Made it to Miami

Happy Salty shirts have made it to Miami and are already turning heads, worn by legends like Elian Lopez and others.

I first met Elian back in 1996, when I accidentally ended up in Cuba instead of the Dominican Republic. From the very first moment, I was struck by the incredible climate, the breathtaking beaches, and the perfect windsurfing conditions that welcomed me. Naturally, I went searching for a chance to windsurf. Luckily, I spotted Elian on the beach, busy with his gear. Without hesitation, he generously shared his equipment with me, and just like that, a friendship was born. Through Elian, I was introduced to other Cuban windsurfers like Luis, Carlitos, Manuel, Norlem, Vizoso, and many more. I was no longer just another “gringo” tourist – I was accepted as one of them. Cuba quickly became my favorite place in the world. For years, we worked together to grow the windsurfing scene in Cuba. We organized trips, competitions, and countless unforgettable experiences. In the beginning, everything moved in a positive direction, and progress felt natural and exciting. But eventually, misunderstandings with government officials led to setbacks. In the end, we were forced to stop our activities. Despite that, I continued visiting Cuba, although the situation kept getting worse over time. Elian sensed this too. In 2022, he made the bold decision to leave Cuba on a windsurfing board, heading toward Miami. What should have ideally been a journey of just part of a day turned into a true fight for survival. The weather turned against him, and he spent over 36 hours at sea. Thankfully, it all ended well. See BBC interview.
Today, I am incredibly proud to see Elian among the many who wear shirts that have been developed and designed together with my partners – a small but meaningful symbol of a friendship and journey that has endured through decades, challenges, and the open sea.

Hang Loose,

Kalevi