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At the end of 2011, Hive Swimwear creator, Kat Hogg, along with her husband, Peter, enjoyed a trip to the Mentawais. It was the perfect place to test out some of their new designs and of course to surf!

Can you tell us a little about your trip? My husband and some good friends visited the Mentawais recently. We stayed at an amazing surf camp called ‘WavePark’. I highly recommend it! The camp is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We heard great things about WavePark Resort in the Mentawais and thought we had better experience it firsthand. After a long haul through Singapore, Jakarta and Padang it was a pleasure to step onto the pristine iconic beach in front of the WavePark camp. It is not often you visit a beach that made the cover of the book “The top 100 beaches”. Say no more ; white sand, clear temperate crystal blue water, palm trees and a few deck chairs.

Our residence was a “Swiss Family Robinson” style house with view over “Hideaways”, a cranking left hander within 200 meters walk or a short boat trip. Our competent surf guides with extension local knowledge soon made it clear that we could surf in almost any wind and swell size and intermediate to advanced surfers would categorise the options as plentiful.

We were searching for a location for future shoots and WavePark qualifies as all of the above; a surf training ground, a photographer’s paradise and a place to rest the weary head.

Owners of the surf camps and most touring charters respect the local etiquette in the surf ; take turns, avoiding invading the break with a full boat load and be friendly and it seemed to work! Everyone seemed to catch enough waves to satisfy and many waves go unridden.

The hospitality of the owners and surf guides, the healthy food options and the access to a variety of surf breaks will certainly lure the Hive Swimwear crew back for more. Thumbs up!

What is new for HIVE in 2012? Well Hive Swimwear has always been about sports fashion, providing swimwear that does not fall off when you are in the surf but still has style. We’ve had some exciting advancements this year with clients wanting swimwear that is also durable for pool training so we have developed a “Swim” collection with this in mind. Also we have extended our swimwear to include girl’s sizes. We also have a new “Ectotherm” range with is made out of high grade neoprene.

What are the unique features of your label? Girls and women want swimwear that will not fall off when they are in the surf. They also want style. Hive Swimwear satisfies both requirements. Hive Swimwear is all about sports fashion.

How did it evolve? As an avid surfer and surf instructor, I knew there was a need to tick some boxes. Firstly the swimwear needed to be functional. In 2005, I designed a number of strap configurations and styles that provided a comfy and secure fit. The swimwear tops avoid the vulnerable neck area to ensure the tie was not pulling on the neck when paddling and the straps are fully adjustable. More supportive styles such as the D/DD cup styles have a thick under-bust band with boning in the side for extra support. The bottoms are also cut with performance and comfort in mind. There is no compromise to lycra grade and the best manufacturing process available are used to ensure a quality product. Further- more, Hive is available as separates so girls can customise to individual needs.

You have some great prints, what inspires you? All of the prints are exclusive to Hive. Each season I follow the trends in Europe and Brazil. In 2012 tribal prints are in. Hive Swimwear has a 2012/2013 theme “Around the World” whereby we include prints inspired by Australian and foreign culture. Personally, I believe this collection is our best ever. We all have a favourite country and association with travel.

KAT HOGG: On surfing the Mentawais and the

continuing evolution of Hive

“It’s not often you visit a beach that made the cover of the book “the top 100 beaches”