Surfmoms is a group of moms living in Los Angeles who get together to surf, enjoy the beach and impart their love of the sport and beach to their children. Some surfed before becoming moms and others were moms before learning to surf. Private and group lessons are offered for moms and their children, over 5 years of age. For the moms with younger children, there is a childcare exchange on the beach so everyone is able to get some surf time.

Surfmoms was started by Lauren Arborio in March of 2007. Despite having grown up in New York, when Arborio moved to LA she decided she had to try surfing and was hooked right away. Now four years later, she is a new mom and determined to continue surfing. Catapulted by the reality of the high cost of babysitting, she decided to organize Surfmoms to bring like-minded moms together who wanted to get in the water and who could take turns having fun with the kids on the beach. After the pitching the idea [on a local mom’s yahoo group, she heard from several surfing moms but she also got an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from LA moms who have a strong desire to learn to surf. Without hesitating, she contacted a few well-known instructors (who are moms too!) and off they went.

Not only is surfing a great form of exercise but the communal time in the water and on the sand allows everyone to share stories and advice on parenting and surfing. It is primarily a childcare exchange but also an invaluable information exchange.

Surfmoms is catching on– just recently, a Surfmom invited extended family visiting from New Jersey to take part in a group lesson. It was the first time surfing for both kids and mom and they had a blast.

Surfmoms meets weekly to surf but moms are encouraged to meet whenever their schedule allows. Dads are welcome too. Arborio founded and moderates the Surfmom’s yahoogroup email for easy communication and to continue the conversations started on the beach. One recent post asked how to remove beach tar from underfoot and within minutes several responses offered a quick solution.

The impetus behind Surfmoms was to locate likeminded moms who are committed to parenting and surfing, and by coming together, one activity did not have to cancel out the other. Plus there is the added value of being able to share their enthusiasm for the water, the sport and familylife with their kids. Not to mention that the surf/childcare arrangment is a tremendous stress relief outlet for everyone--the kids get fresh air and can play in an indestructible environment and the moms get exercise and some much needed “me” time.

If all goes well, Surfmoms hopes to do events with local nonprofit organizations that share similar attitudes towards the environment, health and family, which is another great way to impart important ideals to our children while having fun.