"Becoming A Surfer Taught Me An Important Lesson About Being A Black Woman" - Chelsea Woody

I wanted to learn to surf since I was a teenager after seeing Kate Bosworth in the movie Blue Crush. I was enamored with everything about the movie: the surfer lifestyle, living in beach environments, how freeing the act of surfing made her feel. [...] Refusing to be discouraged, I didn't allow my outward appearance to be indicative of my interests. But oftentimes, when people have the similar interests, there's a tendency to want to fit a certain mold to make sure people know that you belong to that group. I quickly realized that my surf style wasn't at risk of emulating anyone, my flavor was a little different. And I really learned to embrace that.

Continue reading the post Becoming A Surfer Taught Me An Important Lesson About Being A Black Woman on XoNecole.

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Chelsea on how her surfing community, Textured Waves, was born

You know how, as a black or brown person in a "particular" room, you see another sister or brother, and suddenly you're immediately connected? That's similar to how my surf sisters bonded over our relationship with the ocean. Certain experiences we have surfing just don't need explanation, they understand and can relate. It has been such a blessing finding these women.  We collectively knew there had to be more black and brown girls who are interested in surfing; those who surf and are unapologetically who they are. Soon, our community, Textured Waves, was born. We're just four African American female surfers who wanted to create a space for women of all shades who surf.

Continue reading the post Becoming A Surfer Taught Me An Important Lesson About Being A Black Woman on XoNecole to read Chelea's story and learn more about the community, Textured Waves.

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Thumbnail image via TexturedWaves Instagram