Local and responsible project: surf ponchos made in Tarbes in collaboration with the Reffye high school

June 02, 2025

Waïloa is, above all, a human, creative, and local adventure. This year, I had the opportunity to bring a unique project to fruition in collaboration with the Reffye high school in Tarbes , thanks to Caroline and Georgina, two passionate teachers in the sewing department. Together, we designed and created an exclusive mini-collection of surf ponchos , entirely handmade by the students.

A closer look at the Reffye high school in Tarbes and its sewing program

The Reffye vocational high school, located in Tarbes, is renowned for the quality of its technical training, particularly in the fields of textiles and sewing. Its fashion and sewing program trains the professionals of tomorrow, capable of working on unique, complex, and creative pieces. Thanks to the dedication of their teachers, Caroline and Georgina, students learn both technical rigor and artistic sensitivity through concrete projects, such as the one for Waïloa.

This type of collaboration is a real opportunity, both for the students and for Waïloa. As a socially responsible brand, working with local talent is part of our DNA. It's a concrete way to support young people, promote the skills of our region, and build connections with the local community.

An educational, creative project aligned with Waïloa's values

When Caroline and Georgina contacted me to propose a creative project for their students, I immediately thought of surf ponchos. This accessory is emblematic of the Waïloa universe: practical, colorful, fun, and ideal for lovers of the ocean and outdoor life.

The students at Reffye High School created these pieces from start to finish: from choosing the fabrics to the final stitching, including cutting, finishing, and assembly. All of this was done using an original and technical material: sponge . A first for them, which they tackled with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Made in Tarbes: unique and responsible pieces

The ponchos were made by:

Zahia A.
Charly N.
Sacha R.
Owen D.
Tiphaine D.
Inès E.
Rita A.

Everyone poured their heart into creating these original, colorful, and unique designs. These are extremely limited edition pieces (only 12 available) and are not yet listed on the website. But if you'd like to learn more or reserve your poncho before anyone else, contact me at hello@wailoa.fr.

The Waïloa poncho: practical and stylish

These surf ponchos are designed to accompany you after a surf session , on your way out of the beach or even at home to chill in style.

One size fits all unisex
Integrated hood for protection from the wind
Ultra-practical kangaroo pocket for slipping in your keys or sunglasses
Comfortable and absorbent terry cloth material

An enriching experience for students

This project was a fantastic opportunity for the students of Reffye High School to work on a real-world order, with constraints related to design, quality, and deadlines. They had to adapt to a material that was unfamiliar to them, consider the ergonomics of the product, and respect the Waïloa brand identity.

And the result is there: unique pieces, handmade in Tarbes, full of freshness and energy .

To transmit, to share, to promote

At Waïloa, passing on our passion for textiles and handmade goods is a priority. Working with local students also means opening up opportunities for them, showing them that their skills have value and that they can be part of a real entrepreneurial dynamic.

This type of collaboration reminds us why we do this job: to create beauty, usefulness, and connection.

Want to know more?

The ponchos are not yet available on our website, but they will be soon. In the meantime, you can write to us at hello@wailoa.fr.

Thank you to the Reffye high school in Tarbes for their trust and wonderful energy, and congratulations to the students for their remarkable work. This project proves that nothing is impossible, everything is possible; you just have to put in the effort.