A Founders Story, Back in His Element

Saltrock has always been more than clothing. It started as a feeling - that pull towards the ocean, the need to create, and the belief that if you chase what you love, something meaningful can grow from it.

For Spring Summer 2026, we go right back to where it all began.

Two special capsule collections: One More Wave and Open Finals have been created by Saltrock co founder Ross Thomson, bringing his unmistakable style, memories and love of the ocean back to the heart of the brand.

This is a story about surfing, creating, and building something from a passion. This is Ross, back in his element.

Built on Surfing, Road Trips & Making It Work

Saltrock was founded by brothers Ross and Angus Thomson, not with a grand business plan, but with surfboards, sketchbooks and a simple idea: find a way to live life around the ocean.

“We didn’t even understand the process of screen printing,” Ross recalls. “We just went out, found the equipment, built a print house ourselves and learned as we went.”

It was about saying yes, backing yourselves, and figuring it out along the way. What started as making tees to fund surf trips evolved into a brand people connected with, because it was real. That spirit still runs through our Spring Summer 2026 collections.

One More Wave: Tok at Full Throttle

The One More Wave collection is bold, graphic and bursting with energy. At its heart is Tok, the Saltrock mascot who is cheeky, fearless and always chasing the next wave.

Tok surfing at full tilt perfectly captures the mindset that every surfer knows: Just one more. One more set. One more moment. One more chance to feel alive.

Designed by Ross, the artwork pulls from hours in the sea, waiting for waves, riding them, and letting ideas flow naturally. The ocean has always been Ross’s creative catalyst, a place where thoughts settle and inspiration arrives.

These designs are unapologetically fun and adventurous, landing on hoodies, tees and standout pieces that don’t just look coastal - they feel it.

Open Finals: Surfing’s Golden Road Trip Days

Where One More Wave is raw energy, Open Finals offers a more refined, nostalgic take on surf culture.

Inspired by the classic era of surf competitions and long road trips, the designs reference the 1988 Open Finals, a time when surfing was about community, travel and turning up with your mates and a board.

There’s a quiet confidence in this collection. Thoughtful graphics, sun faded colours and pieces designed to be worn beachside or off.
The artwork features across hoodies, tees, beach towels and a standout beach mat, combining function with storytelling. Each piece feels like something collected from summers spent chasing waves.

From Ocean to Artwork

Ross’s design process hasn’t changed. Ideas come while sitting in the water, watching sets roll in, or parked up by the beach with time to think. In our film Ross recalls being surrounded by a pod of dolphins which ended up woven into designs, becoming visual memories you can wear.

 “You bring all those ideas together and put them down on paper,” Ross explains. “They’ve got to mean something.” That meaning is what makes these collections special. They aren’t just trends, they’re lived experiences. develop its own meaning. 

In Your Element

One More Wave and Open Finals are a reminder of what Saltrock has always stood for: Being bold, being creative, and building a life around what drives you.

Ross and Angus didn’t set out to build a clothing brand. They set out to live fully. The fact that so many people connected with that is what made Saltrock what it is today.

It’s proof that anyone can do it. There’s value in following what you love. And when you’re truly in your element, it shows.

Explore the collections and step back into the story that started it all.