We’ve called Los Angeles home since Day 1 of 7TILL8, but over the years, our commitment to evolving our custom wetsuits has taken us all over the California coast—and ultimately, to our next destination.
Our products carry the knowledge of our lived experiences. During the pandemic, we found all-day solace in double (sometimes triple) surf sessions at San Onofre. That time in the water led directly to the development of our Two-Piece Wetsuit. To better understand the demands of cold-water surfing, we spent three years living a mile from the beach in Aptos—immersed in the raw energy of Santa Cruz and the tucked-away coastlines north of PCH. It was there that we began dialing in the Hooded Fullsuit, shaped by the challenges of cold mornings and heavier swells. During this time, frequent travel between Northern and Southern California inspired the Convertible Hooded Fullsuit—built to adapt to shifting winds and water temps without compromising performance.
An unexpected takeaway from our time in Aptos was the access to world-class produce, seafood, and a deeper awareness of where our food comes from. It sparked a new kind of curiosity—about diving, harvesting, and what it means to be underwater for long stretches of time. As our dive collection evolved, we found ourselves naturally drawn to Ventura County: the Channel Islands, the creative undercurrent, and a core waterman community that is asking for gear built with intention. Expanding the boundaries of custom wetsuits and diving led us to a realization: Ventura County was where we were headed.
When we launched 7TILL8 in 2017, we intended to be a custom men’s surf company, but servicing customers from all around the world has ultimately shaped our path. As a result, creating a custom wetsuit to address a diverse range of needs has become a core part of what we do now and that exploration has led us to something that now feels like direction.
This transition is just beginning, but already, Ventura already feels like home. LA will always be our foundation, but we’re excited for what’s ahead—to keep improving, keep showing up, and keep building something better.
