My Story

At the end of 2009 I was trying to think of a name that I could use to identify my love for fishing and wave riding with to a small line of T-shirts and other creative odds and ends. If you have been riding waves or fishing for any length of time, you often feel like you are a sea creature. As a kid I grew up hearing my elders and family friends refer to me as a “fish”. ( I know I am not the only one.) It was hard to keep me away from the water, let alone get me out of the water once I finally was in it. Most of my friends were the same way and shared the same feelings as I did. Not much has changed, except now I spend more time at work than by the massive Pacific Ocean that I love. In searching for a word I could use to identify a small aparell line with, I began to think of other cultures who share a similar connection to the ocean. After spending a short time of my life in Japan, I grew to respect most of the cultural practices that the Japanese people have to the ocean. Even though I don’t agree with commercial Japanese fishing practices, I do respect the common love that most Japanese people share with the sea. I saw this love first hand as a kid in Okinawa, Japan while my family was stationed there. The Japanese word “uroko” kept coming to mind for a name. It means “fish scales”. I thought it was fitting for a small line of clothes that would represent the passion ocean faring people have in their hearts. If you love the sea or the creatures in it, and perhaps at times feel like a sea creature yourself, then I hope you enjoy the T shirts that I make in celebration of it.

I dedicate my uroko apparel line to my grandad, John Gregerson. He introduced me to the art of fishing and helped nurture my love for the sea. As a kid we spent entire summers together fishing for salmon and halibut, digging for clams, and crabbing the Canadian and Washington Straits. He was a true fisherman and the man who helped make me the man I am today.

Uroko can be found at a select group of retailers in the Bay Area and is expanding sales into other areas of the country. We urge you to support your local tackle, surf, or dive shop before you purchase from us online. If your favorite shop doesn't carry uroko, please tell them about us and ask them too. 

If you would like to carry uroko in your retail store or have any questions in general, please contact me.

We have been selling goods online since 2011. If you ever have a problem with fit or are unhappy with the quality of your merchandise, please contact us and we will take care of you. 

If you are on Instagram, please follow us @urokolife. Thank you for your support!