Cliff Drill, “El Presidente” of Splaff

Born and Raised: Ridgewood, NJ
Founded Line: 1997
Studio Location: San Diego, CA
Number of Staff: 7
Design Heroes: hate knock-off artists, love original design concepts

Surfers are at the mercy of two of nature’s greatest forces: wind and water. Cliff Drill,”El Presidente” of Splaff Flopps, is at the mercy of very little, sans his supply of recycled foam and old drag racing tires. This Jersey native has transplanted himself to San Diego, one of the world’s most consistently gorgeous climates, in order to ride waves, hang with his homies, and make the most righteous eco-conscious flip-flops. Period.

What materials exactly make up the Splaff Flopp? Are they really 100% recycled?

Splaff Flopps are constructed from recycled car tires, recycled bicycle inner tubes, and natural hemp fabrics. They are approx 95% recycled content.

Tell us about the moment that you decided to turn an old race car tires into shoes?

I was on a surf trip with some friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We drove by a Huaracheria, a place where they make traditional mexican sandals called huaraches. Huaraches use recycled car tires for the soles and leather for the uppers. I asked my friends to pull over. I had always been obsessed with the concept of making the soles of shoes from old tires. I asked the owner of the shop, Jose, if he would teach me how to make tire shoes. He agreed and I apprenticed for him for 3 weeks…the rest is history.

Where and how do you source the tires?

All of our tires are recycled in the USA. We try to source our recycled tires locally. I try to keep lines out with all the local sources of recycled tires. Every year we use different tires. This year we are using old drag racing tires.

How has surfing inspired your design choices?

Lazy Boy Splaff FloppThe surfing life style is what inspired me to make flip flops, instead of dress shoes, boots, high heels, running shoes, etc. For surfers, flip flops are the only viable form of footwear. I wanted to make very modest but durable flip flops for true hard core surfers….no flash….no big brand names….just a solid product.

Describe your work space.

Casual….messy…..kind of Willy Wonkaish…We are surrounded by recycled rubber…i mean thousands of recycled tires and tons of recycled bike tubes….then mix in surfboards, skateboards, beach bikes….and a mexican factory.

What spots in the States and/or around the world are Splaffs most popular?

In the US, Splaffs seem to be most popular in the Northwest, Colorado, Texas, Hawaii, and believe it or not, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Internationally, Splaffs are popular in France, the UK, Japan, and Australia.

Cliff DrillTell us about the Splaff surf team.

The Splaff surf team is made up of our friends. People who I surf and hang with. Some young, some old, some girls, some boys. People who embrace the essence of surfing life. No bling…just a day to day commitment to surfing. Although no one on our surf team would be considered high profile, we definately have some rippers on our team.

In addition to footwear, you use these materials to craft handbags, belts, mirrors, and coffee tables. What’s next?

Too many poachers in the market these days to share our up-and-coming ideas. All that I can say is that we have some great new products in the hopper right now and they will be out before the holidays.

Rumors have circulated that if you buy a pair of Splaffs, the staff will take you surfing in SoCal. After experiencing Cliff’s laidback vibe, coupled with his sense of integrity and environmental awareness, I’ve gotta say, that deal sounds sweet. Even if you can’t make it down to surf the Trestles, Seaside Reef, or Tabletops (local surf breaks) of San Diego County, you can still grab a pair online and follow the simple Splaff maxim…Keep On Floppin.’