How did Reckless come about?

Thinking back to how the company got its name, we (Guerin Myall & Ryan Buell) were talking about putting something together for Jamie O’Brien. There were a couple of names being throwing around. Eventually, I said “Reckless Wetsuits” because at this point, in the industry, you’d have to be reckless to try and start something like this. All the other companies were being sold to the big conglomerates so that they can piece them out and make as much money as possible. 

Where did it go from there?

I started thinking I needed to start this company, meanwhile Buell was still going but I saw what I thought would be the end of Buell Surf, so I just started coming up with designs. Since I had a print shop, I started printing t-shirts and getting them out there. About 6 months went by, then there was an issue at Buell Surf shop where the owner had locked everyone out and hadn’t paid several of the employees, including Ryan (Buell). That’s basically when the sh*t hit the fan and it was time to launch Reckless Wetsuits.

How is Reckless different than the other companies?

We felt this company needed to stand out, be bold and that’s why we have checkers and different colored wetsuits. I don’t want the plain black wetsuit. I know there are a lot of people out there that just don’t wanna be seen, so they can either get another wetsuit or we can provide a dark gray and black suit, but it still has to have checkers! If I really think about it, we want them bright and playful, so mom’s and dad’s can see their kids in the water. Everyone films their kids these days, and it’s just another way to make sure someone’s not in trouble and that they are visible. Reckless wetsuits don’t just blend in with everybody else. If you’re gonna see someone possibly drowning, you know, at least there’s a bright colorful wetsuit out there that they can be noticed in. The quality of the wetsuit matters... that's where Ryan Buell is the expert! Ryan's been doing this for more than 25 years, hands on, traveling to Thailand to the factories and doing R&D quality control. I believe Ryan has the ability to design the best wetsuits because he’s not just a designer, he’s also a surfer, so he goes in and tests everything himself…even when he tries on a smaller wetsuit, he wants to see how big it expands…ha ha!

We’re providing one of the best wetsuits and something that a lot of the other companies won’t try… something loud, not totally obnoxious, but something that speaks to the surfer! We wanna stick out, that's just the kind of people we are...

Tell us about your starting team riders…

Timmy Reyes’ contract didn’t get renewed, so I reached out to him.  Timmy is one of my favorite surfers! When Reckless was starting, I told him what I was doing and he seemed to like what I was talking about. I love that he looks like a caveman, but he surfs and golfs like a futuristic supermodel!!! Timmy is an all-around amazing surfer and person. Cold water, big waves, small waves, barrel riding, aerialist, an all-around good ambassador for our product. I want to do something with this company that has an old school feel and real energy. I don’t want the surfer to feel like they have to perform in a contest to show that they rip. There are plenty of surfers out there that absolutely tear, that have no sponsors, but they have a lot of followers that help promote our product. Timmy is the best of all that. 

Sam Coffey is one of the best Santa Cruz surfers, I believe. He’s an all around performance surfer and waterman. Growing up in Santa Cruz, Sammy is one of my favorites, especially since I’m a filmer/photographer. I can always depend on Sammy getting the shot or clip. I’ve been filming him for the last 12-15 years. We’ve gone on a few trips and I just know if he has someone backing him, he’s gonna perform even better.

My thought is to pick up the best surfers that'll help promote the company and feel like they are a part of it... because they are! We don't need the top conservative surfers in the world... we want the one's that push their own limits and others around, in and out of the water. 

What role do you want Reckless to have in the surf community?

We’re just getting started, but eventually I want to see more involvement in the community, like when High Five and Operation Surf come to town. We want to be able to provide some surfboards or some wetsuits, helping out in the water teaching some of these heroes and disabled people the therapy of surfing. Whether you’re just laying down and riding a wave, or being able to stand up for the first time, helping people be able to have that feeling - that you rode your first wave. We also want to provide some music and do whatever we can in order to be that company that gives and not just takes. We want people to be excited for us, which I feel we already have that backing, but we’re just getting started….. we’re excited to see where Reckless takes us!

 CEO & Founder, Guerin Myall             CFO, Tom Michaelis              Designer, Ryan Buell.    

WIC,(Woman In Charge) Melinda Doss