Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kassia Meador. I’m a conscious human, ocean lover, surfer, artist, explorer, wetsuit designer, meditator who is into community living and good vibes.

Since our last Surf Shacks feature on you, you’ve moved. When and why did you move up to Topanga?

It’s been a bit over a year now since I decided to move to Topanga. I was just looking for a more natural state of living, a bit of space from the noise of Venice and Santa Monica. Working downtown, I am in the rat race most of the time as it is and coming back to the west side can be just as hectic at times. Venice has gotten so crowded over the years, especially in the summer. It was time for me to blast out to the mountains, have more time and space for myself, live on a communal property and just vibe, vibe, vibe.

Has Iruka had any snake or coyote encounters?

I saved a baby rattle snake a few months back that was stuck in some wood, and when we first moved up there was a coyote that would come on our land every evening. But we have made peace with all the creatures up here. We’re giving back to the land and the animals in a good way and they are showing us equal love and respect.

What are your favorite parts about Topanga and the area in which you live now?

I am living just off the main boulevard. The things I love most about Topanga are the hiking spots, the point break at the bottom of the hill, the national park and the new spot to grab snacks that just opened, Topanga Living Cafe.

Tell us more about the property you live on. It looks like you live in converted horse stables?

It’s a super awesome spot, I am so amped to live here. I live in a back converted barn-like zone. There is a front house that we share the land with and a bunch of radical like-minded people in there. Together we have chickens, a garden, a meditation / sound healing / tea ceremony spot we built out, and it’s just epic!!!

What’s up with Froggy’s these days?

It’s open on the weekends mostly for food and drinks… I don’t go there often, but it’s nice to grab a beer and vibe with friends for sure.

What do you do for a living?

I am doing a lot of sound baths and working on my wetsuit / active lifestyle company KASSIA + SURF and am still surfing as much as I can.

Career-wise, you made a bold move by leaving Roxy a few years ago and deciding to start your own wetsuit brand. What inspired you to do so?

It was just time to do something different, more elevated, consciously made and to truly create in the way I felt without any restrictions. I’m grateful for all the time I spent traveling, learning and creating with Roxy. That said, all things must change to keep expanding and that time is now.

We love what you are doing with the brand. Do you have any future plans or goals you can share with us?

To just grow in a smooth conscious way. Continue to create the best products we can to accompany and support your active lifestyle rooted in surf.

As a surfer who continues to inspire a whole generation of females (and males) in the water with your unique style, what are you most proud of?

To me it’s what you just said. The fact that I can inspire anyone to get out in the world to travel, expand, explore and empower themselves through surfing and creation is the best. There were so many I am grateful for living boldly and inspiring me, so the fact that I could do the same for just one person is what it’s all about.We have to pay it forward and support each other along the way.

What is missing from womens’ surfing these days?

To me what was missing for women surfers was a brand to really identify with in the surf active lifestyle space, as most of the surf industry is geared towards a younger demographic. That is what I am working on creating with KASSIA + SURF, a brand to fill that void for women who love surfing, but are looking for more quality consciously created pieces.

What about surfing in general?

Surfing as a whole, I don’t feel there is anything missing. If anything, it is a time of abundance, options and growth on all levels. 

You travel a ton. What are your five favorite surf destinations?

Mexico
Costa Rica
Indonesia
New Zealand
California

Let’s say you’re leaving for Mexico tomorrow, what’s in your travel bag?

Boards, passport, some of our palo santo surf wax, extra fins, sunblock, some wetties or bathing suits, book, camera and boom…

Any parting thoughts, words of wisdom, sage advice? 

SURF, EXPAND, EXPLORE