Our Story

Hi, I'm Nik, the founder of Northern Boarder.

I've always felt happiest outdoors. Whether it's surfing, paddleboarding, hiking, swimming in the sea or setting off on a new adventure, that's where I feel most like myself. The outdoors has always given me a sense of freedom, confidence and perspective, and I wanted to create a brand that captures that feeling.

The idea for Northern Boarder came from my own frustration. Every time I searched for women's board shorts, I found the same thing, short, tight styles that were more about fashion than function. They looked great for sitting on the beach, but not for climbing over rocks, paddling out into the waves or spending an entire day exploring the coast.

I wanted board shorts that women could actually live in. Shorts that offered coverage without compromising on style. Shorts that moved with you, stayed comfortable all day and let you focus on the adventure rather than what you were wearing.

When I realised those shorts didn't really exist, I decided to create them myself.

Northern Boarder was built on a simple idea: design board shorts for adventurous women who want clothing that works as hard as they do.

Every pair is made from recycled plastic bottles, with a comfortable longer fit, four-way stretch fabric and practical pockets, because I believe outdoor clothing should be functional, durable and made to support every adventure.

The name Northern Boarder actually came to me while I was doing the washing up. As a proud northern girl with a love for board sports, it just clicked. It was simple, memorable and perfectly summed up the brand I wanted to build.

But Northern Boarder has never just been about board shorts.

It's about encouraging more women to get outside, try something they've never done before and feel confident doing it. Whether that's learning to surf, heading out on a paddleboard for the first time, hiking to a hidden beach or simply saying yes to a new adventure.

I want women to feel capable, comfortable and confident in clothing that's designed for real life—not just for the perfect Instagram photo.

I also believe adventure isn't about climbing the highest mountain or surfing the biggest wave. It's about saying yes to new experiences, pushing beyond your comfort zone and discovering what you're capable of. That's the idea behind our motto, Explore Beyond Borders. It's not just about exploring new places; it's about challenging yourself, growing in confidence and embracing every opportunity that comes your way.

When you wear Northern Boarder, you're joining a community of women who share that same mindset—a love for the outdoors, a respect for nature and a passion for adventure.

Adventure has a different meaning for everyone.

For some, it's catching their first wave. For others, it's hiking to a hidden viewpoint, paddling across a quiet lake at sunrise or simply saying yes to something they've never done before.

Wherever your adventure takes you, I hope Northern Boarder gives you the confidence to embrace it.

Thank you for supporting a small business and for being part of this journey.

Explore Beyond Borders.

Nik
Founder, Northern Boarder