BEHIND THE BRAND
IAO started with a simple need:
Better boardshorts.
Tell During COVID, while working as an international teacher in Manila, I spent my free time surfing around the Philippines and eventually discovered Siargao Island. Frustrated by the lack of comfortable and well-designed boardshorts, I decided to create my own during lockdown. That first pair — built for quality, comfort, and real surf conditions — was later sold in a small surf shop in Siargao and became the beginning of IAO. The name comes from the island’s airport code, where surf, travel, and community shaped everything the brand stands for today.
IAO SIARGAO
IAO was born from a simple idea
IAO was born from a simple idea: creating products that truly fit the ocean lifestyle.
While working as an international teacher in Manila, I spent my free time exploring the surf culture of the Philippines. Trips to places like La Union and Baler eventually led me to Siargao Island — a place that completely changed my perspective. During the COVID lockdowns, I designed my first pair of boardshorts because I couldn’t find the quality, comfort, and style I was looking for myself. That design later found its way into a small surf shop in Siargao and became the beginning of IAO. The name comes from the island’s airport code and represents the lifestyle that inspires us: surf, travel, nature, and community
SIARGAO ISLAND
CLOUD 9
Cloud 9
The world famous surf spot
World Surf League events and international surf competitions are regularly held at Cloud 9 (surf break), making it one of the most important surf spots in Asia.
Every year, professional surfers from around the world travel to Siargao Island to compete in events such as the Siargao International Surfing Cup, which is part of the WSL Qualifying Series. During these competitions, surfers compete in judged heats on the famous right-hand reef break of Cloud 9, earning points that can help them qualify for higher levels of professional surfing. The event has helped put Siargao on the global surf map and celebrates the island’s strong surf culture and local community
