Northeastern females find themselves hooked on wintertime surfing
The East Coast is witnessing a surge in women's participation in winter surfing, a trend driven by growing inclusivity, increased visibility, and expanding opportunities within the sport.
Events and organizations have been actively promoting women's surfing, as evidenced by the introduction of women's heats and competitions that elevate female athletes' profiles. This shift towards gender inclusiveness is also reflected in the efforts of event organizers to ensure accessible and welcoming environments, which attract more women to participate.
Historical precedents set by pioneering female surfers have laid a foundation that inspires newer generations to take part actively. One such example is Lee "Gidget" Ferrera, a past winner at ESA's annual Mid-Winter Championships, who was among the few women surfers in the water in the past.
Tess Jacquez, a 31-year-old from Portland who works in solar energy and as a part-time surf instructor, and Kate Strait, an eighth-grade science teacher from South Portland, are among the women who surf in the winter. They, along with Ashley Gunn, a 34-year-old nonprofit professional and AMC member from Boston, are part of a growing community of winter surfers on the East Coast.
The popularity of women's surfing in the region is further demonstrated by the success of groups like Ladies Slide, a women's surf instruction and ride group in Maine, run by Tess Jacquez and Kate Strait. Over the past six years, Ladies Slide has taught over 300 women to surf, and the numbers have grown exponentially every year.
Surfing offers a unique form of therapy and solace to many women, especially during tough times such as divorce, loss, and cancer treatment. It's not uncommon for surfers to prioritise surfing over important events like Christmas dinner or weddings.
Despite the growing popularity, winter surfing remains an extreme sport, and instructors caution that it's not for the faint of heart. The number of surfers in the water can increase significantly in a matter of minutes during winter, making it crucial for beginners to learn proper techniques and safety measures.
The ocean temperature during winter is a few degrees warmer than the surrounding air temperature, making it possible to surf even in the coldest months. This, coupled with the improved structural support and visibility, strongly suggests that similar factors contribute to the steady increase in women engaging in winter surfing on the East Coast.
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA), with roughly 5,000 members and counting Kelly Slater and Lisa Anderson among its alumni, is one such organization that supports and promotes the sport. As the trend continues, it's clear that women's winter surfing on the East Coast is here to stay.
In the realm of sports, the growth of women's winter surfing on the East Coast is a testament to the expanding opportunities in home-and-garden-like environments, such as surf schools and communities like Ladies Slide. This trend mirrors the surge in female participation in sports like football, where women are increasingly taking center stage. For instance, Tess Jacquez, a solar energy professional and surf instructor, not only thrives in the waves but also inspires others through her work with Ladies Slide.
