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A 20-year-old surfer has launched a female-only surf club to provide a supportive environment for women to make friends and to build their confidence in the water.
Eleanor Amy set up 'The Glide Gals' in November after noticing how many beginner and intermediate female surfers feel intimidated in male-dominated line-ups – which stemmed from her own experience.
“I started surfing on and off about six years ago with my dad, but I quickly discovered it was a daunting and difficult sport to get into,” said Eleanor.
Pictured: "This little surf club aims to create a place where women can come together and have some fun in the waves" (Jemma Daniel)
Over the past three years, Eleanor has become a more regular surfer but admitted that she often feels “out of place” as one of the only women in the water – usually surrounded by men twice her age.
A trip to Cornwall last summer, where she joined a women’s surfing group called the 'Surf Sistas', inspired her to create something similar in Jersey.
“I had never felt so welcomed, supported, and at ease in the water,” said Eleanor.
“Being surrounded by like-minded women was incredible, and I felt an intense need to bring that to Jersey.”
She went on to explain how The Glide Gals aims to address the challenges many women face when trying to start surfing – from enduring judgement, ridicule, and sexist comments to more overt forms of male aggression.
Eleanor explained: “Surf culture is still very male-dominated, and this makes it intimidating for women and young girls, especially if they don’t have someone to guide or introduce them to it.
“Even when men aren’t purposely trying to make you feel unwelcome, it can still feel that way without a space created for you.”
Pictured: "I'd noticed there's a different energy on days when the line up is filled with women, even when it's grey, mushy and onshore." (Eleanor Amy)
Eleanor said that she has experienced her share of unpleasant encounters with male surfers, which have discouraged her from surfing at certain spots along St Ouen’s Bay.
“One bad experience can lead to anxiety about it happening again,” she said.
“It makes you feel like you don’t belong, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The ocean isn’t there to judge, and everyone is welcome.”
This is something the Glide Gals club hopes to change by providing a safe and encouraging community for women of all skill levels.
To stay updated on Glide Gals events and meet-ups, Eleanor recommended following the club’s Instagram page.
She also invited those interested to join the group’s WhatsApp chat, where members can share advice, arrange meet-ups, and build connections.
“Anyone can pop me a message on Instagram, and I can add them to the group,” she explained.
“The atmosphere is really changing for women now, and although there’s still a long way to go, I’m excited to see what the future brings.”
INSIGHT: Below the waves... How sexism is affecting female surfers in Jersey
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