Your Cart is Empty

Some folks are pleasant to talk to—and then there’s a rare few in this world that radiate. The term “vibe” gets tossed around a lot, but when you speak to former World Tour pro surfer and Outerknown ambassador Sage Erickson, you begin to understand the unspoken language that vibrations articulate. It’s a positive energy you don’t necessarily hear when in her presence—you feel it. It’s a special, infectious buzz you catch in conversation with her, something that inspires you. To be present. To laugh more. To get in the water more. We caught up with Sage recently for a check in and to pick her brain on how she finds her Outerknown, and more specifically, what her secret to finding it actually is…

Where’d you grow up and where do you call home, now?

Sage: I was born in Ojai, California. My mom and grandma owned and operated a local coffee shop there called Java Heaven. I spent every day, from ages 0-10, in there, before school and after. Then my Dad got a good job in Hawaii and invited us over to Oahu to co-parent with my mom and the rest was history. We moved to Hawaii when I was 10 and it where I started to surf. My brother and dad were always the surfers in the family (my dad owned a surf shop called Surf n Style in his younger years) but once we got to the North Shore of Oahu, how could I not learn?

I fell in love with it, instantly. Clearly. [laughs] My mom and I stayed in Hawaii for four years and then moved back to Ojai. My dad stayed for almost 15 years and I went back every winter to visit, surf, and see my best friends. Now, I’m back in Ojai, currently, although I did live in Ventura for most my 20s. 

Nice. And you were at the Surf Ranch with some of our team recently, how was that?  

Ah, the Surf Ranch days with Outerknown fam are so fun. I love seeing new and old product and getting to rip with the team. They all think I rip so I always leave feeling like I’m as good as Kelly Slater.[laughs] It’s just a testament to how supportive everyone is. I love seeing the team surf as well! So much love for it as a sport, but also just a way of life. Each person’s style and stoke just rubs off on me. We had fun testing out some new product too. What a perfect wave to do so!

Did you get to surf with your husband?

Yes! Daniel loves surfing more than me, I think. [laughs] I always joke with him about it. He really clicked into another gear this last trip there. It’s so fun to have the water patrol on site as well because they have so many inside tips on what the waves are doing. One of my old-time friends Scotty drives the ski and hollered out when the barrel was happening. I just got to sit back on the ski and cheer on Daniel getting barreled. No better feeling! We also stayed in an airstream which was crazy to wake up in, on site.

How and when did you first get connected with Outerknown?  

I fell in love with Outerknown from afar. I always saw them as this low key cool sustainable brand online that was emphasizing caring for the planet and the people that make the clothing. They were doing sustainable things before it was "cool". Of course, Kelly rode for them so when I was on tour I got to witness his passion for people, planet and really the ocean on a big scale. He always had me curious. During COVID some weird things were happening with a lot of the surf brands and I had an opportunity to leave my old sponsor’s contract. I talked to my manager and he brought Outerknown up to me, I said "Do you really think they'd consider me?" and he said, "all’s we can do is try." After he reached out I was able to take a call with the previous CEO. I was honored he even gave me the time and we hit it off.

I believed more than ever in their desire to make a difference, make quality over quantity, not compromise for short term gain... Funny enough so much of the Outerknown ethos aligned with my heart and belief in life as well. It felt special. Super special. All around it’s been a beautiful relationship and I couldn’t be more grateful! I’ve learned so much about what real sustainability looks like and its effects. Just trying to do my small part. I’ve been a part of the family for over four years now and it feels like home.

Amazing. What do you love most about Outerknown, as a brand?  

I love the care they take. When I say that, it’s unmatched internally, too. The sustainable outlook doesn’t just speak to the clothing or product we sell—it has to do with how we treat people on an everyday basis. I love that when you wear a piece of Outerknown you feel those good feels! I love the effortless style Outerknown gives me...on land and in the water. They’re always looking to improve function and design. It’s a progressive feeling, I found that’s the way I always looked at surfing in my career thus far, too. 

What projects are you currently working on? 

This last year I’ve really been focusing on just loving surfing for surfing. Coming off a lifetime dedicated to high performance surfing at the highest competitive platform, I’m relearning the love for a surf with no one watching, a new alternative board shaped by my husband Daniel, and the California sun on my skin. I’ve done a lot of traveling so staying put is a little foreign to me. I’m always creating content of where I’m at, but this year I’ve been really focusing on being present and just experiencing life for what it is. Even if that looks simple. 

I’ve been loving gardening, too. It’s Spring and we hava a half-acre of property, so a lot of winter was preparing good healthy soil. I love being a part of watching things grow from very little beginnings.

How do you “Find Your Outerknown,” as it is?

My Outerknown is anytime I’m in the water. Everything mentioned above is felt when getting in the ocean... On a bad day, no-wave day, anytime: I just gotta get in. It’s always been that way for me. I don’t know how to describe it properly. I’m one of those crazy people that needs to be by a coastline, so findings waves, chasing sunsets or just fresh air is my constant Outerknown. I suppose finding my Outerknown is living my life presently and intentionally. That goes for out in nature and in relationships. Same attractions with new meanings, each day. Open to whatever the day presents, even if it’s out of my control.

You always seem so happy and possess such a love for life. What’s your secret to living a happy life?  

I think as I’ve traveled from a young age I got to witness so many walks of life and cultures. Many, that had and have less than we do here in America. I also saw the joy many had with less. It’s really helped develop a perspective of thankfulness and awareness of how blessed we are to live this life. I also believe we make our lives the way we see it. Everything comes from that, I choose to see the good, the beauty and the opportunity of a fresh day and the chance to learn and grow through every experience. I have a deep love in God and His creation and with a humble outlook you find beauty in the smallest of things. That’s my happy place!  One of my favorite things Daniel says is "Don’t need much, much is in need." I love that counter to needing less and enjoying more. Simple, simple.