Waves, wetsuits and wax were the order of the day at Le Braye as women from across the Island took to the water last weekend for an event celebrating female surfing.
The sell-out ‘Ladies in the Line-Up’ event was held on Saturday 15 August after SLO ACTIVE founder Janaya Wilkins was inspired by a visit to the Jersey Maritime Museum.
Janaya said she noticed how few women featured in early images of Jersey’s surfing scene – something she felt contrasted with the thriving female surf community today.
She launched Ladies in the Line-Up to “create an opportunity for more women to discover surfing, build confidence and enjoy being in the water.”
“The whole idea behind Ladies in the Line-Up was to get more women in the water, feeling confident in their bodies and simply enjoying the ocean,” she said.
SLO ACTIVE is a Jersey-born ocean-wear brand for women, built around the philosophy of “slow fashion, active women, clean ocean”.
Janaya said: “Ladies in the Line-Up brings those ideas to life, creating space for women to step away from the everyday, feel comfortable in their bodies, and experience the ocean together.”
The morning began with a Pilates session focused on surf confidence, led by Jenna Weber of Flowmover.
Jake Powell and the Jersey Surf School team, who recently hosted the GOOD Vibrations: Girlz female surf festival, then helped participants learn about surf etiquette.
Three female coaches from Jersey Surf School also shared their experience and skills with the group.
They were joined by veteran surfer and GB Surfing director Arlene Maltman, who Janaya described as “a real legend in Jersey surfing” who had “played such an important role in shaping the surf culture we have today”.
“I thought it would be incredible for the women coming through now to hear from someone who has been part of that journey and to see what is possible,” said Janaya.
Women of different ages and abilities took part in the sell-out event, including complete beginners alongside more experienced surfers – something Janaya described as “really special”.
She said the highlight was seeing everyone paddle out together.
“There was such a lovely energy in the water, with women encouraging and supporting one another. It felt like exactly what we had hoped to create,” she added.
Following positive feedback from the event, Janaya hopes it could lead to more regular opportunities for women to surf together.
She added: “Hopefully someone who has been thinking about giving surfing a go sees the photos or hears about the morning and thinks, ‘I’d love to try that.’
“You don’t need to be an experienced surfer. You can just show up, have a go and enjoy the ocean.”
