Surfing is a sport that is commonly associated with the summer months. However, Laura Truelove, the founder of Daughters of the Sea magazine and podcast, does not let the winter months deter her from hitting the waves. In fact, she states that the waves are better in the winter. Truelove began surfing 10 years ago and has noticed a remarkable increase in the number of female surfers during that period. She believes surf clubs play a vital role in helping women find a community and foster their passion for the sport.
Truelove suffers from anxiety and depression, but she credits surfing for helping her wash away these mental health struggles. When she was struggling with depression and anxiety during her time at university, a doctor prescribed surfing as a way to improve her mental health. Since then, Truelove turns to the waves whenever she feels anxious or overwhelmed.
Despite Truelove’s love for winter surfing, she is aware that the sport can feel male-dominated. Truelove started Daughters of the Sea to create space for female surfers to express themselves and connect with other like-minded individuals. The name “Daughters of the Sea” originates from a Welsh myth about three girls who were kidnapped by the god of the sea, and the idea behind the name is to create a sense of sisterhood among female surfers.
For Truelove and other surfers, the water has a healing quality. She states that the feeling of catching a wave can be addictive, but even just being around the water draws them back time and time again. Truelove notes that she and other surfers love the rugged weather and roaring waves during the winter months. They feel well equipped to handle the colder temperatures and challenging conditions.
In recent years, Truelove has seen a shift in the surfing community with the rising number of female surfers, and she continues to use Daughters of the Sea as a platform to connect and empower women. Surf clubs and safe spaces like Truelove’s Daughters of the Sea will enable women to find each other and create a supportive community. Through her passion for surfing and dedication to her community, Truelove is encouraging women around the world to ride the waves and find their own sense of empowerment
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