The Girls Surf Series kicked off this summer when a group of locals was looking to receive instruction that was more in-depth than a typical one-time lesson. As a community effort, local surfer and program leader, Bridget Turner partnered with Kannon Beach Surf Shop in Lawrencetown to provide board and wetsuit rentals for participants.
“There really hasn’t been much surf interest with teenage girls in the past, but this year it’s been different,” says Turner. In fact, the program was such a hit, they decided to extend the lessons for the remainder of the summer. “I love seeing their progress and confidence grow in each session. Sometimes you can see it just ‘click’ for someone, and it’s amazing to see them progress so quickly when they didn’t even know how to surf just a couple weeks prior.”
For many, the most challenging aspect of surfing isn’t just about physical ability, it’s about understanding the mechanics of the ocean, knowing which waves to paddle for, and learning about water safety. The series was structured to give participants ample time in the ocean with supervision and guidance.
“The first two sessions started off like most do, with a lesson on ocean and surf safety as well as an explanation on how to properly pop up on your surfboard after catching a wave. All these elements of the lesson are discussed before entering the water. Water time focuses on safely finding the correct area to catch the waves, paddling, and practicing their pops. In the third and fourth sessions, the girls were taught how to paddle beyond the breaking waves and how to catch a wave on their own without the assistance of an instructor,” says Turner.
While Canadian studies show that one in every three girls will quit sports by their teens, in recent years, surfing seems to have been trending in a more positive direction. In 2019, the World Surf League (WSL) presented equal prize cheques to both men and women for the first time since their inception 43 years earlier, and male and female riders both made their Olympic debut in Tokyo this past summer.
“Surfing in Nova Scotia has changed quite a bit since I started. I remember years ago paddling out to a lineup and I was the only girl. Us girls would call each other up to see who was going for a surf so we didn’t get in alone” says Turner. “The number of women in the lineup has definitely grown, with some surf sessions having more women in the water than men.”
And although Turner may not have had many female mentors (or even access to lessons) when she started out, she’s excited to see that the tides are changing for the next generation. “I think it’s great for young girls to have someone to look up to that can inspire them to live their dreams. If you can see it, you can work towards it.”
For more information about lessons, upcoming competitions, rentals, and surf etiquette check out the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia website.
