Meet Desiree, our Coal Coast coordinator. Desiree has been spreading the surfing mums stoke in the Illawarra. She shares some pearls of wisdom she has learnt in her time as a surfing mum.
How long have you been surfing? Finally started surfing (life long dream) in 2006 when I moved to Perth.
Favourite board? Currently my Modern LoveChild 7.0 - super versatile in bigger waves and small, carves like a dream.
Favourite surf spot? Sharkies (near Coledale) for swaps - can suit different boards and abilities. However, Golf Course at Barwon Heads has been amazing waves in the past.
Best surfing memory (to date) ? For some reason, I have this one day in my mind from about 2017 at Sharkies. It was grey and gloomy, i had my 9ft log out, and there was an epic left hander in a spot that rarely ever breaks. I got my first wave, then had to call my husband to come and get our dog who was on my towel howling on the sand - clearly not as excited about the waves as I was. Eventually I was able to get back in and enjoy, but I've never had any waves like those again at the same spot.
You coordinate the Coal Coast group, are you from the area originally or have you moved there? Originally from Melbourne. I've lived in the Illawarra for 12 years.I moved for work, ended up falling in love with the coast.
How long have you been a member of surfing mums? About 2.5 years - since my daughter was born. I've been coordinating since January 2021.
Tell me how you came to join surfing mums? After I had my daughter I struggled with post-natal depression as well as recovering from a birth injury. I couldn't return to my love of kick-boxing, and I remember walking by the beach with bub in the pram and tearing up thinking 'i'll never be able to surf again either'. I then found surfing mums which helped me return to the ocean where I’ve always felt at peace. The more I surfed, the more I felt like me again
What impact has surfing mums had on you and your daughter? Both myself and my daughter have made some amazing friends.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to new members or people thinking of joining? Just go along to a swap or social gather and meet the parents to see if it's for you. At the very worst you might think "no", but you might still make a new friend.
Any last thoughts/ pearls of wisdom / shout outs? I was a bit hesitant in the beginning because I'd lost my surfing mojo and thought everyone would be better than me and laugh at my skills. We're not in it to compete with each other, but rather to find some peace in the ocean and have some social fun too.
