LA-based surf and lifestyle brand VAST  is stepping up during COVID-19 to help the community and the environment by making high quality cloth masks and partnering with local hospitals (including MLK Hospital) in Los Angeles.

By Voluntourist Staff

When the pandemic began, VAST founder Sam Yang knew he wanted to make a difference while also manufacturing a product that would be beneficial for everyone.  That is why VAST has now taken its durable, water repellant and antibacterial fabrics already used in their surf line to create VAST FM masks for the public currently  available online ($30 in Khaki with Black, Coral, Teal, or Navy trim.)

With the market being saturated with  single use or low quality, unreliable masks (literally pieces of cloth tied to strings that do nothing to flatten the curve), VAST spent several weeks working with PPE manufacturers worldwide to learn what makes the most effective mask for long term use, knowing we will be wearing masks for weeks and possibly months to come.  As it turned out, the materials used for their surfwear were among the best and it quickly became clear that with the right fabrics to block pathogens and the right construction for air seal, a cloth facemask can be as effective against pathogens as a medical grade mask (but by definition can’t be called medical grade.)

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VAST’s cloth masks help to insure that there is no shortage of medical masks for frontline workers, while giving the general public access to the same level of safety and protecting the environment from the build up of one time use masks currently piling up on ocean shores.  In addition to this initiative, VAST has partnered with local hospitals, including Martin Luther King Hospital, to launch a  “comfy kick back” initiative to benefit essential workers.  For any mask or surf item purchased, VAST is donating a cozy item to hospital staff so they can rest and recoup post-shift. Items include sweatpants, sweat shorts, sweat shirts, long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, and socks.

The Voluntourist: Can you share what makes VAST special with our readers?

Sam Yang: We speak to a wide range of topics while surfing serves as the connective tissue to these different interests.  Over the years, we’ve created friendships with car builders, music producers, artists, and chefs through surfing.  We blend different perspectives and topics to surfing which is refreshingly different.

The Voluntourist: What are the environmental impacts to SoCal beaches of the recent use of one time masks and how is  VAST trying to combat this?

Sam Yang: Not only in Southern California, but ocean conservation agencies around the world, have been discovering an alarming amount of facemasks in the ocean.  Single use masks are made of polypropylene which is a type of plastic with a lifespan of approximately 450 years. The harmful impact that this could have on the marine ecosystem here in SoCal is scary.  At that point, it was a no brainer to us, we need to make an effective mask to keep people and the ocean safer.

The Voluntourist: What makes the VAST masks a good option for both personal protection and eco-concerns?

Sam Yang: The exterior shell of our mask is highly water repellent, which is optimal for blocking contagious moisture droplets. We used AquaTerra for the inside liner, its non clinging and antimicrobial properties, made from hundreds of deconstructed Vast surf tees.  There are 2 straps for a comfortable and secure fit.  We also used leather stoppers versus plastic ones for its decompositional properties. Finally, the mask fits securely around your nose and mouth, minimizing entry points. All of the above makes this mask really effective.  Not only that, the mask is reusable, so please wash, and reuse.

The Voluntourist: Is there a charity component with VAST during the pandemic or as part of the brand ethos?

Sam Yang: We are going to be supporting the essential staff at various LA hospitals. For every item purchased online, we will donate a cozy item to the essential staff of various hospitals in LA.  To encourage donations, the site will also be 40% off.  We believe being comfortable is key to resting and recovering after a long shift. (Cozy items: sweatpants, sweat shorts, tees, tanks, long sleeves, socks).

The Voluntourist: What are your personal fav surf spots in SoCal?

Sam Yang: I enjoy surfing at El Porto in LA, Huntington Beach Pier in OC, and Trestles in San Clemente.  Each zone has a different energy, and the waves are fun.