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Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hey Dibi: Is Surfing a Path to Sobriety?
Editor's Note: Have a question for Dibi Fletcher? She's definitely got answers. Or at least a perspective. Don't hold back, shoot her a DM on Instagram and ask away. Here's this week's dispatch from the Matriarch of Radical… Hey Dibi….We celebrate the icons of surf but often forget the lesser-known pioneers. How do we honor the full story without rewriting it? = FreelancewriterMuch of surf history has already been changed through the lens of whoever's telling the story. I've heard and read so many renditions of events told by people who weren't there that now seem to have taken hold as the truth. Stories I know for a fact have been manipulated for the sake of sales, reputation or a lack of research. Now with most of the early pioneers gone there are just a handful of people left with more than a smattering of facts, so it's safe to assume the past will keep being massaged to fit the stories of the present. Hey Dibi…. All my friends surf, I don't, but paint waves and surfers constantly. Am I just a voyeur, or would you consider me part of the culture even though I don't paddle out? - SurfartnSandThe Google definition of surf culture: 'A lifestyle that includes the people, language, fashion, and attitudes surrounding the sport of surfing'. So as far as the modern interpretation is concerned, you seem to fit the definition, which I believe is what you're aspiring to. I don't surf, but I suppose others would consider me a part of surf culture, but I've always thought of myself as a devout individualist surrounded by people who Dibi…I used to sleep in my car to get the best morning shots and sold film prints to pay for gas. Now it's drones, GoPros, and iPhones. Is there a market left for prints? - SurfFotographerIII believe there is still a market, but it's nothing like it was. There are no magazines or corporate advertising budgets that used to be the mainstay of the surf photographer's income, and most surf photography now is viewed scrolling on social media. But there will always be a market for beautiful surf images in restaurants, hotels and office buildings that have wall space. It may be a bit of a challenge to make the connections at first but if this is the road you want to pursue, you're going to have to think out of the box and understand you won't be selling a print of a famous surfer, this market won't care and won't know the difference between one surfer and another, they just want beautiful images for the best price. It may not be what you were thinking but best you know the reality before making the commitment. Hey Dibi…. My partner and I surfed together for 30 years. After he passed, I stopped going in the water. It's been more than a year, and I feel like I might want to start surfing again, but can't seem to, do you have any tips? - WaveWidowI'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure surfing together all that time was great and I understand the hesitation. I think paddling out and sitting in the lineup the first few times you will be filled with memories of your partner and the great experiences you had together. When you're riding a wave, you'll be so engrossed in the present there won't be room for any other thoughts until the rides over and you paddle out again. I'm sure this will continue for a while until the day comes in the not too distant future when you're in the water and the healing that being in the ocean has brought you has done it's magic and the time you now spend surfing will be a blessing of sweet memories and daily stoke that your partner of thirty years would want for Dibi… I got sober six months ago, and surfing is my 'high'. My old crew still parties and it's hard to feel like I belong without joining in. Can surfing carry me through this? - SoberthenewHighI'm sure surfing can be a great activity to enjoy while being sober but surfing alone can't help you stay that way. One of the realities of being sober is changing behavior and most times that includes the friends you hung with while indulging. If they're still using it will be hard to stay on track with them as a distraction. It's OK to change, it's part of the growth cycle that hopefully we all aspire to. I'm sure after six months you're noticing the difference in the choices you're already making. Take inventory of your life and where you're at now and add a challenge that you'd like to accomplish in a month, six months, a year and prepare to acquire the skills to help you achieve your stated goal. I believe if you keep at this and reevaluate every three to six months, you'll be truly amazed at the path you've set up to travel the hero's journey. Hey Dibi… You come from a family of rad board sports people, can being great at something be taught or is it in the gene pool? - SurfCoachFLI think with all the modern technology and information now available you can produce incredibly talented competitive athletes that would smoke previous generations. I believe there's an element that can't be taught, an innate part of the athlete that they don't have conscious control of but that makes the difference between great and gifted. Occasionally we are privileged to see athletes who have the advantage of excellent training, and natural ability combined, and we are witness to true greatness. There are a handful in every walk of life that change the world we live in but go mostly unnoticed. In the world of boards sports there are many extremely talented and a few standouts in every generation. Hey Dibi: Is Surfing a Path to Sobriety? first appeared on Surfer on Jun 16, 2025
The Guardian
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
‘Unexpectedly flattering': the 28 best women's bikinis and swimsuits for summer
Finding a swimsuit you like and feel comfortable in is an instant confidence boost and will make the precious time you spend in it – sea swimming, reading books in the sun and paddling with the kids – that bit more fun. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Though a lot of swimwear is made with virgin synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, hearteningly, a lot of brands are now focused on using recycled materials, such as Econyl (nylon made from discarded fishing nets and other waste) and recycled polyester. While that's a good thing, the fabric is still made of plastic, so it will shed when washed and survive long after you've finished front crawling in it. So buy well, buy to last and use a 'Guppy' bag when washing to catch some of those fibres being shed. For this swimwear guide, I have scoured the internet and shops, and tried on and turned inside out a lot of different cossies. I've also asked friends and family of different sizes and ages what their favourite swimsuit or bikini looks like. Here is a selection of the best. Ailla reversible scoop swimsuit £95 at Finisterre This is a well-made swimsuit from the B-Corp British brand born from surf culture. This brand knows its swimwear. Made from recycled fabric and in a print that looks much prettier IRL – although it is reversible, should you prefer plain – it also has a flattering deep back scoop. Sturdy enough for a game of rounders on the beach as well as a swim in the sea. Racer back swimsuit £44 at Speedo From £38.50 at Amazon Most of the people I know who actually want to swim swim would recommend a Speedo cossie. Based in Nottingham but founded in Australia, Speedo has served countless kids learning to breaststroke. It also has an illustrious heritage: more Olympic gold medals have apparently been won in Speedo than any other brand. This cossie also has built-in bust support, and the fabric should withstand as much chlorine and crawl as you care to throw at it. Opt for a racer back style – they really are comfy. Square neck seersucker swimsuit £175 at Net-a-Porter £175 at Selfridges This is the gold standard of swimsuits for those more into lounging than lengths. First founded in the 80s, then relaunched and now Instagram-famous, Hunza G is known for its crinkle fabric, made in the Midlands. If you've been noticing a lot of texture creep into swimwear of late, Hunza G is the reason why. The tightly ruched seersucker is flattering, and the cuts are too. It will cost you, but then it's not every swimsuit brand that can count Rihanna as a fan. Plus, the quality means this one's here for a long time, not just a good time. Allegra recycled swimsuit £57 at Smallable Made from recycled polyamide and available in orange or royal blue – both brilliant, both peppy – this swimsuit from Canopea is just the right amount of pretty. Plain but for the frilly straps, it's made by a French brand that manufactures in Portugal. Textured bow tie swimsuit £57 at & Other Stories £57 at Asos If Hunza G is out of your price range, you can still find that crinkled aesthetic but at a high-street price point. This swimsuit has a flattering square neckline, is beautiful in the blue, and the design means the decorative bows on the shoulders won't interrupt your swim. Elan one-piece £143 at Youswim Again, in the same mould as Hunza G but slightly more accessibly priced – and inclusively sized – Youswim makes excellent swimwear. This is one of several brands now doing a new kind of 'stretch' sizing: Stretch I fits 6 to 16, and Stretch II fits 18 to 28. It makes buying online easier, and it's great for fluctuating bodies, future-proofing against size changes between summers. Made in the UK, using an Oeko-Tex-certified blend of nylon and elastane, the espresso colour feels unusual in a swimsuit; the juniper is also stylish. Just make sure you sun cream your back to avoid a circular tan line, and follow care instructions for a long life. Swirl print swimsuit £65 at Whistles £65 at John Lewis A one-shoulder cossie won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I find them unexpectedly flattering. Plus, they add a hint of sophistication at a time when sun-cream grease and sticky sand make it otherwise hard to feel put-together. Made using a minimum of 60% certified recycled nylon, this one from Whistles is chic. Asymmetric ruffled swimsuit £85 at Cos £85 at H&M If you like your asymmetry with a bit more structure, this is a pretty take from Cos. Made using recycled nylon, the ruffle detail is a good shout if you often feel self-conscious in a swimsuit, providing extra coverage while also drawing the eye. The black keeps things classic. Cherry Isola swimsuit £100.80 at Smallable £140 at Array Store OAS is a Scandinavian resort brand that started when its founder introduced espadrilles from Spain to Sweden. It makes 70s-tinged, beachy clothes beautifully, although this swimsuit is more of a timeless cut. But hurry, there aren't many left via UK stockists. One has the cherry version left in everything but large, the other has the burgundy in everything but XS and S. Ines Maillot swimsuit £85 at Casa Raki £170 at Harvey Nichols Casa Raki swimwear is designed in London and made in Portugal. While it doesn't come cheap, there's often a bargain to be had, such as this swimsuit, which is currently half price online at Casa Raki. The Econyl recycled fabric is SPF50+, the back design is beautiful, and the colours are pleasingly off-kilter for swimwear. Plus, a seam that sits between waist and boobs is known to make legs look longer, if that appeals. Lisbon one-piece £74 at Ookioh Swimwear prints are often nautical, so it's refreshing to find one decorated with farfalle and forks. The wide square neckline is flattering, though not the best if you plan to swim at speed. But for lounging and splashing about, this pasta-themed cossie from LA-based swimwear brand Ookioh is super-fun. Plus, it's made from 100% regenerated materials. One-piece swimsuit €76.30 (about £65) at Matona Matona puts sustainability at the centre of what it does. Making swimwear in small Gots-certified factories in Portugal and using Econyl regenerated nylon, it's greener than many swimsuits on offer. The cut is classic and the colour is lovely. Plus, it's on offer. The price is in euros, but the brand does ship to the UK. Nabaiji one-piece shorty swimsuit £13.99 at Decathlon If you're after a workhorse swimming costume on a budget, this Nabaiji one-piece with shorts is a great option. Cheap and entirely undemanding, it's favoured by a friend who puts it through its paces in freezing reservoirs. The shorts mean it won't ride up when you need to focus on staying afloat. Padded halterneck bikini top £19.50 at Marks & Spencer This is so much nicer in the flesh. The top is a flattering shape with adjustable straps, and the padding will be welcome if the sea is a little cold. The print is so sophisticated it doesn't look like it's from M&S (no offence, M&S). It does have matching bottoms, but they are currently out of stock. Bikini top £18.90 at Arket Bikini hipsters £18.90 at Arket Sometimes all you want is a classic: nautical stripes, no-nonsense square cut. Sporty in spirit, this is a good one if you want to actually swim as well as noodle around by the pool. Square neck bikini top £150 at Me+Em Adjustable rise bikini bottom £95 at Me+Em Seamless and smart, the bottoms are designed to fit how you would like them to – ie higher or lower up the leg. Plus, there are two types of tops to match: an adjustable halterneck or square neck (with straps that can be taken off). The bright papaya colour will pop, even on a grey day. Reversible bikini set £30 at Regatta From £17.86 at Amazon The perfect bikini cut if you're going to be making sandcastles, wiping noses and generally doing everything but sitting on a lounger and cracking into the latest Anne Tyler. The Orla Kiely print is bold and fun, but if you fancy a change, you can wear it inside out. Twist detail halterneck bikini top £70 at John Lewis £70 at Selfridges High-rise bikini bottoms £55 at Selfridges Classic but with a literal twist, this bikini from Australian brand Seafolly offers more coverage than most. The twist halterneck is flattering and fashion-forward, without being remotely fussy. Strappy triangle bikini top £16 at Weekday Strappy side tie bikini bottoms £16 at Weekday £16 at Asos This is classic, comfy and, while too skimpy for some (me!), it's a great option if you like this style. If you prefer more support on your lower half, you could pair these bottoms with a high, reinforced waist. You could also switch in the strappy bikini top, which has more coverage. Textured square neck bikini top £35 at the White Company Textured regular fit bikini briefs £35 at the White Company This boxy bikini top is given a bit of intrigue with a carefully placed cut-out. The textured fabric is a nod to the mood for textured swimwear, but there's nothing modish about this – it's a bikini that won't go out of style. Bikini shorts £39 at Organic Basics Scoop bikini top £42 at Organic Basics If you're after more coverage, these swim shorts are a good option. The work of a brand better known for its size-inclusive underwear, these go from an XXS to an XXXL, and are made with recycled nylon. The black is classic, but the blood orange and dove blue really zing. The top, made with 64% recycled nylon, does what it says on the tin. Elisa shirred recycled bikini top £57 at Net-a-Porter Tavira shirred recycled bikini bottom £48 at Net-a-Porter Faithfull does summer clothes well. The linen is amazing quality, and the swimwear is similarly special. Part of Net-a-Porter's 'Net Sustain' range, these are made using some recycled materials, but it's also a very pretty set that would look great on the beach. Porto bikini top £23 at Boden Porto bikini bottoms £21 at Boden Wavy rick-rack detailing has become a popular look in recent years, in part because of the designs of Spanish brand La Veste. Here, Boden offers its own colourful take on the trend to make this fun bikini pop. The top is a supportive shape with a wide waistband, but if you go for the blue, there's also a tankini option available (although only size 16 is currently in stock). Maldives bikini top £100 at Paper Maldives bikini bottoms £85 at Paper A little bit retro and a little bit modern, this checked bikini from a sustainably minded London-based brand brings with it the fun of the fair. The top is cut, with cups and straps, to be supportive, but it's currently available only in XS and XL. Valley print bikini top £30 at White Stuff £30 at John Lewis Valley print bikini bottom £25 at White Stuff £25 at John Lewis The on-the-nose shell print is given a twist with the green of this easy-going halterneck bikini. The thick straps offer support, but if you want more coverage, then there is a tankini top available. Note: White Stuff doesn't have many of the tops left on its own site, but you can also try John Lewis. Cross-front tankini top £17.50 at John Lewis Bunny tie bikini bottoms £9 at John Lewis If you like print but are on the petite side, a smaller-scale design can be more flattering. This khaki tankini from John Lewis also has helpful ruching and a strap that can be removed. The 'bunny ties' on the bottoms are a nice touch. Tugless strappy tankini top From £27 at Lands' End Tugless high bottoms From £18 at Lands' End This tankini, especially in the black, is a great option for someone who wants minimal fuss. Entirely plain at the front, this is countered by a slightly more elaborate back, complete with a shapely strap detail. Lara tankini top £39 at Phase Eight £39 at John Lewis Lara tankini bottoms £29 at Phase Eight £29 at John Lewis With ruching, removable straps and some support at the bust, this tankini ticks a lot of boxes. The lively geometric print makes it just as ready for a lunchtime spritz as any actual swimming. Ellie Violet Bramley is a writer who has been delving into style and what it means for nearly a decade – mostly for the Guardian's fashion desk
