Our Story · Since 2022
Why IAO?
A teacher, a surfer, a lockdown, and a dream. This is how a frustrated search for decent boardshorts in Manila became a brand born on Siargao Island — named after the airport code on the boarding pass.
"Surfing, work, and community — that's what made us stay."
Chapter 1 · The Journey
A teacher, a surfer, a one-way ticket
During COVID, I worked as an international teacher for sports and English in Manila. From the very beginning of my studies, my passion was already to go overseas and combine my love of surfing and traveling with work.
I was already exploring surfing in the Philippines — La Union and Baler were my go-to spots. I made friends with local surfers and experienced the hard reality of how a laid-back, community-based village turns into an overcrowded weekend surfer mecca for Manila people.
Chapter 2 · First Siargao
A dream for every surfer
My first trip to Siargao was with German teachers from the European International School. I'd never heard of it before — I just went with the flow. Landing on a small airport where the pilot brakes hard because of the short runway was an experience in itself.
Flying above the island, all you see are palm trees and crystal-blue water. Once you hop on a bus to reach the surf town of General Luna, you're just amazed by the beautiful nature. We stayed about a week — at that time it was a very quiet place where only locals and surfers went for the waves. No proper roads, only accessible by tricycle or motorcycle. Smiling, happy people. Fishermen and surfers.
If you'd told me then that one day I'd live there and found a surf brand called IAO, I wouldn't have believed one bit.
Chapter 3 · The First Pair
Better boardshorts. A simple need.
When I came to Manila to teach, I was frustrated whenever I wanted to buy surf shorts for my trips. Even in the surf shops, I couldn't find comfortable or nice-looking boardshorts for myself.
During lockdown, there wasn't much I could do — only online work and staying in the house. So I designed my first boardshorts to match my needs: quality, comfort, and design. That's how everything started. I got my first boardshorts shipped and sold in Fat Lips Surfshop Siargao — where we now sell more surf gear.
Chapter 4 · The Name
IAO — the airport code on your boarding pass
The initials stand for Siargao Island. When you fly there, your boarding ticket says IAO. We moved to the island during COVID and lived as working nomads — surfing, working, and being part of the community. That's how we founded our brand.
Island Life
Family, food, and the ocean
Siargao isn't just a surf destination — it's a community. From dawn patrol sessions to boodle fight feasts on banana leaves, the island gave us everything we needed to build a brand that feels like home. We design for families who live for these moments.
What we stand for
Our values
Born from the Ocean
Every product is designed, tested, and refined in real Siargao surf conditions.
Ships Worldwide
From Siargao to the world — we deliver island gear to surfers everywhere.
Family Brand
IAO is a family brand, built for families who chase the ocean together.
Built to Last
High-performance materials and quality construction that survives the elements.
Founded in Siargao
Sold in Siargao surf shops
Ships worldwide
Family brand since 2022
From the IAO tribe
"Packed one bag for the whole family and still had room for snacks."
— Mara, Manila
"The sunglasses survived boat days, beach naps and a toddler. Respect."
— Tom, Sydney
"Feels like Siargao without trying too hard. Simple, strong gear."
— Ari, Cebu
Explore the collection
Boardshorts, sunglasses, surf hats, and bundles — all born in Siargao.
