Tell us about an intense or fun surfing memory

Oh there are so many to chose from! One incredible surf trip that comes to mind is when me and my husband and our children went for a surf at pleasure point. My daughter isn’t old enough to surf but likes to get on my husbands board and paddle around with him. We were at 38th when suddenly a small seal jumped up in my board! The deal was so friendly and sweet and just wanted a place to rest. After hanging with me for a bit she hoped on top of my husbands board to join my daughter and him. For Raea this was a life changing moment! She got to me nose to nose with a seal! How cool is that?! The ocean does give us waves but it also gives us sea life! And so much more. We really are a family that lives with are around the cycles of the ocean and for that I am truly grateful:)

What is your occupation

I’m a student working in getting my teaching credential. I currently home school my son (9) and daughter (6).

Do you have any significant community involvement?

Lately I spend a lot of my extra time volunteering at a vaccine clinic at Dominican hospital. My and my kids love to also do beach clean ups up north and around our Neighborhood:)

Tell us something unique about you as a mother who surfs with/without your kiddos

I am second generation to Santa Cruz and the first surfer in my family. I started surfing at age 16 after a trip to Hawaii. First wave I was hooked!!
I surfed through both pregnancies until my 8th month:)
I lived in pleasure point since I was 18. I met my husband surfing 38th and currently live off of 38th. I also surf there every day with my 9 year old son Jaya. Every time I surf he surfs:) I’m trying to soak it up while I can!

What is your most memorable surf moment with your kids?

Probably the story I mentioned earlier:)
I also just enjoy the everyday surfing we get. I find every time my feet hit the water before paddling out(usually with my son) I am overwhelmed with gratitude. You do t always need an epic surf adventure to Australia or Bali to make me happy 🙂 just a simple day at home is more then I could ask for:)

What are some challenges of surfing related to motherhood?

Well I guess time. Sometimes my daughter doesn’t want to do the beach thing which can be hard. She likes to ride horse so she keeps us on our toes:) other then that motherhood has mostly enhanced my surfing. It made me feel grateful every time I surf. I literally say that to myself when paddling out “I’m surfing! I’m so lucky!” If it didn’t have kid’s I’m not sure I would feel so lucky.