Ipar Hego Information

IPAR HEGO, means “North South” in Basque and was set to be a local brand, until their innovative patented boardshort launched them as finalist at ISPO BRAND NEW AWARDS 2009 in Munich. This patented boardshort has been specially developed for surfing. The unique side closure placed on the hip means the short can lie flat whilst paddling and eliminate chafing. The cord will not rub or undo itself while lying on the board. This small company has a strong fashion and textile background, prior to starting IPAR HEGO, the founder Ami Masterson worked for 6 years at Sara Lee textiles. Starting first as a product manager for DIM in Paris, then moving to the UK offices to manage private labels. Dealing with customers such as GUS (mail ordering company), Dunnes in Ireland, Marks & Spencer in the UK and Carrefour in Paris & Shanghai. Sara Lee sold their European textile business throughout 2005 giving her the chance to start IPAR HEGO and bringing to life her husband’s revolutionary boardshort design. Ami commented: “Xabi, who has been surfing for more than 20 years, had this design in mind for quite a long time. He designed it, we put it together and we were amazed by the results. This boardshort looked like no other out there, it was functional, stylish, a breakthrough in design. Seeing a product with such a potential convinced us to go ahead with our own surf brand!” The public is responding, after their 3rd season their orders are growing steadily from Northern Spain to southern France including online orders from the UK and more recently from Australia. As well as textiles IPAR HEGO is importing 100% balsa surfboards direct from Ecuador.