Mary, Grace, and Hannah

Names: Mary, Grace, Hannah
Ages: 9, 11, 13
From: MD, USA
Time surfing: 1 month

With stoke beaming from their eyes and acai bowls sitting in front of us, surf talk with these three young ladies was nothing short of a treat. The connection Mary, Grace, and Hannah have with each other is a blessing to be around, and when they take that connection to the water it grows even deeper. The comradery, laughs, and encouragement that they foster is a beautiful sight to witness.

When asked…
Has surfing influenced you? If so, how? Here are their responses…

Just a month ago at their hometown beach, surfing was simply something these girls observed others participate in. “It looked hard,” Grace said. “I didn’t think I could do it,” Hannah added. “I really didn’t think I’d be able to stand up,” Mary chimed in.

Reflecting on the first surf session- they all agreed that nervousness fueled them, and none of them were really sure how it would all go down. However, after those first waves, their perspectives shifted and surfing became their new hobby. “I feel like I can try more new things now,” Grace noted. “It got me out of my comfort-zone and gave me courage that I didn’t really have before,” Hannah replied.

We continued to think back on our sessions in the salty blue. Images merged in our minds, smiles grew on our faces, and feeling spiraled in an upward motion. Mary remarked, “surfing makes me feel peaceful. I didn’t know how I would do at first, but then after I went out there and did it, I really liked it.” Happiness, excitement and fun were common themes that echoed in the air while this chat continued…

“I really like how we all cheer each other on out there, like everyone in the water, we all support each other,” Grace noted. Hannah adds a brilliant point, “surfing has helped build connections to all the other people out in the water. It’s cool to know that we are all experiencing the same thing. It’s like we are all individuals, but on the same team too.”

We concluded by discussing how surfing translates onto land, into our daily lives…

Wisdom skipped off the tip of Grace’s tongue as she expressed, “After I surf, I feel calmer, I’m not really worried about the little things. Like when I’m in the water, I don’t really think about anything else, it’s kind of the same for a bit after I surf. You just have to focus on what’s happening, not worry about what happened or what might happen next.”

In conclusion, and in unison, “we are so glad we tried surfing!!!”

Cheers to you three for being go-getters, for trying something new, and for being the individuals (and team) that you are. You are inspiring to many. Looking forward to the next salty session!