Local Vibes
In the moment- with Aylana Zanville Founder of “Ola Chica - fashionable, functional swim & surfwear”. Photo: TYG Photo 114 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
Local Vibes
In the moment- with Aylana Zanville Founder of “Ola Chica - fashionable, functional swim & surfwear”. Photo: TYG Photo 114 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm
I
n early 2020, as I began preparing the layout for this issue, I reached out to a very special group online, the @WOMENWHOSURF Facebook group, who, at the time boasted a little over 5,000 members from around the globe (now over 10,000 members!). My offer was simple. If you’ve ever wanted to be in a womens surf magazine, send me your favorite personal surfing photo (with the photographers permission), and I’ll include it in our #snapshot2020 Women Who Surf feature. I wanted to document as many of our lovely water ladies, with their all-levels surf stoke, and their many unique friendships with the water, as I could. Dozens from around the globe responded. From frigid Nova Scotia, to the warm waters of Central America, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and beyond.. The good, the funny, the not-really-the-best quality or lighting... We loved them all, and tried to include as many as possible. THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to be a part of our Women Who Surf #wssmsnapshot2020 n Sandra Olson | WSSM
WOMEN WHO SURF
#
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n MAIZE ANGELA BLAIR Photo: Emmitt Harrow
m DEEPA WILLIAMS
31 year old Deepa Williams (originally from India) after her 1st surf session at Port Aransas, Texas, with lifelong surfers, Tom Williams (her father-inlaw) and Pat Williams (right/Tom’s brother). She’s HOOKED!
KAREN CHAKMAKIAN l Photo: Citlali Chalvignac
APRIL BONDI Photo: Tiffani Bondi ANNA SODERLUND l Popoyo, Nicaragua Photo: Florencia Vuoto
LUCIA MUNOZ
Karen Chakmakian Photo: William Mertz
n AUDREY MAYOUD Photo: Dana Loftus
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n BARB WHATLEY
“I’m 65 years old, 17 years surfing, 8-year breast cancer survivor (& multiple skin cancers), married 39 years, blessed with 3 adults sons & 2 granddaughters. Life is good.”
m ABIGAIL BACHE
m PIA ARANGO | Photo: Peter Shumar
Photo: Dave Gleeson www.surfshots.com.au
n AUTUMN FRY Photo: Casey Fry
“ n ALTHEA MALLEE (also this photo) Photo: by Rachel Cammell
I consider surfing my “morning practice” - a practice in gratitude, patience, mindfulness, compassion, intention… The list goes on and on. There is no other way I can feel more connected to this planet and universe, than being in the ocean with the moon above me, with the first colors of light seeping and then flooding into the sky. Almost every day there is a new learning, or awareness, that translates into such meaningful ways for my life. - Karen Chakmakian
”
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“
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Growing up in San Diego, California, close to the ocean, my passion for surfing and being surrounded by nature began at a very young age. I found myself always returning to the shoreline when I needed to feel free and present. It was always my favorite place to be.
At 18 I moved to O’ahu, Hawaii alone, and was shown a whole new life that was centered around all the magic that the sea holds within her. Here I built confidence, connection, and an even greater love for a sense of freedom. Within a couple of years I began traveling and exploring the oceans of the world.
My desire and passion has continued to grow as well as my inner strength and determination. I give credit to the ocean and all that is kept inside of her for allowing me to become me.
”
This photo is from a beautiful island paradise in a country to which I call home for now. Endlessly grateful for this life. Lombok, Indonesia, February 2020.
n
DANA HAMANN
| Photo by: Luois Ruben
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“
m MIRIAM in Puerto Rico. I submitted this photo
of my friend, Miriam, because rain or shine, she’ll either know what’s up with the the conditions, or be out in them. It’s alway’s good to see her when I paddle out. She’s hard core & has earned her spot not only in the lineup, but also in this feature! - Sandra | Photo: Ted Albritton
I’m 56 and live in Long Beach, California. Surfing has saved my life, following the death of my younger brother in 2016 to a rare cancer. I needed the water more than ever - we grew up surfing together in Hawaii and San Diego. The ocean saves and heals my heart. I feel closer to him when I’m in the sea. I surf for both of us now, and for the rest of my days. m - Aynee O Joujon-Roche
”
AYNEE & GREG m Aynee surfing cold l Bondi Beach, Australia Photo: Ketty Citterio
JESSICA Boynton l Photo: Elyse Quartini Photography
m CHRISSANA WILMOT in St. Thomas, Jamaica Photo: Icah Noel George Wilmot
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k CONNIE KANG in Rincon, PR
n KELLY charging at
Sunzal in El Salvador. “The biggest wave of my life!” Thank you @911surfreport !!
In Tortola with l Chrissana Wilmot & Tiara Jones Photo: Icah Noel George Wilmot
m HALO BOYER
n DEBRA Donoghue “My new rainbow longboard makes me so happy, I love following the rainbow!”
MARTHA DEFOE Photo: Armando Ramirez aka Waxy
n Photo by: MannyVPhoto.com EpicSurfTours.com
n KATE Newton
“This is me at 54 years old in Tamarindo, Costa Rica in April of 2018. I learned at 39 in Waikiki, and it gets better every year!”
Debra Donoghue, surfing the rainbow. Photo: MannyVPhoto.com EpicSurfTours.com
k GiGi LUCAS Photo: JennyHueston
GiGi LUCAS l Photo: Scott Cretul
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Danielle Black Lyons Photo: Ryan Szot
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m LAURA KLEES in Cabo, founder Gypsea Life Surf and Travel
Photo by Hannah Walsh
“I read your post in the “Women Who Surf” facebook group and thought I would send a few photos your way that I have taken down here in Costa Rica. I love that your magazine is all-women, as it is so needed. I recently picked up a Surfers Journal and out of the 240 pages, there were two shots of women, and one of them she was just running on the sand with her board. Needless to say, there is work to be done, and you are doing that!” - HANNAH WALSH
nkl Photos from Costa Rica by Hannah Walsh
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n “Learning to surf 1 1/2 years ago saved my life. I went in for a surgery & woke up to a different (non-authorized) surgery. This consent situation triggered full blown PTSD connected to a sexual assault I experienced at 15 that was repressed. I have such gratitude for surf therapy & the ocean! I feel it’s important to share my story in case another woman might need just a little encouragement to dive in.” - LEANNE Tibiatowski m
n KETTY CITTERIO
“Here I am surfing... I love this pic. It makes me very happy”.
m MEGUMI KASANO
I love that we have a place (Women Who Surf FB group) where women can meet, share information and talk about surfing, etc. Seeing everyone go through different experiences is very inspiring. Thank you for creating a platform for us girls.” Photo: Armando Ortega Ramirez, Olaschidas Video y Fotografia
“
I am 53 years young and learned to surf at 50 when I married a surfer and he taught me. I call myself a “Ragdoll” (not just because I have fabulous wipeouts)... But I am a 3-time breast cancer survivor, and have been sewn up like a little ragdoll. I surfed during chemo, when I had no hair... Never thought a girlygirl like myself could attempt it, not only, such a rugged sport, but to do it bald! With the help of my loving Cocoa Beach Surf Girl Posse and especially my biggest fan, my hubby, I surfed through the storm! Life is such an adventure, so glad I came along! n PAIGE COFFEY
”
Photo: Chris Cee aka “Pookie Bear” Cirrone wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 125
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WOMEN WHO SURF # snapshot2020
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Unknown surfer @ Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu Hawaii Photo by Cory Matsuoka
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TIARA JONES l Photo: Icah Noel George Wilmot LULU AGAN in Rote, Indonesia m Photo: Federico - Liquid Barrel
Lucia Muñoz Photo: MX Surfboards
Danielle Black Lyons Photo: Kat Carney
ODILE VALENZUELA l “I am 34 years old and I have been surfing for almost 3 years. I live in Playa Guasacate, Nicaragua and my home break is Popoyo.” Photo: Renato CG Photography
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n TIARA JONES
Photo: Icah Noel George Wilmot
m DANIELLE BLACK LYONS Photo by: Ryan Szot
Pho t
oM i ch ae lB
tt ne en
|L igh tH e Im ous aging
n DANIIELLE BLACK LYONS Photo by: Brian McDonald
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Local Vibes SAMANTHA KEOWN l Photo: Laurie Glasser NATACHA RADOJEVIC m Photo: Amaramé - Liz Flores “Liz and I are both avid surfers. We live in Higuera Blanca, Nayarit, Mexico. I’m a surf coach and guide., and I train as well for bigger wave surfing. Liz is an amazing photographer, and downhill speed demon on a longboard, lol. If you would like to share our picture and story we would be honored!” - Natacha @oceanismyoffice | @amaremar
SAMANTHA KEOWN Photo: Laurie Glasser
KRISTA TAVERNER l ”I started surfing here in Nova Scotia at 35 and now I’m 46... And I am just as obsessed, or more, as I was on day one!”
WOMEN WHO SURF # snapshot2020
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KYKY RODRIGUEZ “You do a great job with your magazine by keeping all of us stoked! Thanks for that!” Photo: Ted Albritton
n SHAZIA MAZHAR
Photo: Aly Ambler
m Photo by: LAUREN HENSGENS @laurenhensgens
n Kelly A. Morrissey, Teri Rodenas, Martha Defoe, Kimberly Schultz, Jody Clegg | Photo: Lalo Fox
“These are the Rip Mamas! We have been surfing together for over 20 years. All in our 50’s now... Still leaving our husbands at home for surf trips. This photo was taken in Punta Mita, Mexico... One of our favorite places!” - Teri (@ripmamasHB) wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 131
Local Vibes
WOMEN WHO SURF # snapshot2020
“
wssm
I saw your social media post asking for surfers to submit photos for an upcoming issue. What a stoker! Your request stated that candidates do not necessarily have to be the greatest, fittest or youngest surfers. Sounds right up my alley! I am 47 years old. I was born and raised in Ireland and moved to New Jersey in 1996. Four years later, I took up surfing. I am a trial lawyer with my own practice; a lover of animals, I have 3 shelter dogs, and I am a total ocean addict. I am a big believer in supporting local surfboard shapers and surf shops, and while I surf year-round in New Jersey, I love to travel to warm surf destinations in the winter. Mahalo for all that you do for women’s surfing!
”
Samantha Keown
@SurfingIrish | Photo: Laurie Glasser
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