Finisterre is honoured to welcome Hawaiian professional surfer, ocean scientist, filmmaker, and long-time friend of the brand Cliff Kapono to the Finisterre crew. He joins us as a global ambassador and collaborator on our storytelling. The union brings together our shared commitment to ocean stewardship, surfing and an intimate relationship with the sea and its peoples.
Cliff’s connections to Finisterre are not new, beginning 10 years ago, when he was in search of cold-water gear to get him through a month-long research stint at Exeter University in Falmouth. At the time he was researching the connectivity of global surf communities through their body’s bacterial makeup. “He was a cold Hawaiian in need of a warm wetsuit,” remembers Finisterre founder Tom Kay. “And we’ve stayed in touch ever since.”
“In the coldest place I had ever been, I met some of the warmest people I’d ever known,” says Cliff of that first visit to Cornwall. “I am truly honoured that Finisterre wants to bring the Hawaiian caveman into the family.”
Cliff will be an incredible addition to the team, as he is the real McCoy in and out of the ocean: An accomplished scientist developing technologies that empower ocean communities to challenge the effects of climate change. A professional free surfer, equally adept at airs as getting deep at Peʻahi, and a self-proclaimed “cultural practitioner” championing the language and culture of the Hawaiian people, of whom he is one.
Cliff’s work bridges science, storytelling, and surfing, as he and his collective of citizen scientists map the world’s reefs for his nonprofit, The MEGA Lab. This project connects scientists, artists, and local communities in conversations that extend far beyond surfing and reflect a global perspective on ocean responsibility that aligns closely with Finisterre’s values.
For Finisterre, the partnership represents a continuation of its commitment to partner with individuals who live in and learn from challenging coastal environments. It also creates a bridge between two coastlines with complex cultural history, as well as Kapono’s own experience of Cornish cold water, while working on his Surfer Biome Project.
This is a long-term partnership with someone whose life’s work reflects the values Finisterre was founded on: respect for the ocean, commitment to craft, and the belief that the most meaningful relationships with wild places are built on knowledge, humility, and commitment.
“I have always been struck by Cliff’s energy, talent and humility both in and out of the water,” Tom Kay says of the new partnership. “It’s a huge honour for us all that Cliff is jumping on board and we are all looking forward to the journey ahead.”
ABOUT CLIFF KAPONO
Born on the Big Island of Hawaii, Cliff describes his home as a “living, dynamic piece of earth in the middle of the ocean.” With 11 of the World’s 13 ecosystems in his back yard, and the consistent run-off-stained waves of Hilo the heartbeat of his daily life, it is no surprise that nature and ocean are the foundations of who his is.
Cliff dabbled in the local contest scene growing up, but without financial support or the desire to be the best in the lineout he didn’t take it to a professional level. Also, as a budding academic, he had pressure from “strong male figures” in his community to do well at school, cultural and family obligations that had him choose surfing for pleasure and science as a duty to his community. There were less than 50 native Hawaiians with PhDs in the island’s history when Cliff graduated from high school.
After six years at UC San Diego, he returned to the Big Island with two masters in Biochemistry and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. His homecoming coincided with a new era of big wave exploration, spearheaded by the likes of Shane Dorian. Cliff was determined to be a part of it and applied the skills he honed on the windward side of the island to the mountains of Peʻahi, his fluency and oneness with his chosen canvas earning him the respect of the titans of Hawaiian surfing – “Dr Cliff Kapono may be the very best and the smartest surfer in the world,” Gerry Lopez was recorded as saying.
ABOUT FINISTERRE
Born from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre makes enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the sea. It started in 2003 with an innovative fleece that was designed to keep out chill winds and warm up cold bodies. Since these early days, driven by those who have jumped onboard, the brand and product has widened beyond these original beginnings. Yet from their cliff top workshop in Cornwall, they stay true to their original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity.
Website: finisterre.com
