By June Smith
Women on Waves, the females of the surfing and swimming community are thrilled to bring back their surfing contest to Capitola Beach on Oct. 22 and 23.
With more participants, they will be able to spread their mission of empowering women and enjoy more hours to soak in all the good vibes.
Aylana Zanville, the creator of Ola Chica surf wear, took over the leadership of WOW in 2018.
As an avid former-competitive surfer, involved with WOW for many years, she says, “There was no other event that existed like this one, with so much support and camaraderie between competitors and viewers.”
Two summers past, she created bright red and pink WOW bracelets to wear in the lineup to launch a trend with a purpose. Wearing a bracelet is meant to show you are a friend and ally, so others can paddle over to say hi, and create community.
Partners Marisol Godinez and Corey Grace, passionate about the ocean and the environment, also felt the necessity to bring WOW back.
From Left: Marisol Godinez, Aylana Zanville, and Corey Grace.
Marisol, professional communication and brand designer has been involved with the production of female-focused events. Due to her obsession with surfing and her love of the ocean, Sol y Mar’s one-of-a-kind surfboards for women were born.
Corey works in energy efficiency and market transformation consulting and has dedicated her career to improving the environment on our planet. Her love of surfing developed in her 40s. Her involvement in WOW has enabled her to bring together the love of creating community, providing opportunities for women, and dedication to the environment.
Whether you’ll be joining them in Capitola or from afar, they can’t wait to “sea” you again for this year’s inclusive, fun, awareness-raising event.
Their 2022 beneficiary is Sea Hugger. The theme for this year is Sea Happiness, selected to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the therapeutic benefits we get back from the ocean.
What are those mental health benefits?
- Less stress.
- Better sleep and more energy.
- Grounding — boosting the body’s immune system and reducing pain and fatigue.
The Women on Waves trio wants to create awareness to always be fully present and absorb all the joy and peace felt when surrounded by water: “Thank you, Ocean!”
Katie Loggins, a Pleasure Point Surf mama, says, “WOW offers an invaluable experience for women to surf in a safe environment that helps to empower women who otherwise may not feel supported in the male-dominated sport of surfing.
She recently was featured in the short documentary by Elizabeth Pepin Silva, “Introducing the Super Stoked Surf Mamas of Pleasure Point. It focuses on community, surfing, pregnancy and friendship.
Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols Ph.D., author of the landmark bestseller, Blue Mind, says, “Water is one of the most potent and universal sources of happiness, awe and wonder on Earth. What if everyone understood and practiced Blue Mind? Women on Waves and their peer organizations around the world are leading the way to that version of the future, one wave, splash, plunge, dip, stroke, or float at a time.”
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For more information about Women on Waves, write to P.O. Box 7335, Santa Cruz, CA 95061, call 831-359-1175, or visit www.womenonwavessurfcontest.com