Surfing was originally a female sport. According to legend, Pele, the Goddess of Volcanoes, was the first surfer. There are also very old hawaiian wood cuttings that feature naked native women surfing.
Now, however, surfing is male dominated. Only 1 in every 10 surfers is female. In the past fifteen years, there has been a boom in women surfers and that number will keep growing - thanks to rad female pro surfers, movies like Blue Crush, social media, and more women #gettingoutthere and charging!
Paddling out into a lineup that is 95-100% male is common. At times it can be quite macho out there, and this vibe affects us, good or bad, while we are out surfing. So - at the risk of being sexist - we asked our Brand Ambassadors about their experiences surfing with the boys and what take aways they have for us surfer-mermaids.
Male line-ups are the norm.
Our mermaids are indifferent to a mostly male lineup. They’re used to it. Kate (@chucktownoceangal) commented, “I like to surf with anyone, male or female, as long as they have a good vibe and attitude and show respect for all the surfers in the lineup, beginner or advanced. It’s all about sharing waves and having a good time!” We say AMEN to that!
What do you do when someone intentionally drops in on you or snakes your wave?
The best thing to do is to just show them you can surf by catching up to them and passing them by. They probably won’t do it again.
Katherine (@katiezmc) said, “If they drop in, pass them! That’s always embarrassing for a guy.” If there is not room to pass, stick up for yourself or use the utilitarian stink eye. Ambassador Nena (@nena_belen) has used, “Are you serious dude!?” in front of a crowded lineup. Sometimes the surfer may not know that they are doing something wrong…or that you know that they are doing something wrong!
(Helena our Chief Bikini Officer interjects “Costa Rica can be supremely macho… One time I had a guy drop right in on me. I passed him. He never said anything to me about it. But later he apologized to my husband for disrespecting me… Pura Vida.”)
Surfing with better surfers pushes us to be better.
Does surfing with guys push us to be better surfers and more aggressive? Our French Polynesia Ambassador Elise (@babeinthewaves) commented, “Surfing with men helps me to go in bigger waves and to be brave in the lineup, even if I am scared by the huge waves.”
We prefer to think that surfing with better surfers pushes us and our ambassadors agree that gender does not matter, surfing with a male or female who surfs better than you always helps to improve your skills. Katherine wisely said, “I think we all push each other, and I hope that I inspire them as much as they inspire me. Surfing with females who surf better than me makes me surf better as well.”
What do you do when it’s really aggressive in the line-up and you’re losing your stoke?
First and foremost, don’t let other people control your stoke.
Try not to get vibed out and get out of the water. If the atmosphere is just way too macho, paddle down a bit (on a beach break) or find another spot to surf nearby.
If there’s a ton of hooting and hollering… and a lot of “go go go,” try to ignore it or - crazy thought - let it invigorate you. Kate stated, “I actually love being called into waves and you know what, the worst that can happen is you wipe out, and honestly I never feel more alive than after a wipe out, it reminds you that the sea is in charge.”
Creepy come-ons in the line-up ?
It’s great to say “hi” to everyone you’re surfing with… or shoot them a big smile. Not so great to hit on someone, follow them around, or grab them. And as a female surfer, you may have to deal with that type of behavior. The great thing about surfing is you’re very mobile. Use the waves, currents and your arms and legs, and move away from the offending surfer. If they are really obnoxious or persistent, you might need to say something to get them to back down.
Nena says “Unfortunately, this does happen. Things such as “nice swimsuit” as you are paddling by or creepy looks. I have had dudes grab my legs before too. NOT ok.”
OK, so let’s do a quick recap of how to surf like a girl:
- You will be surfing with mostly males. Don’t let this psyche you out! (Enjoy the view!)
- If a wave is rightfully yours, go for it.
- Stick up for yourself! If a guy says something inappropriate, let them know. Someone dropping in on you or snaking you over and over? Let them know that it is wrong.
- If you feel uncomfortable with the vibe in a lineup, find an emptier spot further down the beach.
- Surf with better surfers, regardless of gender. Watch. Learn. Repeat.
- However, know your limits. It is dangerous to be out in waves that are way above your skill level; for you and your fellow surfers.
- Be safe and HAVE FUN!
- AND make sure you wear your MI OLA bikini so you don’t give everyone a free show!