ep08. P1: Meet Pro. Surfer & 2021 Mexican Olympian Shelby Detmers

🌊 Host Laura Day shares insightful tips on cultivating confidence in the lineup. Learn about the pillars of mindset, knowledge, and sisterhood that can empower your surfing journey and practical tips that will leave you ready to charge in your next surf session.

Main Themes: 

• The Importance of Mindset in Surfing: "Your headspace and your mentality going out in the lineup can define and really shape how you feel when you're out there."
• Building Personal Confidence: "I've really realized that confidence is a constant practice. It's not just a problem that we can solve once and then walk away from and expect it to still be there. It's a constant practice."
• Surfing Wisdom: "Knowing that you did your homework [you've learned about your local break] is going to give you confidence. It's like being in class when you've read the book. You can participate in the discussion, right?"

Resources:

• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership
• Become a Member at The Surf Société with your first month FREE: Surfsociete.com/firstmonthfree

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Despite facing misogyny prevalent in the surf industry, Matt George, a renowned surf journalist and Senior Contributing Editor at SURFER for over 35 years, has been an advocate for women in surfing.

In his new book, In Deep, you'll discover an anthology of Matt's most influential articles and photographs, including stories about courageous women in surfing. From a young Bethany Hamilton's shark attack as told from the perspective of the apex predator to a feature about Keala Kennelly that inadvertently outed her to her family.

However, this episode goes beyond 'In Deep,' bridging the gap between new surf media and traditional surf media. We dive into the contrast between a WOC self-published podcast like 'Confessions of a Surf Lady' and the traditional, white-male dominated world of one of the most influential surf publications of all time, SURFER Magazine.

Throughout the episode, we explore Matt's top tips for aspiring journalists and he shares his confessions on some of our most popular topics. But most importantly, Matt imparts empowering words of advice to all surf ladies on navigating a blossoming women's surf culture and industry.

This episode is packed with practical writing advice, genuine surf stories, and thought-provoking conversations that you won't want to miss.

Main Themes

• About In-Deep: "It is a collection of stories that really reflect the zeitgeist. As the title In Deep implies, it gets very, very much behind the curtain of professional surfers, professional contests, professional people, and the great surf spots of the world." — Matt George [03:00 → 03:19]
• Women in Surfing: "In my experience, Laura, I have found all the female surfers that I've written about are very courageous and very powerful. While all the men that I've written about, I've found them very vulnerable, almost weak compared to the women." — Matt George [08:46 → 09:03]
• The Art of Journalism: "When I meet someone to do something as personal as a profile, as a featured article, I very much look for what they're not saying. Not exactly what they're saying, but what they're not saying."— Matt George [09:51 → 10:06]
• Connected to the Cosmos: "As surfers, we are a very unique, fringe dwelling tribe and we are connected to something absolutely extraordinary, connected to the cosmos, different than other sports." — Matt George [11:45 → 11:57]
• Diversity and Inclusion: "Having a conversation with you, someone that's worked intimately in a male dominated surf industry for decades, and hearing that there have been advocates for people like me. It's comforting, because for women, like me, still face misogynistic attitudes in the lineup." — Laura Day [14:44 → 15:09]

Resources

• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership
• Purchase In Deep by Matt George at DiAngelo Publications
• Follow Matt on Instagram: @mattgeorge_in_deep
• Watch Matt's Film: In God's Hands on Amazon

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

How has surfing saved you? Meet Janina Casanova, a once rare-beach-goer from Southern California. From praying in Italian seaside chapels to finding solace in the waters of the Philippines, Janina embarked on a world-wide journey, in hopes of recovering from a broken marriage.

Finding herself on a remote island in her homeland, Janina reconnects with her cultural roots in the Philippines and learns how to surf. Once a girl who never went in the water, she now surfs everyday, claiming that surfing has saved her.

Tune in to hear Janina's journey from heartbreak to healing as well as your surf lady confessions to "How Has Surfing Saved You?"

Main Themes:

• Finding Myself: "I decided to go back to the Philippines, which I had never been before since birth, and just kind of like, rediscover myself, just get back to my roots."
• The Healing Power of Surfing: "I think that surfing was a good distraction, focal point, regenerative experience to learn and just be out in the water, and you're paddling out and what feels like you're in the middle of the ocean, far away from everything and everyone that you know, and sometimes you're alone or whatever. You ride your motorbike, and you get to the spot, you're the first one there, and you just hear the roosters crowing, and you just paddle out, and you're, like, just centered. And it just really allows you to connect with yourself and connect with nature and try to learn."
• Midlife Surfing: "I took up surfing in my mid 30s after a divorce, and I surf almost every day, but I'm still not, like, shredding you're like, oh, I'm just a cook. I just want to have fun."
• Surfing and Life: "Surfing changed my whole perspective on life, and it switched my priorities."
• Filipino Culture and People: "There's something really special about the Filipino people, the Filipino culture, we're so friendly."

This podcast is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Resources:

• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership
• Follow Janina: @janina.casanova
• Follow Sunday Arvo Surf Club : @Sundayarvosurfclub
• Shop brand goods and art SundayArvoSurfClub.com
• Shop "Surfing Saves" Print at Sunday Arvo Surf Club

More Resources for you:

• Access the FREE Read the Break Lesson inside The Surf Société when you join our Shaka Social Open House: surfsociete.com/shaka

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Picture this: you and your boo paddling out and catching waves into the sunset. Sounds dreamy, right?  Now picture this: your partner dropping in and turning  all your waves into a party waves.

In this episode you'll meet guest Anna, world traveler, social media manager, and surf tour operator who lives in Ecuador. Anna spent years backpacking until her money ran out then heading back to Sweden to earn just enough to hit the road again. Since her 20's, Anna has visited 55 different countries. 

Her friends and family predicted she'd find a special someone and settle somewhere in paradise however, Anna swore she would never stay for a guy...until she visited Montañita, Ecuador and met her partner while surfing in the lineup.

Join us for this episode where we'll dive into the pros and cons of dating someone who shares your passion for surfing. We'll talk about the importance of compatibility, support, & mutual respect in romance and the lineup.

And of course, you'll hear surf lady confessions from listeners just like you to the question "How do you feel about dating another surfer."

Main Themes:

• Compatibility and respect for each other's passions are essential in any relationship, especially when dating another surfer. It is important to find someone who understands and supports your love for surfing.
• Dating within the small surf community can have its complications, such as running into ex-partners at the same locations or events. This is a risk that comes with dating someone within a tight-knit community.
• Some surf ladies prefer to keep surfing as their own personal activity, separate from their romantic relationships. They find solace and personal growth in riding waves on their own and prioritize their own surf experiences.
• Finding a partner who enjoys spending time at the beach and is supportive of your surfing pursuits can be an appealing prospect. Having someone who understands the importance of prioritizing surfing can enhance your surfing experience in a relationship.

This podcast is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Resources:

• Follow Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete
• Follow Anna @surfingswede
• Follow Anna's Social Media Services @reinasolutions
• Follow Anna's Montanita Surf Tours @sunsetsurftrips

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Pull up a chair and join us in Baja, Mexico as we as we celebrate sisterhood and surf adventure on Surf Société's first trip. We'll drink wine and eat charcuterie after a surf at a secret spot, all thanks to Manny, our guide at Epic Surf Tours.

Meet 4 members of The Surf Société: Farrah, Celia, Danyelle, and Jana.  Coming together IRL for the first time on this trip. We'll recount an amazing weekend of overcoming fear, challenging surf conditions, secret breaks, and eating the most amazing food south of the border.

Each surf lady brings something special to the conversation. Farrah shares why she chose this surf trip as her first, Celia shares how despite her fears she surfs anyway, Danyelle tells us why surf travel is the only travel she does, and last but not least, Jana shares how she uses a positive attitude to rapidly progress her surf skills.

This trip bridges the gap between online learning inside The Surf Société and an IRL sisterhood.

Main Themes:

•  The Importance of Trust and Camaraderie in Group Adventures: 'I want to trust that person and know that they're being conscious about when we're going, why we're going, and who we're going with. I like that it's a small group and we're all in different experience levels. We all feel super comfortable and there's such great camaraderie on the lineup.'" - Farrah Monfort
• The Benefits of Traveling to Surf: "Traveling to surf is the best thing. It's like this built-in security. It's made me a bolder traveler because I know that there's going to be a group that's going to take care of me because surfers take care of other surfers. I think that's the best part about it." - Danyelle Carpenter
• Feeling Comfortable and Safe: Yeah, it was so awesome because I felt really comfortable on that wave and I actually caught some.  I'm really working to be a better surfer and I know for me to do that, it's not just going out and surfing, it's being encouraged by other people that make me feel comfortable and safe." -Ceclia McKintosh
• The Importance of Feeling Comfortable in a Surf Trip: "I really like that it's just women on our trip. I know women that admire Laura's work from her Instagram, from her podcast. I know her principles and things that are important to her. Then I think, okay, people who are going to go on this trip are going to align with that too, and I will feel comfortable in that environment." Jana Fogaça

This podcast is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Resources:

• Follow Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete
• Follow Epic Surf Tours @epicsurftours
• Want to go to Baja? Keep an eye out on the podcast & instagram for special invitations to join us
• Access the FREE Read the Break Lesson inside The Surf Société when you join our Shaka Social Open House: surfsociete.com/shaka

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Surfing is an incredibly diverse sport, and in this episode we're bringing you two unique, but equally passionate surf lady communities: The Lake Surfistas from Canada and The Gong Gurfers from Australia.

Meet Spence of the Gong Gurfers and Robin of the Lake Surfistas in this Party Wave podcast episode where we link across three timezones to create a global surf lady conversation. You'll hear how the ladies in Wollongong braved the Australian waters, surfing every day in their SurfAid challenge and how Robin of the Lake Surfistas has surfed the often freezing cold waters of the great lakes for almost ten years!

This fun conversation allows us to celebrate our differences but highlight our collective passion for supporting our local women's surfing communities. Join us as we explore the diverse coastal experiences and discuss the differences and similarities between two surf lady communities from across the world.

Note: Since the recording of this episode Spence and Alisha have evolved The Gong Gurfers to the Go Go Gurfers. Follow them on Instagram (link below) to learn more about their journey as surf lady community leaders.

Main Themes:

• [3:43] How The Lake Surfistas Great Lakes Community Started
• [9:57] A day in the life of a Gong Gurfer
• [27:32] Temperature differences between  Canada and Australia
• [36:48] What's been unexpected in running a women's surf community?
• [42:29] How to get in touch

Episode Sponsor:

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Follow us on Instagram:

• Follow your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société for surf lady tips and resources: @surfsociete
• Follow The Lake Surfistas: @lakesurfistas
• Follow The GoGo Gurfers (previously Gong Gurfers): @gogogurfers

More Resources for you:

• Access the FREE Read the Break Lesson inside The Surf Société when you join our Shaka Social Open House: surfsociete.com/shaka

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Did you know you could meditate your way to better surfing? Yes, you heard that right! You can improve your surfing without even touching the water.

In this episode, you'll meet Florida Surfer and Surf Société Member Joann Bolton. This incredible surf lady participated in The Surf Société's 21-day visualization challenge and wrote her custom visualization around one goal: to win her first competition.

After 21 days, Joann racked up enough points to win the challenge but her success does not stop there. A month later she went on to manifest her visualization and win her very first competition.

It's with so much pride that we get to share her story with you today. Her determination will get you fired up to paddle out and work on your goals.

In this episode Joann will share her experience using visualization techniques, the impact it had on their surfing skills, and how it spilled over into other areas of their life. Join us as we explore the art of visualization and the incredible results it can yield, both in and out of the water.

Main Themes:

• "Don't take the ocean personally. It's very humbling. And just a bad session or a bad wave or a bad day isn't a reflection of who you are." - Joann Bolton
• "I feel like I'd never regret investing in my surf education. Like, money I spend learning about how to surf has always come back and I've just been so rewarded." - Joann Bolton
• "Learn as much as you can about how to paddle, how to read the break, how to stay safe, how to be respectful. Everything about surfing. It's all part of it." - Joann Bolton

Episode Sponsor:

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Follow us on Instagram:

• Follow your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société for surf lady tips and resources: @surfsociete
• Follow Joann's surf journey on Instagram: @surfgirljo
• Follow Sisters of the sea on Instagram: @sistersofthesea

More Resources for you:

• Learn more about Sisters of the Sea: https://sistersofthesea.org
• Try a guided Nose Ride visualization by Kim Hamrock (use the password STOKE to access): https://vimeo.com/684440707?share=copy
• Contact Kim Hamrock for custom guided visualizations via email at dangerwoman@gmail.com
• Access the FREE Read the Break Lesson inside The Surf Société when you join our Shaka Social Open House: surfsociete.com/shaka

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Hey Lady! I'm your host Laura Day and I'm so stoked to have you here. We're back with an all new Season of Confessions of a Surf Lady for you. Tune into this episode for a quick note from me before you dive into a juicy Season 4!

Episode Sponsor

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Follow us on Instagram

• Follow Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société for surf lady tips and resources: @surfsociete

More Resources for you

• Access the FREE Read the Break Lesson inside The Surf Société when you join our Shaka Social Open House: surfsociete.com/shaka

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

Join iaera surf's closing sale to get up to 50% off women's surfwear: iaerasurf.com/closing

In this episode, we're celebrating C'est La Vie Part 2 but instead of celebrating a breakup (refer to episode 10 for C'est La Vie Part 1), we're celebrating the closing of my surfwear line iaera surf.

In 2016, I (your host, Laura Day) created iaera surf, surfwear that fit and functioned for the everyday surf lady. Created to represent the uniqueness and beauty of every woman on the water.

6 years later my mission has evolved. Instead of creating a positive impact through representation, we're now focusing on giving women the resources to become empowered in the lineup through education at The Surf Société.

Now the time has come to close up shop at iaera surf. So I can focus all of my time and resources on making The Surf Société the best it can be for the women's surf community.

Join me and fellow surf lady, Clarissa Kusel of The Ocean is Female and Sea Blue Collective, in this episode of C'est La Vie! Part 2. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at closing up shop at iaera surf, all the fun things we have going on at The Surf Société, and how you too can reframe failure a step in your journey.

Join iaera surf's closing sale to get up to 50% off women's surfwear: iaerasurf.com/closing

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join

I'm closing my surfwear line iaera surf! Take advantage of our closing sale and Join the list:iaerasurf.com/closing

Tune in to hear a couple of important announcements about the podcast, The Surf Société and iaera surf.

Thanks so much for listening. I'm so grateful to have you here.
Your Host, Laura Day

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy.

Try out a membership with your first 2 weeks FREE visit Surfsociete.com/join