Kiriaki Waters
Paddle boarder & Co-Founder of SUP Funk
“In hospitality and boutique retail, you learn that ‘good enough’ is never enough. At SUP Funk, I believe that quality gear should not only perform under pressure but should feel like a natural extension of your lifestyle. It’s the small details that turn a good session into a great one.”
The Art of Service: Hospitality as a Standard
With a career rooted in high-end hospitality, Kiriaki Waters brings a “service first” philosophy to SUP Funk. In the hospitality world, success is measured by the happiness of the guest and the anticipation of their needs.
She has translated this mindset into the world of paddleboarding. Whether you are a seasoned pro or picking up a paddle for the first time, Kiriaki ensures that every interaction with our brand feels personal. To her, customer service isn’t a department; it’s a commitment to ensuring every paddler feels confident, supported and valued.
A Boutique Eye for Quality & Detail
Years spent in female clothing boutiques gave Kiriaki a refined eye for the nuances of manufacturing. While Nigel focuses on the manufacturing quality and function of a board, Kiriaki focuses on the tactile quality:
- Material & Touch: Selecting fabrics and finishes that are durable yet comfortable against the skin.
- Fit & Function: Ensuring that our new technical clothing line (currently being manufactured) is designed specifically for the male and female form and the unique movements of paddleboarding.
- The “Unboxing” Experience: Every detail, from the stitching on a dry bag to the ergonomics of a carry handle, is scrutinised under her boutique standard lens.
Designing for the UK Lifestyle
Kiriaki is deeply involved in the design of our SUP Funk technical clothing. Drawing on her boutique background, she understands that UK paddlers need gear that transitions seamlessly from the water to the shoreline.
“We won’t just selling technical clothing; we’re designing tools for your hobby,” she says. Her expertise ensures that our apparel doesn’t just meet a technical specification it meets a lifestyle standard. By blending aesthetic appeal with the rugged durability required for the British elements, she ensures you don’t have to compromise on style to stay warm and dry.
Life on the Water
An experienced paddleboarder herself, Kiriaki is the primary tester for the “usability” of our gear. If a piece of equipment is too heavy to carry, too fiddly to set up, or uncomfortable during a long morning on the lake, it doesn’t make it into our collection.
Her goal is simple, to remove the friction from your outdoor adventures so you can focus on the water.
