I didn’t set out to create a surf swimwear brand.
I just wanted to stay in the water longer!
The moment it all clicked happened while surfing Little Cove, Noosa. The waves were perfect — the kind of conditions that make you want to stay out for hours. And I did. I stayed out as long as I could.
I’d done everything “right”.
I wore sunscreen.
I wore a hat.
But when I finally came in, I was red raw with sunburn.
The sun had still found me!
I remember standing there thinking how frustrating it was that loving the ocean, something that brings so much joy and calm, came with this constant compromise between protection and enjoyment. I didn’t want to wear layer upon layer of bulky surf wear just to feel protected. I wanted something that actually worked, without taking away from how I felt in the water.
I searched everywhere for women’s surf swimwear that offered real sun protection without being uncomfortable, restrictive, or unflattering. I wanted coverage, but I still wanted to feel confident, feminine, and free.
Weeks later, I was diagnosed with melanoma.
That was my light-bulb moment!
I remember thinking, If I can’t find what I’m looking for, I’ll just make it.
I had a clear vision in my head of the perfect surf suit, one that properly covered my skin, offered real sun protection, and still felt good to wear. When I designed Swellz, I made sure women’s curves, secure fit, and extra sun protection were all taken into account. I didn’t want women to feel hidden or uncomfortable in the ocean. I wanted them to feel strong, confident, and protected.
As a nurse, I see the impact of sun damage every single day. People coming in needing surgery. Skin cancers that could have been prevented. Sunscreen alone simply doesn’t cut it, especially in the water, in the harsh Australian sun. You need to wear the protection, not just apply it.
Long-term sun exposure significantly increases the risk of melanoma, and in Australia, that risk is higher than almost anywhere else in the world.
What many people don’t see is how long this journey took. Swellz wasn’t created overnight. It took two years and countless prototypes, many of them absolute failures before I got close to what I envisioned.
And just when I thought I was finally kicking goals, my end product didn’t meet Australian standards.
I was devastated!
But I refused to compromise.
I went back to the drawing board with my fabric suppliers. I started again. I wasn’t willing to change the design or lower the quality, because I knew there were women out there like me, women who want to protect their skin properly while still staying out in the sun longer, knowing they’re covered.
That’s how Swellz was born.
Swellz isn’t just surf swimwear.
It’s about longevity in the ocean.
It’s about women feeling confident, protected, and comfortable in the water.
And it’s about normalising sun-smart surf swimwear, without sacrificing style, performance, or joy.
Swellz is for women who love the ocean and want to keep loving it not just this summer, but for many years to come.
Why Sun Protection Matters in Australia
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.
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Around 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70
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Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in Australians aged 15–39
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Australia and New Zealand account for the highest melanoma incidence globally
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Prolonged and repeated sun exposure, particularly during outdoor activities like surfing, significantly increases melanoma risk
In the harsh Australian climate, sun protection isn’t optional.
It’s essential.