"Whether you're sailing there or taking the ferry as you get closer and closer the world seems to slow down. What feels like so far away, is a magical place just roughly 20 miles off the coast of home. Cuttyhunk Island, or Neverland I like to call it. Days filled with surfing, sailing, swimming, hiking, and eating ice cream all while being surrounded by the beauty of the island. Clean blue water and some seal friends if you're lucky. 

It was so special to get to explore the Island one sunny spring day with my mom and Maaike! From the non-stop stories I've shared with Maaike about this place, it was time for her to see the beauty of it herself. We packed up all our favorite toys and sent it! Bikes, boards, a fishing pole, the best pb&j sandwiches, and of course our dog Beanie. Because it’s the off season, we took the ferry there with a full day ahead of us and no agenda. We were greeted with the perfect peeling waves and friendly locals who welcomed us back. We circumnavigated the island, frolicking on the trails until we met the backside of it, and it was just us out there. 

The memories and experiences I've had here have truly shaped my love for the east coast. Sailing into this channel whether staying for a week or just overnight to then head to our next stop, the feeling that this place gives you keeps us coming back. Empty coastlines and quiet anchorages, it's the journey there that makes it so special." -Liza Toppa

Read the Q&A with Liza

Tell us a little but about yourself!

My name is Liza Toppa, from Newport, Rhode Island. Born water baby, I learned to swim before I could walk! Ever since then, I've been a lover of life in or on the water. Whether it's sailing, surfing, swimming, or even in the winter running barefoot through snow banks to polar plunge, you can find me in the ocean everyday. 

What does your perfect summer day look like?

A morning swim at my secret spot, followed by a strong flat white and a long sunny day ahead, whether that's spent in the water surfing or on the water sailing, whatever the day brings, making the most out of every moment and being with my family. My family and I run a raw bar delivery boat in the summertime and have some lobster pots around the bay (pink of course) so ending a long summer's day with some oysters really tops it all off! 

What is in your must have bag for a day at the beach?

I feel like I've perfected my everyday beach bag. My favorite sunscreen (avasol), a pb&j (blueberry jam is superior), coconut water, my towel poncho, my journal, and of course my Skida hat! 

Where is Cuttyhunk?

Roughly 20 nautical miles from home ( Newport, RI) Cuttyhunk is the outermost island of the Elizabeth Islands off the coast of Massachusetts.

What is there to do on the island? Where do you always make sure to stop?

You name it….hiking, surfing, sailing, and all on empty trails and coastlines. Just you and the seals out there! 

Always have to stop at the dock for the best oysters of your life and a scoop of blueberry ice cream :)

How do you and your mom like to adventure together?

I've learned to love this journey all through her! From being a ski patrol, to competing in iron mans, kitesurfing, crossing oceans, surfing, bee keeping, the list goes on and on… she does it all! From camping the coasts of Australia together, sailing from Bermuda to Newport, finding the freshest powder, and the cleanest waves. Her never ending adrenaline is what raised us. So getting to share this love for it all together is what makes it so special. 

What is your favorite Skida print and why?

The Amrita print! Growing up, my nickname was “blue flower”, and I tend to always gravitate towards all things blue! It's such a fun and freeing pattern, reminding me of bluebird days on the mountain and in the water.

How does the Skida summer product fit into your lifestyle?

Its the summer of Skida! I love to wear the sun hoodies while sailing, bringing such an element of fun to the boat. And the sun tour neck gaiters! For years, they've truly been saving my face and lips from the sun during long days on the water. Every piece is not only so functional for everyday adventures but the energy it brings through all of the creative patterns really shines through and makes each adventure that much more fun.