Isabella Nichols x Atmosea Wetsuit

Designing this piece with Isabella Nichols has been something really special.

At Atmosea, everything we create comes from a place of connection: to the ocean, to each other, and to the way we move in the water. Bella brought such a clear vision into this process, and together we’ve shaped a springsuit that feels both beautiful and deeply functional.

It’s made for long sessions, changing conditions, and that feeling of not wanting to get out of the sea.

We also asked Bella a few questions about her journey with Atmosea, this collaboration, and her new sponsorship

You could have gone in a lot of different directions, why Atmosea?

Honestly it just felt right. I’d followed Atmosea for a while and loved what they stood for! it felt creative, authentic, and a bit different to the traditional surf space. Not to mention they had some of the coolest suits I’d seen! It wasn’t just about performance, it was about feeling something too.

What did it feel like stepping away from big-brand sponsorships?

A little scary at first, not gonna lie. But also really freeing. It gave me space to figure out what I actually align with, instead of just going along with what I’d always known :)

What’s different about working with a small, independently owned brand?

You actually feel part of it. You’re not just wearing something, you’re involved, your voice matters, and there’s way more care in every little detail. The community within Atmosea is also completely different, they’ve built a brand that people really want to rally around and support which is super wholesome.

What does it mean to support a women-led brand in surfing?

It’s huge. There’s something really powerful about women creating for women, especially in a space that hasn’t always done that well!

What was it like meeting Maria Nilsson?

She’s just got this really calm, creative energy. You can tell she genuinely cares about what she’s building ; it’s not forced at all. People are drawn to Atmosea but they are also drawn to Maria and the crew who work there because they are genuinely great humans.

Did the relationship feel different to past sponsorships?

Yeah, way more personal. It felt like a collaboration from the start, not just a deal. I was stoked to be wearing atmosea and they were just as stoked to have me in their gear.

How important is trust when you’re representing a brand?

Everything. If you don’t genuinely trust or believe in it, people can feel that straight away.

How important is self-expression to you as a surfer?

It’s becoming more and more important. Surfing’s obviously performance based for me, but it’s also how I express myself. I feel like I’m only really just finding myself ; my style and coming to the realisation that everyone and everything is unique, so why try be someone that you think others want you to be.

What changed when you weren’t limited to “just black” wetsuits?

It sounds small, but it actually changes how you feel. There’s more personality, more fun, it doesn’t feel so uniform! I’ve always loved bright colours. I’ve never really been the person who wants to stand out too much on land, but I love being expressive in the water with my suits!

How does wearing something designed with you change how you feel in the water?

You feel more connected to it. There’s a bit more confidence and ownership, which actually translates into how you surf.

What was important when designing this suit?

That it actually worked. It had to perform first, but also feel good to wear, not restrictive or overly “techy.” I wanted it to feel empowering but also look really flattering.

How did you balance performance with everyday wearability?

We kept coming back to - would someone want to wear this for a casual surf? Not just a comp. That helped guide everything

Why was it important that it felt accessible, not intimidating?

Because surfing should feel inviting. You shouldn’t feel like you have to look or surf a certain way to wear something. The ocean is inclusive and a place without judgement.

Who did you imagine wearing this wetsuit?

Honestly everyone! from beginners to girls who surf every day. Not just elite athletes! I think it’s really tailored to the all round surfer.

What do you hope women feel when they put it on?

Comfortable, confident, and like themselves.

How would you describe the Atmosea women?

Creative, supportive, and just doing their own thing. There’s no pressure to fit a mould. The atmosea women are all about inclusivity and love! That’s why I love being around them :)

What’s it felt like being embraced by that community?

Really special. It feels genuine, not forced, it’s been really cool linking up with women from all different backgrounds, professions, who all share a love of the ocean! It’s a real community.

How important are friendships and shared values in your surfing life right now?

More than ever. It’s what keeps everything grounded and enjoyable.

What does supporting independent brands mean for women’s surfing?

It creates more diversity, more voices, more styles, more ways of doing things more opportunities for women!

Should women have more choice in how they’re represented in surf?

100%. There’s no one way to be a surfer, and that should be reflected more.

What does success look like beyond competition results?

Feeling fulfilled, doing things that align with who I am, and having a positive impact in some way. I want to look back on my career and know I’ve made some kind of positive impact.

Why does this collaboration feel special?

Because it feels real. It’s not just a logo on a wetsuit! there’s meaning behind it x it genuinely excites me thinking about it, to think I’d be in this position helping design my own suit a few years ago, it’s crazy.

What would you say to young women watching you surf in this suit?

Just be yourself. There’s no one way to do this! that’s the best part about surfing!