FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2004

Contact: Sandra Dee DeLaRosa
Phone: (760) 434-1122
E-mail: sandra@rawskinsurf.com

CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA, CALIF. When Sandra DeLaRosa launched Raw Skin in 1997, she envisioned a lasting and core product, rather than the conventional surf brand name. Since then, Raw Skins unique line of rash guards has earned high marks among surfers, placing it as a top seller in San Diego County surf shops.

"Raw Skin is functional, fashionable and its a good, home town price," says Doug Jopes, manager of Encinitas Surfboards. "With Raw Skin you get more of a custom look; I really like her prints."

Jopes says DeLaRosa has proven that smaller, niche companies can produce significant waves in the industry, giving the big boys a run for their money. "You dont have to have a big name brand to be good," he says. "She does the stuff that gets you in the water."

DeLaRosa who created Raw Skin after being tired of wearing uncomfortable rash guards designed by men says although other womens surf brands may have larger wallets, Raw Skin has remained competitive with its quality and uniqueness. She says other womens surf lines are popular because they are selling a brand rather than concentrating on one core product.

"Its a brand war. Everybody makes T-shirts, swim, board shorts, luggage and other accessories. Raw Skin has just focused on rash guards," says the 30-year-old DeLaRosa, who started Raw Skin with $3,000 from her personnel bank account, as well as from family and friends. "I focus on a functional fitthats always been our motto. I dont believe there are other womens lines that have as many styles and color varieties as I do."

Raw Skins Spring/Summer rash guard line, due to come out in March, includes cap sleeve flowered camouflage, blue pineapple, and aloha and hula sublimation prints.

DeLaRosa, who sells Raw Skin in about 20 Southern California surf shops, says the industry needs a quality product like Raw Skin, which also includes a wet suit jacket.

The swelling number of women and girls out in the water also has DeLaRosa seeing green According to the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA), womens surf apparel is by far the fastest growing segment in the surf industry.

"Rash guards are a trend right now. The Blue Crush phenomenon really fueled the industry," says DeLaRosa, who also now owns Carlsbad, Calif.-based Raw Skin Surf N Sport surf shop. "When I started Raw Skin the demand for womens rash guards wasnt there. But I knew that once surfing and its culture began to grow that I would have a quality product ready for the market."

For more information on Raw Skin please surf  www.rawskinsurf.com.