Inspired by the classics. Handmade for today.
At RAEN, we wanted to make a difference and be the drivers of change within the industry. As an independent company frustrated by the lack of quality eyewear at an accessible price, we sought out to forge a new path focused on the use of premium materials in order to create carefully crafted and attainable, on trend, fashion-driven eyewear. Designed in California.
At RAEN, we wanted to make a difference and be the drivers of change within the industry. As an independent company frustrated by the lack of quality eyewear at an accessible price, we sought out to forge a new path focused on the use of premium materials in order to create carefully crafted and attainable, on trend, fashion-driven eyewear. Designed in California.
Justin Heit
The inspiration for RAEN’s modern, fashion-driven eyewear comes from Justin Heit’s authentic roots in the Southern California skate and surf scenes, along with his lifelong passion for design. Justin’s journey began at TransWorld Media, where he helped launch Stance, a magazine devoted to the vibrant skate culture of the time. In 2001, he joined Nixon as the brand’s first Art Director, handling global advertising and managing in-house designers. Four years later, Justin struck out on his own, founding Libre Design Agency, a multidisciplinary branding & design studio. He’s never left his SoCal surf heritage behind, however; in 2015, Libre provided a complete brand redesign for the World Surf League. In 2009, Justin and his brother Jeremy saw the opportunity to create premium handmade eyewear with a clean, classic aesthetic – and RAEN was born. As Creative Director, he has developed the brand’s DNA from the ground up, leading RAEN’s overall vision from concept to execution and beyond. And somehow, he still finds the time to regularly suit up and surf on the legendary beaches of San Diego’s North County.
Justin Heit
The inspiration for RAEN’s modern, fashion-driven eyewear comes from Justin Heit’s authentic roots in the Southern California skate and surf scenes, along with his lifelong passion for design. Justin’s journey began at TransWorld Media, where he helped launch Stance, a magazine devoted to the vibrant skate culture of the time. In 2001, he joined Nixon as the brand’s first Art Director, handling global advertising and managing in-house designers. Four years later, Justin struck out on his own, founding Libre Design Agency, a multidisciplinary branding & design studio. He’s never left his SoCal surf heritage behind, however; in 2015, Libre provided a complete brand redesign for the World Surf League. In 2009, Justin and his brother Jeremy saw the opportunity to create premium handmade eyewear with a clean, classic aesthetic – and RAEN was born. As Creative Director, he has developed the brand’s DNA from the ground up, leading RAEN’s overall vision from concept to execution and beyond. And somehow, he still finds the time to regularly suit up and surf on the legendary beaches of San Diego’s North County.
Jeremy Heit
Vice President of Operations and Co-Founder of RAEN, Jeremy Heit, is a former professional surfer who spent his formative years in front of the camera and traveling around the world. Growing up in Oceanside Jeremy was able to spend ample time in the ocean while growing as a creative professional, specializing in sales, marketing, and design. Still residing close to his roots Jeremy is content residing behind the industry curtain, spending time with his family, surfing, and building the RAEN brand.
Jeremy Heit
Vice President of Operations and Co-Founder of RAEN, Jeremy Heit, is a former professional surfer who spent his formative years in front of the camera and traveling around the world. Growing up in Oceanside Jeremy was able to spend ample time in the ocean while growing as a creative professional, specializing in sales, marketing, and design. Still residing close to his roots Jeremy is content residing behind the industry curtain, spending time with his family, surfing, and building the RAEN brand.
Jordan Percy
Design Director and Co-Founder Jordan Percy sweats the small stuff. Obsessively overseeing all Product Design and Development as well as key marketing initiatives. As the Art Director at Libre Design Jordan brought with him a keen eye for details and trends, propelling the RAEN brand forward. While he’s not canvassing the world sourcing materials and talent you can find him bobbing in the ocean hunting for waves or logging miles on his bike throughout his native California.
Jordan Percy
Design Director and Co-Founder Jordan Percy sweats the small stuff. Obsessively overseeing all Product Design and Development as well as key marketing initiatives. As the Art Director at Libre Design Jordan brought with him a keen eye for details and trends, propelling the RAEN brand forward. While he’s not canvassing the world sourcing materials and talent you can find him bobbing in the ocean hunting for waves or logging miles on his bike throughout his native California.
Alex Knost
Costa Mesa local Al Knost has spent the past decade traveling and exploring the world living in a 60’s dream. Continuously pushing his style to new extremes in the water and constantly testing his own handmade shapes, Knost carries this ideology on to dry land as well. He has been blessed with such talent out of the water in creating nostalgic tunes with his current band “Tomorrow’s Tulips", where his stylish vibes have been translated into the form of music and new sounds are consistently created.
Alex Knost
Costa Mesa local Al Knost has spent the past decade traveling and exploring the world living in a 60’s dream. Continuously pushing his style to new extremes in the water and constantly testing his own handmade shapes, Knost carries this ideology on to dry land as well. He has been blessed with such talent out of the water in creating nostalgic tunes with his current band “Tomorrow’s Tulips", where his stylish vibes have been translated into the form of music and new sounds are consistently created.
Tia Blanco
Tia brings to the table a world of experience far beyond what her age implies. Born in Puerto Rico, spending her early teen years in Hawaii, and now residing in Southern California, Tia is a product of change and is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the future of women’s surfing. Tia is now rooted in the epicenter of surf arenas with Lower Trestles at her disposal and an entourage of the best up-and-coming surfers by her side. She is as committed as they come with a balanced life that makes time for yoga, school, competition, travel, vegan eating, and artistic endeavors. And with her photogenic abilities to cap this all off, we can say that Tia will be around for a long time.
Tia Blanco
Tia brings to the table a world of experience far beyond what her age implies. Born in Puerto Rico, spending her early teen years in Hawaii, and now residing in Southern California, Tia is a product of change and is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the future of women’s surfing. Tia is now rooted in the epicenter of surf arenas with Lower Trestles at her disposal and an entourage of the best up-and-coming surfers by her side. She is as committed as they come with a balanced life that makes time for yoga, school, competition, travel, vegan eating, and artistic endeavors. And with her photogenic abilities to cap this all off, we can say that Tia will be around for a long time.
Woody Gooch
Self-taught by simple curiosity, Woody Gooch is becoming widely known for framing his focal subject with the natural world around it—adding a visual depth you won’t find in run-of-the-mill photography today. More artist than technician, he captures life in ways few seem to, uniquely utilizing movement and negative space to communicate the emotions of any given moment.
Woody Gooch
Self-taught by simple curiosity, Woody Gooch is becoming widely known for framing his focal subject with the natural world around it—adding a visual depth you won’t find in run-of-the-mill photography today. More artist than technician, he captures life in ways few seem to, uniquely utilizing movement and negative space to communicate the emotions of any given moment.
Kassia Meador
Kassia is a woman of many talents. She has elegance and grace on a board, yet spunk and ease within her photography. A world traveler, with the smoothest style in and out of the water, Kassia is continuously on the hunt for her next pursuit, whether it be in a gallery or in the lineup. A friend to all things living, we look to Kass for constant guidance on how to live life to its fullest potential.
Kassia Meador
Kassia is a woman of many talents. She has elegance and grace on a board, yet spunk and ease within her photography. A world traveler, with the smoothest style in and out of the water, Kassia is continuously on the hunt for her next pursuit, whether it be in a gallery or in the lineup. A friend to all things living, we look to Kass for constant guidance on how to live life to its fullest potential.
Ford Archbold
Born on the path of righteousness, when you see Ford – you watch Ford. He continues a family legacy of pushing limits in the water, on his own terms. Growing up splitting time between California and Hawaii, Ford was raised in the water. Tapping creativity outside of the water, he also possesses the gift of musical adaptation and currently creates music alongside fellow ambassador Al Knost in their band, “Tomorrows Tulips.”
Ford Archbold
Born on the path of righteousness, when you see Ford – you watch Ford. He continues a family legacy of pushing limits in the water, on his own terms. Growing up splitting time between California and Hawaii, Ford was raised in the water. Tapping creativity outside of the water, he also possesses the gift of musical adaptation and currently creates music alongside fellow ambassador Al Knost in their band, “Tomorrows Tulips.”
Josie Prendergast
Few surfers have a style and grace like Josie Prendergast. It comes through in everything she does, whether she’s elegantly gliding on remote waves in the Mentawai’s or just hanging on shore with her family. She’s got a heart of gold and a passion for people. Originally born in Siargao, Philippines, she moved to Byron Bay when she was 4 and the ocean has been a vital part of her effortless flow ever since. When she’s on a longboard, her poise and artistry is truly one of a kind, transforming the simple act of logging into an awe-inspiring dance across the water.
Josie Prendergast
Few surfers have a style and grace like Josie Prendergast. It comes through in everything she does, whether she’s elegantly gliding on remote waves in the Mentawai’s or just hanging on shore with her family. She’s got a heart of gold and a passion for people. Originally born in Siargao, Philippines, she moved to Byron Bay when she was 4 and the ocean has been a vital part of her effortless flow ever since. When she’s on a longboard, her poise and artistry is truly one of a kind, transforming the simple act of logging into an awe-inspiring dance across the water.
Michael February
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Mikey has molded a style of surfing that exquisitely channels old school flare with new school precision and technical prowess. He’s a surfer who does things his own way, generating a dynamic groove that’s inspired by the flavors of Africa and his many creative endeavors. While Mikey is incredible to watch in the water, it’s what he does on land that’s truly inspiring for surfers and non-surfers alike, as he continues to uplift and support local South African communities through the non-profit Waves of Change
Michael February
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Mikey has molded a style of surfing that exquisitely channels old school flare with new school precision and technical prowess. He’s a surfer who does things his own way, generating a dynamic groove that’s inspired by the flavors of Africa and his many creative endeavors. While Mikey is incredible to watch in the water, it’s what he does on land that’s truly inspiring for surfers and non-surfers alike, as he continues to uplift and support local South African communities through the non-profit Waves of Change
Tanner Gudauskas
We’re thrilled to announce that Tanner Gudauskas has joined the RAEN family. Bursting with unhinged electricity in and out of the water, Tanner is an artist, surfer, and humanitarian of the highest caliber. When he’s not chasing swell around the world, you can find him making waves with his eclectic art and Positive Vibe Warriors, nonprofit foundation he started with his brothers.
Tanner Gudauskas
We’re thrilled to announce that Tanner Gudauskas has joined the RAEN family. Bursting with unhinged electricity in and out of the water, Tanner is an artist, surfer, and humanitarian of the highest caliber. When he’s not chasing swell around the world, you can find him making waves with his eclectic art and Positive Vibe Warriors, nonprofit foundation he started with his brothers.
Acetate
All RAEN eyewear is produced from the highest grade cellulose acetate, a high quality plastic originating from the renewable resources of wood pulp and natural cotton fibers. Acetate retains its color brightness impeccably over time because its hue is embedded in the material rather than sprayed on, which also prevents any color peeling. It contains unique aging stabilizers that prevent fading, yellowing or other discoloration from UV light or skin contact. Acetate is also hypoallergenic, making it safe for those with sensitive skin.
Acetate
All RAEN eyewear is produced from the highest grade cellulose acetate, a high quality plastic originating from the renewable resources of wood pulp and natural cotton fibers. Acetate retains its color brightness impeccably over time because its hue is embedded in the material rather than sprayed on, which also prevents any color peeling. It contains unique aging stabilizers that prevent fading, yellowing or other discoloration from UV light or skin contact. Acetate is also hypoallergenic, making it safe for those with sensitive skin.
Frame
Every pair of RAEN frames are handmade. Each front shape is cut from a single flat sheet of acetate, following the precise design set forward from our California design studio. Opticians always prefer to work with handmade acetate frames because they can be heated and molded to achieve the optimum fit. They also offer the wearer more flexibility and comfort.
Frame
Every pair of RAEN frames are handmade. Each front shape is cut from a single flat sheet of acetate, following the precise design set forward from our California design studio. Opticians always prefer to work with handmade acetate frames because they can be heated and molded to achieve the optimum fit. They also offer the wearer more flexibility and comfort.
Temples
These temples can be balanced and adjusted for the ideal fit to any face shape. Each temple is constructed with strong, long-lasting hardware to prevent bending and warping, keeping your ideal fit, ideal.
Hardware
Each temple has a wire core embedded in it. This piece of hardware is what holds the temple shape, and keeps your favorite pair of shades fitting your subtle nuances for a long time to come. Because the hinge is mounted to this wire core it gives the frame strength throughout its entire construction.
Temples
These temples can be balanced and adjusted for the ideal fit to any face shape. Each temple is constructed with strong, long-lasting hardware to prevent bending and warping, keeping your ideal fit, ideal.
Hardware
Each temple has a wire core embedded in it. This piece of hardware is what holds the temple shape, and keeps your favorite pair of shades fitting your subtle nuances for a long time to come. Because the hinge is mounted to this wire core it gives the frame strength throughout its entire construction.
Lenses
All RAEN Optics are outfitted with CR-39 lenses or CR-39 Polarized lenses manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision. These industry leading lenses provide 100% UVA / UVB protection. All RAEN lenses can be swapped out for prescription lenses to transform your optics into customized RX optics. Visit any optician to have your RAEN optics outfitted with prescription lenses.
Lenses
All RAEN Optics are outfitted with CR-39 lenses or CR-39 Polarized lenses manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision. These industry leading lenses provide 100% UVA / UVB protection. All RAEN lenses can be swapped out for prescription lenses to transform your optics into customized RX optics. Visit any optician to have your RAEN optics outfitted with prescription lenses.
Our Office
RAEN is headquartered on Pacific Coast Highway in Oceanside, California, home and birthplace of founders Justin and Jeremy Heit. Oceanside has a long history of expression, creativity and a flourishing community of surfers, skaters, and artists who inspire us on the daily. Our designs and brand identity are directly influenced by the eccentricity and uniqueness of the community and people that call this home. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that our favorite waves are just a short walk from the office.
Our Office
RAEN is headquartered on Pacific Coast Highway in Oceanside, California, home and birthplace of founders Justin and Jeremy Heit. Oceanside has a long history of expression, creativity and a flourishing community of surfers, skaters, and artists who inspire us on the daily. Our designs and brand identity are directly influenced by the eccentricity and uniqueness of the community and people that call this home. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that our favorite waves are just a short walk from the office.
Work Here
Interested in working for RAEN? Our diverse team of creative individuals are constantly striving to create the best possible product in an environment that values collaboration, innovative thinking, and creativity. We like to surround ourselves with individuals who build with us our goal of creating unique handmade products for our customers. RAEN is a place which cultivates and combines creativity, artistic expression, and attention to detail.
Work Here
Interested in working for RAEN? Our diverse team of creative individuals are constantly striving to create the best possible product in an environment that values collaboration, innovative thinking, and creativity. We like to surround ourselves with individuals who build with us our goal of creating unique handmade products for our customers. RAEN is a place which cultivates and combines creativity, artistic expression, and attention to detail.
