Surfing Mums Profiles - A Surfing Mum is a Happy Mum

Profiles

Name: Vanessa Thompson

Born: 15/10/71

Children:One beautiful boy- 4 years old

Surf Mums Group: Byron Bay, NSW

Years Surfing: 10 years

Equipment: 2 x 9'1 longboards- 1 heavy old Greg Noll and 1 light weight 3 fin set up MC board and a 6ft Brett Munro fish

Local Surf Breaks: The Pass, Wategoes Beach and North Wall Brunswick Heads

Why do you surf where you do? The Pass is one of the best right hand points breaks in Australia and has good rock pools for the kids

When not surfing: I'm a mum most of the time but consult Human Resource services and work on the surfing mums website

What do you love about Surfing Mums? sharing stories with other mums who understand my passion for surfing and the joys and tribulations of juggling my love for my child and the ocean

Name: Julia Carle

Born: not telling

Children: in order- 21 year old girl, 12 year old and 3 year old girl

Surf Mums Group: Byron Bay, NSW

Years Surfing: 8 years

Equipment: 10 foot Pearson Arrow, 9 Foot McDonnagh old mal, 10 foot Tony Hawk, 7'10 Bobby Brown and 7' Disk Gordon Smith

Local Surf Breaks: The Pass, Wategoes Beach, Broken Head and Tallows in a northerly wind

Why do you surf where you do? I really loves the Pass because it has improved my surfing ability and its one of the longest rides I have ever experienced plus I get to surf with my friends

When not surfing: work in a ladies clothing store and consult interior designer services

What do you love about Surfing Mums? A good mum is a really happy mum and I need to stay active to be a happy mum. I enjoy the commitment I can make to my friends to make sure they get out there and support them through life's challenges.

Name: Kat Cobley

Born:06/12/69

Children: One gorgeous little boy- Rufus Ocean Scott

Surf Mums Group: Byron Bay, NSW

Years Surfing: 4 years

Equipment: 9'1" Brett Munro longboard and 6'6 Thruster I occasionally borrow off my partner

Local Surf Breaks: The Pass, Wategoes Beach, Broken Head, and Suffolk Park

Why do you surf where you do? Broken Head has such a rugged beauty and holds a special place in my heart. The Pass is a great place for the kids to play and my son loves poking around in the rock pools

When not surfing: Having lots of laughs being a mum and in my spare time I like to go to a yoga class and give Ayurvedic treatments to friends

What do you love about Surfing Mums? Its wonderful to be able to share my love of surfing with other like minded mothers. I also think its a great oppurtunity for my son to play on the beach with other kids.

Name: Kelley Caoyonan

Born:10/12/74

Children: 18month-old water baby: Jonah Marco Roy Caoyonan

Surf Mums Group: Byron Bay, NSW

Years Surfing: 7 years

Equipment: 9'1" Munro (snapped and repaired after barreling 4ft Belongil session, 1st and LAST barrel!!!) board is better than before.

Local Surf Breaks: The Pass, Wategoes Beach, Broken Head, Belongil

Why do you surf where you do? My family is on the beach and I can look back and bathe in the glory that they are there on the beach holding my towel...!

When not surfing: Chasing and giggling with Jonah, teaching sport

What do you love about Surfing Mums? What's not to love? I'm a mum AND I surf! But more so, supporting and embracing like-minded women who taken the beautiful journey into motherhood, but remain true to their passions is the quintessential element for happy surfing mums.

Name: Nicole Rappell

Born: 21/10/1966 (Just 40!)

Children: Reuben (2:8) and Matilda (7 mths)

Surf Mums Group: Byron Bay, NSW

Years Surfing: 5 Years (with big breaks when pregnant & recovering!)

Equipment: One 9'1' Stephen Slater longboard but I am in the process of getting a custom made board for my 40th present from my partner.

Local Surf Breaks: The Pass, Wategoes Beach and occaisionally Broken Head.

Why do you surf where you do? Wategoes can be awesome for beginners with lovely rides without the congession or competition of a point break. As the morning emergers or the sun sinks, the view of the bay is a thrill regardless of whats happening with the waves. The Pass is my son's favourite beach to play and a great place to mingle with other families who are juggling spending time with their children and catching a wave.

When not surfing: Primarily at the moment I am a mum and partner. All too soon I will be heading back to work as a Speech Pathologist, a job that I love but which can be very taxing. I would always love more time to paint and cook scrumptious meals for friends/family.

What do you love about Surfing Mums? You know being a mum is so much more consuming than anyone ever lets on! You can start to feel like you life is broken into small segments that relate to little people's sleeping and eating needs, not to mention the never ending cycle of domestic tasks. Its all too easy to feel that it just too tricky to manage the juggle and get in the water. For me surfing mum's evolved just at the right time. I had emerged from a hiatus of not really trying to improve my surfing as it had become a pleasure squeezed into infrequent micro sessions. Then just as I felt this wasn't enough, along came 'surfing mums'. Now I have the opportunity to get in the water more often, talk surfing with like minded women and meet some lovely new gals and their great little ones at the same time! So in surfer's-speak......I'm stoked!

Name: Pippa Hurst

Born: 10.08.65

Children:

9 year old daughter, 7 year old son, 3 year old daughter

Surf Mums Group: Perth, Western Australia

Years Surfing: More than twenty – I should be a lot better by now!

Equipment: A 5’11”, a 6’2”, and an El Nino

Local Surf Breaks: Leighton, Cable Stations, Cottesloe, Trigg

Why do you surf where you do? Out of geographic necessity – when possible we head to the south west in search of better quality waves

When not surfing: When I am not surfing I am being a mum, trying to work out how I can go surfing, and doing the odd bit of graphic design work.

What do you love about Surfing Mums?I love to surf, but when you’re a mum it can be hard to fit it in around the increasing demands of family life. It is great to connect with other women who share a passion for the waves, as it’s good to have surf buddies to keep you motivated, share the fun, and to talk about surfing when you’re in the playground – non-surfing mums just don’t get it. Surfing mums unite – you’re not alone!

Name :Rachel Crane

Born: 6/05/74

Children:One beautiful little man - Jacob John Crane born 30/1/06

Surf Mums Group: Central Coast, NSW

Years Surfing: 4-5 years on and off – but seem to have stayed at about the same (very, very average) skill level for the last 3 years!

Equipment: Beaten up old Mini-Mal 7”4 and pretty pink McTavish Longboard 9”1

Local Surf Breaks: Soldiers, Shelly and Avoca

Why do you surf where you do? When I’ve got time to drive I go to Soldiers - its always nice and clean when we have a northerly or north easterly (which is often). Shelly is good as it is so close to me, and Avoca is convenient for some of my other surfing buddies, has lots of rockpools for the kids and a coffee shop!

When not surfing: Being a mum and doing all the “fun” household stuff takes up a lot of time. But I also try and fit in a bit of jogging with the pram, surf mums, bike riding with Jacob in the baby seat and hanging out down the beach.

What do you love about Surfing Mums? I’m not alone!!!! I feel like I have found some kindred spirits even before I know anything else about them.They all seem to have great spirits of adventure and such a positive outlook. The kids will hopefully also all grow up with the beach and surfing as part of their life.

Name: Justine Burgess

Born: 29th April 1972

Children: Tilly (born Jan 06)

Surf Mums Group: Central Coast , NSW

Years Surfing: since my teens although I’m still a “beginner”

Equipment: 9 ft mal

Local Surf Breaks: Shelley, Blue Bay, Avoca, Soldiers, The Bend

Why do you surf where you do? nice clean waves

When not surfing: playing with Tilly

What do you love about Surfing Mums? I love the other mums because they are a happy bunch and its lots of fun getting together

Name: Kylie McCorquodale

Born: I’m a fish - 15th March 1976

Children: 2 little angels (hmmm…?) Jasmine 3.5yrs and Hayden 16months

Surf Mums Group: Central Coast, NSW

Years Surfing: Initially had a go 10 years ago at Uni, then life got in the way, so essentially I have only been surfing since March 2007,but aim to be surfing every week for many years to come!

Equipment: A very daggy 7.0’ Soft Board (but hoping to get onto a real board over summer) and my surf hat!

Local Surf Breaks: Shelly Beach, North Shelly’s and Avoca for SMs meeting

Why do you surf where you do? It is closest to home, I am familiar with the beach and landmarks and hubby and friends can be on the beach with kids giving me hand-y (waving/pointing/throwing up the arms) advice!

When not surfing: I have an ever-growing list of things I want to achieve before I die, so at the moment I am up to writing science books for little kids (0-4yr olds), making and selling my own massage balm and trying my hand at self-taught web design (that one is harder than I thought!). I also occasionally teach secondary science at the local high schools. Oh yeah, in between all that self-indulging I hang out with the kids!

What do you love about Surfing Mums? It is a fantastic concept. I love the beach culture and hope that my kids grow up with the same passion for it. Apart from the obvious benefit of getting great surfing opportunities, the kids are outside in the fresh air, indirectly learning beach and water safety, respect for other adults and best of all they fall asleep on the ride home. What more could you want?

Name: Leanne Bonello

Born: 22/7/68

Children: 1, 22mth old girl - Amy

Surf Mums Group: Maroubra, NSW

Years Surfing: 25 years

Equipment: Short boards, 6’8 gun, wetsuits

Local Surf Breaks: Maroubra (Travelled heaps, surfed everywhere)

Why do you surf where you do? Closest, easiest to park, least crowded, decent waves

When not surfing: Work 2 days, just started at the gym few times a week, take Amy out to the beach or to play somewhere.

What do you love about Surfing Mums? I would love to meet other mums that surf & make some new friends who love surfing as much as I do.

Name: Kathy Williams

Born: 17.10.74 Manly

Children: Ethan 3yrs Jai 1yr

Surf Mums Group: Alexander Headland QLD

Years Surfing: 12 years

Equipment: 9’1 mal 6’4 wombat and one double pram!

Local Surf Breaks: The Bluff, Alexandra headland

Why do you surf where you do? nice point break crystal clear water cutie turtles.

When not surfing: full time mummy and wife, cooking gluten free goodies

What do you love about Surfing Mums? Having the opportunity to be in the ocean without having to leave the kids behind, and meeting new people at the same time is right up my alley.

Name: Tarina McKenzie

Born: Auckland, NZ 27/5/76

Children: 2 girls (Alani 3 ½ and Stella 22mths)

Surf Mums Group: Mt Maunganui, NZ

Years Surfing: 2 years (body boarding before that)

Equipment: Andy Jordan shaped 8ft mal

Local Surf Breaks: Tay St, Shark Alley, Main beach, Sutherland, Waikanae, Wainui (when in Gisborne)

Why do you surf where you do? It’s 5mins away!

When not surfing: Office work for our plumbing business, spending time with family and friends, photography, yoga, walking, dancing, snowboarding (when time and money permits!)

What do you love about Surfing Mums? It’s such an awesome idea, not sure if anything like this has been done before in NZ so I plan to spread the word about surfing mums! It will be great to meet other like-minded, adventurous mums that want to continue surfing even though it’s often a juggling act when you have children.

Name: Naomi Tawhai

Born: 23.10.79

Children: One (nine years old)

Surf Mums Group: Mt Maunganui, NZ

Years Surfing: 2 Years

Equipment: Plastic fantastic ( hehe ) Bic board 7’4

Local Surf Breaks: Mt Maunganui, New Plymouth

Why do you surf where you do? The Mt is were I am currently living but New Plymouth is my home town, so I am often back there a lot visiting family

When not surfing: I am working full time in travel and currently completing an LLB part time. My other hobbies include horse riding, skating and wakeboarding, spending time with family and friends.

What do you love about Surfing Mums?

What a great idea!! This is a good opportunity to meet other mum's that love the outdoors and have the chance to swap tips on surfing and parenting… BONUS !!

Name: Justine Daly

Born: 05/12/1972

Children: 3 year old boy called Jai Ariki Daly-Parr

Surf Mums Group: Mt Maunganui, NZ

Years Surfing: 10 years on and off depending on where I was living had surf

Equipment: 6’3 board from the 80’s & 6’3 board I brought in Sydney

Local Surf Breaks: Papamoa where ever it is breaking best and various spots at Mount Maunganui

Why do you surf where you do? Because I live close by

When not surfing: Working for a photographer, running, drinking coffee, skateboarding, entertaining my boy, thinking about surfing….

What do you love about Surfing Mums? That through the surfing mums website in Australia, I met some surfing mums in Mount Maunganui. We now have our own surfing mums and its so cool because I get to go out surfing more often and have made some really awesome friends too!

Name: Sarah Rippon

Born: 12 July 1974

Children: A beautiful boy – JB, who is 9 months old

Surf Mums Group: Currumbin, Queensland

Years Surfing: 15 years

Equipment: : 5’10” Diverse twinfin fish (my favourite), 9’0” longboard, and a 6’2” JR shortboard

Local Surf Breaks: The Alley, Flat Rock, Tugun and quiet spots south of the border

Why do you surf where you do? I can see The Alley from my hammock!

When not surfing: I enjoy being a Mum, painting, reading and having a good laugh

What do you love about Surfing Mums? Having the opportunity to meet other ocean addicted mums and surf more than my husband!

Name: Melynne Rosamond

Born: 14 January 1979

Children:

A boy named Ocean (17 months) and a girl named Island (6 weeks) dated August 2007.

Surf Mums Group: Coolangatta, QLD

Years Surfing: 15 years

Equipment: Bodyboard and Viper fins

Local Surf Breaks: D’bah and Greenmount

Why do you surf where you do? Great barrels and it’s walking distance to home.

When not surfing: Studying Real Estate, reading baby and toddler education books, playing the guitar, working at the motel that my husband and I manage and thanking God for the wonderful things in life he has given.

What do you love about Surfing Mums? Having the opportunity to meet other mums that share the same passion as me, watching the kids have fun and of course being able to surf.

Name: Liz Davison

Born: 07/02/1976

Children: 1 (Ezra born October ’07)

Surf Mums Group: Sunshine Coast QLD

Years Surfing: 11 years

Equipment: Whatever the wave calls for! Shortboard, fish, single-fin, mal

Local Surf Breaks: Yaroomba, Pitta St.

Why do you surf where you do?Great beachies, no crowds.

When not surfing: Hanging with my boys, trying to catch up on sleep!

What do you love about Surfing Mums? I love the idea – and the reality – of meeting up with other mums and getting some time in the water while Ez has a play on the beach … so much better than traditional mum’s groups!

Name: Renee Birt

Born: not telling

Children: Jessica and Sienna

Surf Mums Group: Perth WA

Years Surfing: 1 year

Equipment: 7’2 mini mal

Local Surf Breaks: Not sure yet???

Why do you surf where you do? Just starting out

When not surfing: Being a mum, gym, walking dogs, shopping.

What do you love about Surfing Mums? It’s a great way to meet other mums with the same interest in life!!

Name:Naomi ‘Nomes’ Waite

Born: 15th May 1974

Children: Mia Chelsea Waite, born oct 07

Surf Mums Group: Surf Coast, VIC

Years Surfing: On and off for many years

Equipment: My husband Adrian, has been sneakily selling them all apart from my new custom, a Rasta 7’4” ‘Speedster’. These days you’ll see me sneaking off with his 9’2” Takayama ‘In the Pink’ under my arm.

Local Surf Breaks: The whole Surf Coast - too spoilt for choice

Why do you surf where you do? Would have to say Torquay Point and Drainos are very family friendly, great variation of waves at either end, limited shade and beachside parking make easy access with all the gear you need to take with little ones.

When not surfing: When I’m not lying in the hammock telling stories to my beautiful little girl Mia, I’m running a graphic design business from home.

What do you love about Surfing Mums? It is in the solitude and quiet time spent with babies and children that make you realize you have still so much passion and energy to burn, you find out what really motivates you. What better way to use this new found strength, getting back to the beach and out into the lineup, with other surfing mums and their babes.

Name: Katie Morton

Born: 28/9/71

Children: 1 and half year old Shelley

Surf Mums Group: Cronulla, New South Wales

Years Surfing: 10 years

Equipment: Mainly longboards, a Jackson 9’6” and a classic Mick Dooley 9’6”….but I’m hankering for a Fish……

Local Surf Breaks: Greenhills and anywhere thats not crowded

Why do you surf where you do? It’s close, it’s where my Husband grew up, it’s pretty nice most of the time.

When not surfing: Being a Mum. Skateing, snowboarding, oh…..and I’m on a diet.

What do you love about Surfing Mums?Looks like a great place to meet girls who want to keep surfing even tho’ they have kids, and to get the kids to love the beach. Im gagging to get back in the water after a loooong break, so come on girls, lets get out there.