson it continues to teach you?
The ocean continues to teach me surrender, to let go, and to let things flow. You can never control the ocean and its moods; you just have to let go and wait for the moments when everything aligns, then tune into your intuition.

Your surfing has always been known for its grace and style. What does style mean to you, both in and out of the water?

Everyone has their own unique style, and I am so grateful people have always felt my style to be graceful in the water. I really try to carry that onto my life on land and how I interact with people in a graceful way with love and care. 

After decades spent in and around the ocean, what are some of the rituals or habits you've adopted to take care of yourself under the sun?

When I was a kid, I didn't take much care of my skin and many sunscreens contained chemicals that weren't good for us or the reefs either. It wasn't until I got older that I really understood the damage the sun was having on our skin as well as the damage many sunblocks and similar products were causing to our skin and the ocean floor. So I really got into clean eco sunblocks and a lot of wearable sun protection. I wear a lot of SPF leggings and rashguards and I use the best eco sunblocks on my face and lips as well as CORD & ROY surf hats. It's my tropical surf kit and in combination, they are the best. They keep me surfing for many sunburn free hours in the tropics and keep harmful chemicals off the reefs.
What was it about CORD & ROY that made you want to collaborate on this collection?
Soph and Dani are super sweet and passionate about what they create out of their own personal need for sun protection. I love working with other small female owned brands creating things they want and need out of their own love and passion. I have tried many surf hats and caps and to me, these are the best most functional and most durable ones available :)

When someone puts on one of these hats, what do you hope they feel? 
I hope they feel supported, protected and stoked!!!