RYD the Wave

Words by Ambar Ramirez & photos submitted by Taylor Ohntrup

In the early days, surfing meant seeking out local craftsmen, often tucked away in makeshift garages, who meticulously shaped surfboards and gear by hand. Each board was a unique piece of art, reflecting the individuality of its maker and the close-knit community they fostered. However, this exclusivity also created a barrier for those not skilled in the craft, limiting access to essentials like leashes, covers and traction pads. It was a time when surfers had to fend for themselves, a romantic notion of starting from scratch before catching that perfect wave.

As surfing evolved into a culture rooted in respect for both the ocean and each other, the transition to mass production by larger manufacturers became inevitable. Yet, this shift hasn’t dulled the sport’s essence. Companies like RYD Brand USA are a testament to this evolution, blending innovation with the soul of craftsmanship. They continue to offer surfers uniquely crafted boards and accessories, ensuring that while the process may have changed, the spirit of individuality and community remains as vibrant as ever.

Founded by Barend in South Africa, RYD is a brand created with the vision of designing surfboard and surf accessories that cater to surfers of all skill levels. 

“His vision was simple yet profound: to emphasize fun, environmental sustainability, and the joy of sharing waves with friends,” sales and marketing director Taylor Ohntrup shared. “RYD’s innovative approach features a step-by-step system for surfers, ensuring that beginners and experienced surfers alike can enjoy the sport together.”

RYD’s journey and message has deeply resonated with surfers and enthusiasts globally. The brand has surged forward, expanding its presence to Australia and the UK, and has now made a significant move by appointing surfer and CEO Chip McGraw as the main distributor for North and South America, with headquarters established in St. Augustine.

“The community in St. Augustine has embraced the brand, and RYD is poised to make waves, not just locally, but across the continent,” Ohntrup said. “With a focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusivity, RYD continues to inspire surfers around the world to have fun, save the planet, and share the waves with friends.”

As RYD expands its global footprint, it remains steadfast in its commitment to core values and sustainable manufacturing practices. Amid growing concerns over global warming and the importance of beach clean-ups, RYD prioritizes transparency and sustainability. This is particularly evident in their efforts to reduce plastic usage in their boards, striving to set a new standard where customers can witness firsthand the journey toward eco-friendly surfboards.

“Sustainability is at the core of RYD Brand’s ethos, addressing environmental and ethical considerations through innovative and responsible business practices. Recognizing the growing concern over plastic pollution in the surf industry, we have taken significant steps to minimize the use of plastic in our products,” Ohntrup explained. “Our new traction pads, for instance, are designed to offer our customers a tangible way to engage with our commitment to sustainability. The packaging of our traction pads is specifically designed to be environmentally conscious, allowing buyers to feel and assess the quality and texture of the pads before purchase.”

Not only does RYD offer highly developed products that are surprisingly affordable, but they also have made it a point to be involved in the local and global surfing community. Locally, RYD is known to sponsor a number of groms (young surfers) by helping them grow their skills and pursure their passions. Their commitment to the surfing community is further demonstrated in their sponsoring of local surfing events such as the Herturn Surf Contest, Board Riders, ESA, ESA SAFL, Flagler Surf Series, Grom Tour, and many more. And globally, RYD supports surfers from various countries. 

“We’ve had countless rewarding and memorable experiences interacting with our customers, each one reinforcing our commitment to the surfing community. One of the most exciting moments for us is coming together globally to support Caio Ibelli, one of our biggest team leaders, whenever he competes,” Ohntrup said. “Watching Caio ride the waves and represent our brand on the world stage is not only thrilling but also a testament to the global reach and unity of our RYD family.”

RYD is truly proving itself to be a big name within the surfing community and is making its way to being surfer’s one-stop-shop for all things surfing.

“St. Augustine feels like home to us, and we see immense potential for growth here. The community’s enthusiasm and the area’s rich surfing culture provide a solid foundation for RYD to spread its wings and continue to thrive,” Ohntrup shared. “Whether through online sales or partnerships with local surf shops, being based in Florida has been a pivotal part of our success, and we wouldn’t want to do it from anywhere else.”

Check out rydbrand.com for more information.