In 2003, high on the cliffs of Cornwall, Tom Kay—caught between warm driver’s seat and storm‑ripped seas—listened to the shipping forecast. “Finisterre: severe gale 9, squally showers, sea state rough...,” whispered the radio, conjuring images of small boats battling the North Atlantic. Those brutes of the sea became silent teachers. And from that crackling forecast came a fleece born of necessity—windproof, warm, honest—offered not to surfers of sunny breaks, but to those who chased waves through winter’s chill. The brand was named for the place where land ends and sea begins—Finisterre, Latin for “end of the earth.”

Craft and Quiet Revolution

Finisterre surfaced when everyone else was hawking warm‑weather lifestyle surf gear. Tom Kay wanted something different: purposeful, durable, thoughtful—gear that earned its place on your shoulders and stuck around. He spun stories from a flat above a surf shop, occasionally taking cheques, always delivering warmth.

That fleece was never about fast trend. Instead, it whispered of southern Cornish mornings, of salt gathering in seams, and of a surf community needing integrity alongside waterproofing. It set the tone: function laced with quiet ethics.

Sustainability as Soul

If WeekEnds’ pages favor thoughtfulness and environmental clarity, Finisterre is a kindred spirit. They’ve long embraced traceability and transparency—“i‑spy” tracking of materials, from fiber to stitch.

In 2018, they earned B Corp certification—recognition from outside that their internal compass aimed true. Beyond the accolades, it's the Bowmont wool project—reviving a rare British sheep breed for sustainable wool—that underscores their ethos.

Gear That Whispers Into Every Element

Finisterre’s clothing range isn't parade‑pretty. It’s built for surf, for dawn patrols, for campfire relief. From the Anabatic Jacket—with its "C‑shell" recycled fabric, notable for recyclability—to merino base layers that celebrate comfort without compromise.

From eco-friendly wetsuits made with Yulex® natural rubber to merino wool base layers, waterproof jackets, and recycled insulated outerwear, Finisterre’s product range bridges surf and outdoor adventure.

It’s a collection rough‑hewn for winter waves, yet sleek enough for everyday life. Built for utility, but made to last—and to earn emotional resonance. “The longer you have it, the more attached to it you become,” they say.

Community and Culture

Beyond clothing, Finisterre fosters a vibrant community through initiatives like Sea7 (an ocean activism summit), Women of the Sea campaigns, and collaborations with environmental groups such as Surfers Against Sewage.

Their storytelling blends surf culture, sustainability, and outdoor exploration, making Finisterre not just a brand, but a lifestyle rooted in respect for the planet.

Slow Growth, Deeper Purpose

Unlike flash‑to‑cart brands, Finisterre grew by hand—no shouting campaigns, just a steadfast commitment to thoughtful gear, transparent practices, and the sea. It’s about communities: podcasts, The Broadcast, Hell Or High Water, and campaigns like Women of the Sea or Sea7.

Tom Kay once said: “I always wanted us to have a purpose wider than just making good products.” That purpose didn’t come later—it was the point.

Why Finisterre Belongs in Your Outdoor Wardrobe

• Designed for Harsh Environments – Tested in the cold Atlantic, ready for any climate.
• Sustainably Made – Recycled fabrics, traceable sourcing, and repair programs.
• Versatile Style – Surf-ready yet functional for hiking, camping, and travel.
• Community Driven – Active supporter of environmental protection and coastal culture.

A Finisterre Moment: A Quiet Storm

Imagine stepping off a dawn surf session. The sea still hums in your bones. You shrug into a recycled-fabric jacket—an embrace that’s warm, purposeful, honest. Not flashy. Just right. You’re part of a lineage: cold-water surfers, ethical makers, coastal custodians.

That’s Finisterre.

Shop Finisterre on WEEKENDS today for cold water surf apparel and gear