OCEAN CITY — Michelle Sommers, executive director of the Eastern Surfing Association and a long-time resident of Fenwick Island, is again offering customized surf lessons for women of all ages this summer.
Through her “women specific” camps and private or small group lessons, hundreds of women throughout the coastal region and beyond have discovered the sport of surfing in a fun, safe environment, while making many new friends along the way.
“Women often are intimidated when it comes to surfing as it has been viewed as a male-dominated sport for years,” said Sommers. “Many people would love to be able to surf, but mistakenly believe that surfing is too difficult to learn — and even if they are interested, they don’t know how or where to begin. For women, learning the basics from another woman takes away the intimidation factor.”
Sommers did not begin surfing until she was in her late-20s.
“I always wanted to learn but didn’t feel comfortable paddling out alone. When I started surfing over 12 years ago, there were very few female surfers to learn from or with. From my six years of teaching surfing to women, I have learned that they enjoy doing new things together, and this mutual support makes the experience memorable and fun,” Sommers said. “Women who are learning to surf feel comfortable with me. As a woman, I understand their fears and frustrations. There were not any women surf instructors that I knew of when I began the sport so I had to learn techniques by watching and surfing with men surfers.”
Women who are new to surfing are encouraged even more today by seeing so many other women in the surf. Ocean City resident Hilary Trader discovered surfing last summer.
“Michelle is a natural teacher and coach, she makes you feel relaxed and confident while pushing you to a new level of your own abilities,” Trader said. “Not only is she incredibly skilled in her talents but she truly finds so much joy in watching each and every one of her students get up on the surf board for the first time. I feel so incredibly lucky to have found Michelle as she made me feel safe and taught me a new sport that I have grown to love.”
Sommers finds teaching about something she is passionate about to be rewarding, saying, “The best part of my job now is that I have met hundreds of amazing women who have taken my classes. I have been able to pass on my love and skills in surfing, and I have maintained close friendships with many gals who I continue to teach and surf with.”
Through Sommers’ role as the executive director of the Eastern Surfing Association, the nation’s largest amateur surfing organization, she knows how rewarding surfing can be at every level.
Sommers’ surf camps are offered on several weekends throughout the summer as well as “refresher” camps for students who haven’t been in the water since last season.
“There is a lot of information that surfers must be aware of including safety, etiquette, and proper technique. It’s always important to be reminded of this prior to paddling out,” said Sommers.
Lessons are offered seven days per week throughout the summer, dependent on surfing conditions and the weather.
Sommers works with local photographer Sarah Schwind of De Vita Photography by Sarah Schwind, to offer Sommers’ surf camp participants great keepsakes and memories of their first surfing adventure.
“Sarah is so talented in capturing the enthusiasm of the camp participants. Everyone wants one good photo of themselves riding waves, and Sarah offers this — and so much more,” adds Sommers. “Even the Assateague ponies come and pose for her photos.”
Schwind will be offering group surf photo sessions throughout the summer for those who want to capture their surfing style and want beach portraits.
Sommers has taught surfing lessons for women into their 60s as well as lessons for children and men.
“I enjoy teaching entire families to surf. This is very rewarding as it’s something they will be able to do together forever,” said Sommers, whose husband, Jay, also surfs and owns several bicycle shops in the beach area, while their two young sons, Kai and Kade, enjoy catching waves as well.
“Our family time is spent at the beach in the ocean. There’s nothing better than that,” she said.
For more information or to schedule a lesson, visit her website at www.sommerssurf.com.