Tell us about an intense or fun surfing memory

With both of my children I surfed until I was 8 months pregnant. It was the most fun I have ever had in the water. I don’t think I have laughed that hard. It is so challenging, so every wave I caught was a triumph. And, I was so fortunate to have 2 of my now closest surf friends pregnant at the same time. As our bellies grew we played in the waves, laughing at how challenging it was to surf but having each other to share in the experience. Although some people found it surprising to see us out there, or shared concern, most people were so generous in offering us to share their waves or keeping an eye on us. Our surf community gathered around us protecting us and allowing us to keep surfing as a result.

What is your occupation

Covid Nurse.

Do you have any significant community involvement?

I am a Covid Nurse, the founder of Proud Nurses Coalition and the founder of Surf Mamas.

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

Over the last year I have been a full-time Covid Nurse and a full-time Distance Learning mom. I have always recognized that surfing has been like medicine to me however this past year it has served as so much more. To say it recharges and grounds me is to minimizes its vast importance in my life. My days have been full of overwhelming stress as I care for people and families around me who are struggling in a way that we have never seen before. Surfing is the one true thing that has allowed me to feel light in this extremely heavy time.

What is your most memorable surf moment with your kids?

Every moment is memorable. I felt truly amazed by watching my tiny people develop through the stages of simply dipping their tiny baby toes into the water, splashing in the salty waves, being pushed into whitewash and now paddling and catching waves on their own. The excitement of seeing the joy and pride on their faces is unparalleled.

What are some challenges of surfing related to motherhood?

One of the most shocking moments of being a new surf mama is the hard realization that your daily uninterrupted surf time has now vanished. Just finding a “surf window” of time, even an hour a couple times a week feels like a blessing. But what used to be a social even where I never have to wear a watch has now became a short window of time where I’m checking my watch constantly. Also, finding any time to surf at all can be incredibly challenging. So a number of years ago a small group of us formed the Surf Mamas, which was essentially a time to surf swap and watch each others kids so that each mama could get a salty surf to reset themselves for the day. Covid has thrown a wrench in that however we are looking forward to the days were we can gather together as a community and get some much needed surf time again.