About
About
The story
Hi, I'm Leon.
I founded SMILE with a belief that surfing should be joyful, shared with smiles on our faces, and empower surfers like you to embrace the ocean with confidence.
The idea for SMILE came 2023 in Peniche, Portugal where I was spending summer with my fiancée Kiki during our first year as remote workers. It's also where I had my first surf session a year before, funny how that works.
One of the many days we went surfing during our lunch breaks ended differently than the others. Instead of returning to our laptops, we ended up in the hospital.
Let me back up a little. On her way out of the water, Kiki didn't pay attention for a short second and ended up getting hit by her surfboard fin - right in the head.
While I was waiting for her in the emergency room, I couldn't shake the nagging question: why wasn't there more protection available for surfers like her? Traditional helmets seemed overkill for everyday surfers, yet accidents like hers were all too common.
And just like that, the idea of the Reef Ranger 1.0 was born.
Four months later, we found ourselves in Ahangama, Sri Lanka — a vibrant surf town filled with inspiring people and endless waves. It was here that we realized the importance of community. Especially a smiling community. As high season came underway, surfers in the lineup became more and more cranky. Even though the waves kept getting better and better!
I knew I didn't just want to create another product. I wanted to create a surfing community focused on unity, smiles, and protection. So, I decided to turn my dreams into reality, and SMILE was born.
community & inspiration
ahangama
ahangama
Our vision for SMILE surf wear is simple: to create surf wear that not only looks good but also makes you feel good. We're not just another surf brand focused on coolness and style—we're here to fill the gap in the surf scene by offering secure, stylish, and empowering products for surfers of all levels.
Infused with the vibrant colors of the sea, every element of our surf wear blends purpose and passion.
As we grow, we are eager to become more and more sustainable and support local communities - teaching Sri Lankan kids to swim, empowering female surfers, and protect the oceans we call our home.
Your support means we can explore new materials and partner with suppliers who share our values and believes. So join us in shaping a more sustainable surf culture for all!
Let's bring more smiles to the surf lineup, one smile at a time
Welcome to our community of surfers where we help each other out, cheer each other on, and greet each other with a SMILE in the lineup. I'm glad you found us.
Stay stoked,
Leon, Founder & Owner
Mission
Why did we started this brand and what goal do we have in mind? Our mission is more than just offering cool surf wear.
Vision
A new era of surfing? Discover how we envision the surf culture of tomorrow and join us on this journey.
Values
What does SMILE surf wear stands for? We don't just sell innovative and stylish surf wear, that's for sure.