Guidelines and FAQs

Welcome to Surf Mamas!

This is the spot where you can meet other moms and future moms who surf, join in discussions, and most importantly, plan Surf Mama Meetups.

What’s a Surf Mama Meetup?
Meetups are the cornerstone of Surf Mamas, where we will exchange wave time and beach babysitting with each other. This means that for a set time (your group can decide how long each session will be), you will trade off surfing time, with watching each others’ kids on the beach.

How do I start/join a group?
It’s simple! On the active groups page you’ll find a list of existing Facebook groups, where you can look for an open one that meets near you/appeals to you.

You can also request a new local group to get one started in your area. Simply email {surfmamas [at] gmail.com} and I will set up an official group for your area, and make you an admin.

We like to create groups for a specific geographic location. As the leader, you can also decide where the group will meet (can vary!), how often, etc.

It’s up to your specific group to decide how you will divide your surfing/beach babysitting time (I’d recommend starting with shorter sessions, like a half hour, and you can always switch more than once).

Are there any rules?
Be fair- don’t ditch out on the beach babysitting part if you already surfed.
Follow your group leaders specific guidelines.
Please don’t surf alone.
Have fun!

What if I don’t have kids, or temporarily can’t surf?
If you’re a “future mama,” we’d love for you to join in the fun! We can always use an extra babysitter, wink, wink. Just surf for half the time, and babysit the other half, just like the mamas.
This is a great opportunity for those who are planning to start a family to develop friendships with surfer mamas, and your offer of babysitting will surely not go unnoticed!
The same goes for those who aren’t currently surfing (i.e. pregnant, etc). We welcome you to stay in the group and hang out with the other moms on the beach and help babysit. Everyone needs an excuse to get out of the house, even if you’re not able to or aren’t in the mood to surf!

What if I don’t know any other Surf Mamas?
That’s okay, that’s what this network is for! I recommend planning other social outings (beach days, go to the zoo, the park, etc.) so that you can get to know the other mamas in your group, and start to feel comfortable with each others’ kids. The more you meet up, the better you’ll get to know your group.
Eventually you might even want to plan a family get-together, so the daddies can watch the kids on the beach and all the mamas can go out together!

How do we plan events for our group?
You can start a discussion within your group to discuss Meetups and other outings. You can also use the forums to discuss parenting, surfing, and pretty much anything else!

Be sure to join the All-Community page for community-wide events and discussions.

Can I bring a friend?
Sure! Just make sure you ask the friend eventually joins our online community if they wish to become group members and come regularly.

Does it cost anything to join a group?
Nope, it’s free!

What if I don’t surf yet?
You’re totally welcome to join in still! What better way to learn to surf than in the company of other mamas? Rent or buy a soft board or borrow your hubby’s and come on out to the beach. Learning to surf is a long process and the only way to get better at it is TO DO IT!!

Can guys/dads join Surf Mamas?
Right now Surf Mamas is only open to women. We do encourage family meetups and get-togethers though. You are always welcome to bring along a husband, brother or friend to surf, however we want to keep this online community a safe place for moms/women only. In addition, I reserve the right to ask people to leave the community if I feel they are in any way violating, spamming or bothering other members.

Do you have more questions? Email me (surfmamasinfo[at]gmail[dot]com) and I’ll be sure to answer!
Thanks for joining in on the fun.

Surf’s up!
Love,
Nicole