Bound for Baja: Exploring the Sea of Cortez

Bound for Baja: Exploring the Sea of Cortez

When asked if Vaer makes watches for women, our response is rooted in our philosophy and design principles. At Vaer, we believe in crafting watches for everyone, but especially for those who cherish time spent in the great outdoors. Our watches are designed to be rugged, durable, and timeless, qualities that resonate with both men and women.

We recently had the opportunity to join three female adventurers as they traveled through Mexico’s Baja California Sur.

Nicole Gormley, Anna Gudauskas, and Meg Haywood Sullivan are friends, surfers, and creatives who travel the globe in search of good surf, and unique stories to tell around the ocean. A few months ago, they left California towards warmer waters and emptier shores, traveling to La Paz, Mexico to borrow a friend’s camper van and explore the southern tip of Baja to surf and dive.

Nicole Gormley: A Vaer Ambassador and Environmental Storyteller

Nicole Gormley has had a long relationship with Vaer, first as a customer, then as an advocate, and more recently as a filmmaker and advisor. An accomplished filmmaker, Nicole has dedicated her career to capturing the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Her work, including the groundbreaking environmental film "Lessons from Jeju" produced for Patagonia, highlights the critical importance of preserving marine environments. On this Baja trip, Nicole brought her unique perspective, documenting the group’s adventures and the stunning underwater world, further reinforcing the connection between Vaer's values and the spirit of exploration and conservation.

Anna Gudauskas: Professional Surfer and Adventurer

We've already had the pleasure of working with Anna on a previous Vaer film project, where she has consistently demonstrated her passion for the ocean and her comfort in any break. Our previous film featured Anna surfing in the Alaska near the Aleutian Islands, so this trip was a definitely a big improvement in terms of water temperature.

 

Surfing the Pacific: Riding the Waves of Baja

The Pacific side of Baja California Sur offers some of the most consistent, and uncrowded surf on the planet. Nicole and Anna, took full advantage of the opportunity, getting in three sessions each day they were there. From the long, peeling point breaks to the powerful beach breaks, Baja's Pacific coast is a playground for those who enjoy time in the ocean, and they took full advantage of the unique opportunity.

Exploring the Sea of Cortez: A Diver's Paradise

The Sea of Cortez, often referred to as the "Aquarium of the World," presented a stark contrast to the turbulent Pacific. Here, the waters were warm and teeming with life, offering an underwater paradise for Nicole and Anna to explore. Diving in these rich, biodiverse waters, they encountered huge schools of manta rays, dolphins, and a near endless array of colorful tropical fish. The clarity and warmth of the Sea of Cortez made it an ideal location for snorkeling, and allowed the women to fully immerse themselves in a pristine marine environment. Throughout their dives, their Vaer watches remained a constant companion, providing accurate timekeeping while being comfortable and ergonomic on-wrist.

Embracing the Vaer Lifestyle

These women epitomize the Vaer lifestyle—an embodiment of adventure, resilience, and a deep connection with nature. Their journey through Baja California Sur is a testament to utility and comfort of Vaer watches, on wrist of all sizes.

The Perfect Companion for Female Adventurers

Unlike many brands that create a separate women's category, we do not segment our collections in this manner. We see no need to differentiate; instead, we focus on producing high-quality timepieces that anyone can wear, regardless of gender. Our goal is to ensure that our watches can withstand the rigors of an adventurous lifestyle while maintaining a classic aesthetic.

Additionally, many of our watches are sized to be ideal for a variety of wrist sizes, including those often associated with women. Our 36mm and 38mm models, in particular, are well-suited for smaller wrists, offering both comfort and style without compromising on durability or functionality.

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