Queer Surf is a monthly summer meet up held from June through September in collaboration with the local surf school, Surf Sister.
We know that surfing can present a lot of challenges, including financial, transportation, & social barriers. Queer Surf works to reduce these barriers by providing free gear and lessons, transportation to and from the beach, and creates an inclusive, accessible and welcoming experience by using gender-neutral language and representation for queers in the water.
Queer Surf
Everyone is invited to join Queer Surf & we hope to see you at the next one!
Queer Surf was created out of a desire to represent queerness in a way that felt authentic and place-based within our community. Surfing is a large draw to living in our community for many people, but it comes with a variety of barriers that can affect queer folks’ experience in the water. Surf culture as it exists today is informed by a long legacy of excluding marginalized communities and purporting a very narrow archetype of who can be a surfer. This culture is entirely removed from the origins of surfing, which was available to folks of all genders, classes, sizes, ability levels, and ages. When conceptualizing Queer Surf, we didn’t want to continue this legacy of territorialism and exclusion; we believed in the possibility of a surf culture that welcomed everyone to participate however they felt most comfortable, one where respect was the foundation of our interactions in and out of the water. We work to reduce the various barriers that impact access to surfing within our community, so that all queers have equitable access to participate in Queer Surf.
History
What are some of the barriers that surfing presents in our community?
Financial
gear: wetsuit, booties, hood, board
lesson: important for education about safety in the water
Transportation
a way to and from the beach
transportation from water-access First Nations communities to the beach
Systemic
gendered wetsuits that exclude gender-diverse folks
gendered surf competitions
Social
history of surf competition is discriminatory to queer folks; legacy continues to inform queer surfers feeling like they must hide their queerness while in the water and conform within a dominant culture
very little representation of queer surfers in mainstream surf culture
Queer Surf FAQS:
Where can I find information about current Queer Surf events?
The best way to stay up to date is by following our instagram!
How do I register for gear?
Gear is provided at no cost for up to thirty queer folks per surf
Gear registration sign-up opens two weeks before the surf through our instagram
Wetsuit sizing is determined by a combination of weight and height. Sizes are available for folks up to 350+ pounds; if you would like to arrange a wetsuit fitting prior to the surf to ensure we find you the right suit, please reach out to Coastal Queers.
How do I get to and from the beach?
Queer Surf is hosted at Cox Bay. If you need a ride to the beach, you can sign up for our Queer Surf carpool (same registration form as gear registration). If you have your own ride to the beach, you can meet us there. We encourage carpool/biking options to reduce environmental impact!
Do I need to register for Queer Surf through the registration form if I have my own gear/way to get to the beach?
Nope! You can meet us in front of the Cox Bay Surf Sister location.
What happens on the day of the surf?
Everyone meets in front of Surf Sister and the folks who need gear get suited up. Once everyone is ready, we walk down to the beach together. We introduce ourselves, remind folks to use gender-neutral language, and acknowledge our gratitude for the land and waters we’re surfing in. Everyone splits up according to ability level and there are surf instructors for every group to give tips and tricks. After the surf, we head back to Surf Sister to drop off our gear. Check out our instagram for updates on our Queer Surf after parties!
I don’t want to surf. Can I still come to Queer Surf?
For sure! Grab a boogie board, splash around in the waves, stay on the beach and make a sand castle, walk your dog, cheer on the surfers in the water - it’s totally up to you. Queer Surf is about building community, in and out of the water.
I’m not queer - can I still come to Queer Surf?
Definitely. Queer Surf welcomes everyone to attend, because we know that dominant surf culture won’t change without everyone, queers and non-queers, practicing respect and support for one another. If you believe that surfing should be for everyone and are willing to learn about how to engage respectfully with queer folks in and out of the water, you are invited to participate in Queer Surf. If you are a non-queer person attending queer surf, and you have the financial capability, please consider donating. One way to alter dominant surf culture is by creating space for queers in the water, which Queer Surf aims to do, and Queer Surf requires funding to run as a program!
I have an accessibility need that hasn’t been addressed. What should I do?
Please contact us before the surf. We are committed to improving access to our programs and will work to address the accessibility need with you.
How can I support Queer Surf?
Great question! We are super grateful to Surf Sister, who donates gear and lessons for every Queer Surf. But there are lots of financial costs that can’t be covered by in-kind donations, including program coordinator wages, transportation costs, and more. If you don’t face financial barriers in surfing, one of the most significant ways you can support Queer Surf is by donating. Your contribution helps ensure that Queer Surf can continue to reduce barriers and get queers out in the water!
Not in a place to donate?
No problem - we are always looking for volunteers to drive, set up, tear down, and help out during the event. Please fill out our volunteer application form here.
