As Whalebone heads north to Newport, it only makes sense to kick off our Roots series with two true island natives. Longtime friends of the brand, Alie and Liza Toppa are hard to miss—and misfits by choice. These identical twins were born of salt and sea right here on Aquidneck Island.

The girls have been sailing Optis since they were six years old, following closely in the footsteps of their father, Mike Toppa, a former America’s Cup racer, and honoring the legacy of their grandfather, the late, great John Toppa—Rogers High School’s and one of Rhode Island’s most winningest football coaches.

When they’re not chasing waves, wind, or carrying on family traditions, Alie and Liza are making their mark as young entrepreneurs. From their sustainable wetsuit brand, Missfits, to their family-run oyster shucking business, Blondies, they’re deeply woven into the community. Liza and Alie are the epitome of island gals, continuing to integrate deeper into the community and showing what it means to be rooted with intention.