Winter surfing's allure enthralls Northeastern females, fostering a growing obsession
On the shores of the East Coast, a new wave is rising, and it's not just the ocean swells. Winter surfing is experiencing a surge in popularity among women, transforming from a niche pastime into a thriving community.
Tess Jacquez, a 31-year-old solar energy worker from Portland, is among the many women embracing the chill. She rises with the sun to catch the winter waves, finding in them a sense of clarity and empowerment that extends beyond the sport. This empowering and joyful experience, combined with the growing visibility and support for women surfers, is fueling the cultural shift that celebrates strength and resilience in challenging conditions.
Tricia Pan, owner of Narragansett Surf & Skate in Narragansett, R.I., is well-positioned to witness this transformation. Her shop is nestled near some of the best spots for winter waves in New England, providing a hub for women seeking to ride the winter swells.
The rise in women's participation in surfing is evident. New generations, including the daughters of past participants, are taking to the waves. Even during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, surfing emerged as an outdoor and physically distanced activity that many turned to for solace and exercise.
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) reflects this trend, with its membership, including women, steadily increasing. The ESA currently boasts approximately 5,000 members.
Winter surfing offers more than just a sport. It provides a safe environment to learn about ocean safety and fosters a supportive community for learning and growth. For many, it serves as a form of therapy, church, sanctuary, meditation, or an outlet.
The conditions for winter surfing on the East Coast can rival those on the West Coast, minus a few degrees. Winter surfing on the East Coast often offers waist to chest-deep conditions, a stark contrast to the summer waves. Surfing in colder months also means surfing on deserted beaches and with fewer surfers in the water, creating a unique and serene experience.
However, winter surfing is not without its challenges. It remains an extreme sport, and instructors caution that it's not for the faint of heart. But for the women who choose to surf year-round, the rewards far outweigh the risks.
From Ashley Gunn, a 34-year-old nonprofit professional from Boston, to Kate Strait, an eighth-grade science teacher from South Portland, women surfers report feeling a kinship with others who abandon everything to pursue waves. This sense of camaraderie is further strengthened by the growing representation and conversations around race, gender, and joy in surf culture.
Lee "Gidget" Ferrera, a past winner at ESA's annual Mid-Winter Championships, embodies this spirit. Ferrera has been a fixture in the local surfing scene for years, inspiring a new generation of women to embrace the winter waves.
As winter surfing continues to gain traction, it's clear that this is more than just a sport. It's a community, a passion, and a way of life for many East Coast women. Whether they're scientists, teachers, business owners, or surf instructors, these women are making time for their love of the waves, regardless of the season.
- Tess Jacquez, a solar energy worker from Portland, finds a sense of empowerment and clarity in winter surfing that extends beyond the sport, contributing to a cultural shift that celebrates strength and resilience.
- Narragansett Surf & Skate, owned by Tricia Pan, offers a hub for women seeking to ride the winter waves, reflecting the rise in women's participation in surfing.
- The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) boasts approximately 5,000 members, including women, as the membership steadily increases, showing the impact of this cultural shift.
- Winter surfing on the East Coast provides more than just a sport, offering a safe environment for learning, serving as a form of therapy, and fostering a supportive community for growth, similar to fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, sports, and even American football - activities that offer passion and a sense of community.
