[Respectfully] Dropping in

Hey folks,

This is my first time writing a blog, but I am excited to share my experience of (respectfully) dropping into the surfing world as a solo female. What I mean by that is I do not have a dad, brother or boyfriend taking me out to surf and showing me the reins. If you think about it, most girls who surf usually* have had a male champion who ushered them in by lending them a board, teaching them how to stand, explaining the unwritten rules of the line up, etc.. That’s all well and good, but I know too many girls who have expressed interest in surfing but are waiting idly by until they strike gold and get a boyfriend who surfs. That was 100% me for way too long until I said enough is enough. Why the hell should I have to be dependent on a dude to induct me into a sport? That’s just dumb. So I said screw it, I’m not waiting for my brothers or a fantasy boyfriend to show me, I’m going to do it myself.

This blog will document my efforts to (respectfully and safely) drop into the surf world. My hope is not to put down the male surfers with whom I share the water, but to empower girls to go after what they want. Where there is a will, there is certainly a way. I plan on sharing information that I have learned like: how do I pick a board? How do I find people to surf with? How in the world do I get this massive board into my little Honda Civic?! And what exactly is a “fun” board?? Shouldn’t they ALL be fun boards?? Let me assure you all, I thought long and hard about how to approach this venture without becoming shark bait in these freezing Northern Californian waters. It’s been scary, thrilling, frustrating and tantalizingly addictive. I am not perfect and am CONSTANTLY making mistakes, but so it goes, right? Again, my hope is to empower and maybe rant a little…

That’s enough for now. In the next installment, I will share who I am, what my deal is and whatever else comes to me.

Toodaloo!

Annette 
Mermaid in training