WSJ #043 NADIA & LIZ

The Wave Sliders journal

ENTRY #043

Written By: NADIA & LIZ Co-Founders of Shes On Edge

Intro By: Jack Ventura

INTRO:

This month we’ve got our first collab WSJ, featuring the founders of Shes On Edge — a Charleston-based women’s surf and skate collective.

I first came across Nadia and Liz on Instagram. One of those digital crossovers that instantly felt familiar. Their design style was fresh but nostalgic, loud in the right ways, and clearly backed by something deeper than just good graphics.

Turns out, our roots run close and it wasn’t long before we were on the phone, swapping stories and throwing around ideas. Fast, friends.

What’s kept me locked into their story is their mission: uplifting women (and really, everyone) through a culture that’s inclusive, expressive, and raw.

I’ve been thinking more about that lately — For a long time, I believed people didn’t dislike women in the lineup, they just disliked everyone. But lately I’ve noticed there can be a bias at certain waves, and that’s not cool.

Surfing should be more welcoming at (certain) local breaks. And if not? All the more reason to go explore — just don’t steal my wave if you catch me somewhere on a remote tropical island, haha.

Stoked to share this one. Nadia and Liz are the real deal — thanks for participating in this months WSJ!

Who are you?

Share a few sentences explaining who you see yourself as these days...

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Nadia: I am a learner, teacher, & culture shifter. Full time in the non-profit sphere and the cofounder of Shes On Edge. Super passionate about all things people & whole milk.

Liz: Hey hey! I’m a writer, surfer, women’s rights advocate, coffee nut, and co-founder of the surf and skate collective, Shes On Edge. Based on Folly Beach in South Carolina, our organization is working to change the surf and skate landscape by creating inclusive, feminist spaces where we challenge norms, build community, and support each other.

We try to emphasize the good aspects of surf culture like safety and respect while dismantling the toxic, aggro aspects that are still so pervasive in the sport.

What was your first job?

First jobs reveal a lot about who we were.

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Nadia: A pool lifeguard! Living out my Wendy Peffercorn dreams led me to Ocean Rescue when I moved to Charleston which led me to surfing. Water girl though and through.

Liz: I worked at my dad’s hotel as a maid, lifeguard, and continental breakfast “manager.” I was terrible at all three. I used to read while people swam! Fortunately no one drowned that I’m aware of.

What have you learned through surfing that translates to everyday life?

What you have learned from surfing and how those lessons help you through daily livin'...

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Nadia: Back when I was teaching surf lessons full time it was pretty revolutionary for me. A daily practice of feeling joy from others’ success & understanding that even when you’re the teacher, we are constantly all learning from each other and the world around us.

Liz: I’ve learned that I can do hard things and that I am most at peace when I’m fully present in my body.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in the next 10 years?

Share a goal for the next decade, and how surfing might have influenced these aspirations.

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Nadia: travel more, stress less, & step away from corporate America for while.

Liz: I would like to write a book and have a grom who I can share my love of the water with. I would also love to be slightly less neurotic, but we can’t have it all!

What NADIA & LIZ are Stoked On Lately...

Someone in the surf community you are stoked on:

Nadia: Super inspired by Holly Beck and all her ventures. If you haven’t listened to Second Breakfast podcast -- big fan!

Liz: I think Caity Simmers is such a badass. I love watching the younger generation come in and tell these old heads what’s what. Pipeline is for the fucking girls!

A quote you like?

Nadia: “Comparison is the thief of joy:”

Liz: Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.