Outerknown Welcomes Sebastian Williams

Longtime Firewire rider Sebastian Williams steps into new role as ambassador for sister brand Outerknown.
Published: September 27, 2025 Press Release

Outerknown is proud to welcome Sebastian Williams to the Outerknown family as an official surf ambassador. Founded in 2015 by pro surfer Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore, Outerknown’s mission is to craft elevated, lasting wardrobe staples, empower the people making them, protect natural resources, and inspire industry change through transparency and an unwavering commitment to responsible sourcing practices.

Born and raised in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Sebastian Williams’ journey began on the waves of Chacahua Island. A humble charger with deep roots in Mexico’s surf culture, Williams grew up in the water with the guidance of his parents – Tim Williams, a surfer from South Africa, and Dalila Ayala, from Puerto Escondido – who nurtured his passion from an early age. Splitting time between Chacahua, California, and South Africa, Sebastian’s international upbringing shaped his style into one that is both fearless and versatile.

Williams has been riding for Firewire Surfboards since he was 11 years old, and has long been recognized as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. As a teenager, he won the Quiksilver King of the Groms final in Brazil, announcing himself on the global stage. He has gone on to represent Mexico on the National Surf Team and deliver standout performances. His recent performance during Stab’s Surf 100 contest series included a massive air at Steamer Lane that has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting progressive surfers of his generation.

Sebastian now joins the Outerknown ambassador team, alongside Kelly Slater, Sage Erickson, Kevin Schultz, Lisa Andersen, and Taylor Jensen. Together, this group represents not only excellence in surfing but also a shared belief in protecting the ocean and planet for future generations. Today, 99% of Outerknown’s materials are considered preferred fibers – organic, Regenerative Organic Certified®, recycled, regenerated, or bio-based – marking a new standard for sustainability in the fashion industry.

“I’m really happy to finally have Sebastian officially on the Outerknown team,” said Kelly Slater. “I noticed Sebastian’s surfing as a young boy and he’s really been turning heads lately. We’ve been working on getting him on the team for the last year or so, and I’m so happy to see it finally happening.”

Sebastian’s partnership officially launches with Outerknown’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, available now. For Williams, joining the team is more than just a professional milestone, it’s the continuation of a long connection.

“I’ve gotten to know the Outerknown crew over the past few years while working with Firewire, joining them on a few trips,” said Williams. “I love their designs – especially the boardshorts that I wear back home – and I am so honored to be on a team with Kelly, representing clothes made so responsibly. It feels good to represent a brand that stands for something bigger than just fashion.”

Outerknown’s ambassador program not only amplifies the brand’s voice in surf culture but also highlights athletes who align with its mission of ocean stewardship and industry transformation. By prioritizing innovation over fleeting trends, Outerknown continues to set the bar for sustainable design, alternative fiber innovation, and circular business models that keep clothing out of landfills.

About Outerknown

In 2015, pro surfer Kelly Slater and creative director John Moore launched Outerknown with a trailblazing mission to lead a revolution in sustainable apparel. Guided by the principle of always making the most responsible choice, even when it is the most challenging path forward, Outerknown has inspired change in the industry through transparency in its processes and an unwavering commitment to responsible sourcing practices and the welfare of everyone they work with, from the farmer to the customer. Outerknown creates elevated, lasting wardrobe staples using the highest quality and most sustainable materials, resulting in 99% of the line being made with organic, Regenerative Organic Certified®, recycled or regenerated fibers.  Today, Outerknown operates seven retail stores across the US, an online shop, and Outerworn, their resale platform that keeps clothes in circularity rather than in the landfill.

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Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series