The name RiiN is a play on the word ‘marine,’ products of the sea.

The name also holds a deeper meaning. In 2014 after a brain tumor surgery on 11/11, I was left with a condition called diplopia, which causes double vision. RiiN and its double i’s are a reminder to embrace seeing things differently, and pursue the things you love despite all odds.

The simple goal to make the best board shorts first came about many years before. In high school, I used to have my mom sew my board shorts shorter, always in an effort to match the epic vintage style of the ‘70s. I even wore girls junior guard board shorts just to try to get the right fit. 

After my surgery, a good buddy sat with me over a cup of coffee and first brought up the idea: why don’t we make our own board shorts? 

And so, the quest to make the perfect board short began. RiiN was born.

My parents were a huge part of the origin story. They really backed me from the start and saw RiiN as part of my recovery from surgery. Real life experience was invaluable.

RiiN is a reflection of my passions. Being in the water, making things, and weathering the storms. 

Sail material from real sailboats that have completed their journeys at sea became an inspiration to me. When sails rip or wear out, they’re usually thrown away ending up in landfills. RiiN gives them another life. Every piece I make has a piece of sail cloth stitched into its fabric.

RiiN is not just a brand, but a reflection of the community who have supported me along the way. A community and product that embraces imperfection, unique hand made products, seeing things differently (sometimes twice), and a life well spent by the sea.

In my studio, I have a picture of two circles: one perfect circle, and one hand drawn. The imperfect one feels more real and unique. That’s what RiiN is about.

WORKFLOW

Everything starts in the home garage in Huntington Beach, California. Thinking of ideas, putting in the hours, and losing track of time making each piece unique. Perfection is not the goal -- in the studio, we grip it and rip it.