Meet Liah Herzer, our Byron Bay Brand Ambassador with a huge love for the Ocean, Surfing and Sun Protection

At CORD & ROY, our community is at the heart of what we do, and we are so grateful for it! We believe we are more than just a surf hat brand—we’re a collective of ocean lovers, adventurers, and sun-conscious surfers who believe in protecting both our skin and our planet.

As a result, we’re excited to introduce you to Liah Herzer, one of our incredible brand ambassadors. Her journey—from growing up in Switzerland’s mountains to carving waves in Byron Bay—is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the deep connection we all share with the ocean.

Liah embodies what CORD & ROY is all about—ocean conservation, sustainability, sun safety, and building a global surf community. We recently caught up with Liah and dived into her story, her love for surfing, and how she’s helping to inspire the next generation of water women.

From the Mountains to the Waves

My name is Liah, and I’m a surfer based in Byron Bay. For me, surfing is more than just a sport—it’s a spiritual practice and a way of life that shapes who I am both in and out of the water.
I grew up in Switzerland, where my love for the outdoors started with snowboarding and mountain adventures. Being from a landlocked country, I didn’t have the ocean at my doorstep, but that never stopped me.


At 16, I learned to surf in Portugal, and every summer, I returned to chase waves. At 20, I took a leap of faith and moved to Australia to pursue my dream—immersing myself in the surf industry, traveling the east coast, and deepening my connection with the ocean.Surfing has transformed my life in ways I never imagined.

Today, I’m a team rider for Keyo, Atmosea, an ambassador for CORD & ROY, and collaborate with brands like Winki and Salted Australia. I also co-founded VAST Surf and Yoga Retreats, a space where women can feel empowered in the ocean while learning to surf, move, and connect with nature.
My journey is proof that no matter where you come from, the ocean is for everyone—it’s never too late to follow your dream of becoming a surfer.

Do you have a passion for ocean conservation or sustainability?

YES! When I first came to Australia, I studied Marine Conservation and Restoration, working on coral transplantation projects and marine biodiversity protection.I truly believe that small actions create big change; whether it's reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable brands like CORD & ROY, or advocating for ocean protection policies. By sharing my passion for surfing and marine conservation, I hope to inspire others to respect and care for the ocean just as much as they enjoy it.

Can you talk about your personal philosophy on sun safety?

Sun safety is something I take very seriously, especially as a surfer. Most people don’t think about sun protection until the damage is already done, but protecting our skin should be a daily habit, just like grabbing your board or leash before a surf.

Living in Australia, where the sun is so intense, I’ve learned that sun safety isn’t just about avoiding sunburn, it’s about long-term health and being able to surf for years to come.

That’s why I love CORD & ROY’s surf hats—they make it easy to stay protected without sacrificing style or comfort. The hats are designed to stay on in the water, making sun protection effortless.


Can you chat to us about your role in the Byron community and how you aim to impact others?

I’ve been living in Byron Bay for the past five years and have built a strong connection with the local surf community. Recently, I launched VAST Surf and Yoga Retreats with my best friend, Emma Danzo. Our retreats are designed to empower women in the ocean, offering longboard coaching, yin yoga, fascia release, and creative workshops.

For us, the name VAST represents the deep connection we have with the ocean, ourselves, and each other. We want to create spaces where women can push their limits, explore new places, and build confidence in the water.

We’ve also partnered with CORD & ROY to promote sun safety awareness during our retreats. My mission is to unite a global community of water women while continuing to spread awareness about ocean conservation and sun protection.

Can you talk to us about your favourite features of CORD & ROY’s Surf Hats?

Well firstly there’s nothing better than knowing I can spend hours in the water, fully protected from UV rays and keeping shaded wearing my surf hat.

Secondly, some of my favourite features of the hats are:
They actually stay on, even in big swells & duck-diving.
Earthy tones & elegant designs—they match my surf wardrobe perfectly.
Comfort & functionality—protection that doesn’t compromise performance.

What initially drew you to become a brand ambassador for CORD & ROY?

I first came across CORD & ROY when I walked into Onboard Store Byron Bay and saw their surf hats. I thought they were so cool! I reached out to Sophie & Dani, and from there, our partnership was born.It has since evolved into a true friendship, and I feel honoured to support and represent a brand that aligns with my values; sustainability, sun protection, and community.

How do you incorporate our surf hats into your daily adventures?

I always have my surf hat and surf cap in the back of my van, ready to use whenever I go surfing!What advice would you give to others about sun safety?Take 5–10 minutes before getting in the water to:
✔ Apply zinc
✔ Wear a surf hat
✔ Be mindful of sun exposureYour future self will thank you! 

Sun protection doesn’t have to be complicated—it should be as easy as grabbing your board before a surf.

Where’s your favourite place to surf and wear our hats?

My local break in Byron Bay; Wategos Beach. The marine life is abundant, the waves are dreamy, and I feel so connected to nature there.Dream surf destination - Fiji or the Maldives, maybe even bringing VAST Retreats there with the CORD & ROY fam!

Do you have any future goals with CORD & ROY?

I want to keep inspiring the surf community to prioritize sun protection and represent CORD & ROY at future surf events & competitions.
One of my dream collaborations would be bringing VAST Retreats to the Maldives or Fiji with the CORD & ROY fam—imagine surfing tropical waves, staying sun-safe, and continuing to build a global water-women community. 

Final Thoughts: What does being a brand ambassador mean to you?

For me, being a brand ambassador means representing a brand that aligns with my values. CORD & ROY is more than just a surf hat company; it’s a brand that cares about sustainability, community, and keeping surfers sun-safe.
I hope to continue inspiring others to make sun protection a daily habit, helping more surfers understand that it’s not just necessary—it can also be stylish and effortless.The journey with CORD & ROY is only just beginning, and I’m so excited to see where it takes us next!