Meet gorgeous gidget Carla – our first great gidget of 2015! And what an inspiring great gidget she is. Carla is the president of Surfing Mums – a non for profit organisation with over 300 members all over Australia. They help like-minded parents and children to share surfing activities. Think of it as a super cool mum group for surfing mums and Carla is running the show.
Your name: Carla Wilson
About you in a few words and how you got to surfing:
I grew up in the Blue Mountains NSW, spent over 10 years working as a Textile Scientist, and am now a full time mum of three girls and President of Surfing Mums Incorporated. I started surfing in my 20’s after meeting my husband who grew up in board shorts and a surf board under his arm. My years as a beginner surfer however, were spent in Christchurch NZ; covered from head to toe in a thick layer of neoprene and surfing in 10-15⁰C water.
Local break: Maroubra, NSW
What I love about surfing: I love the feeling of paddling out and leaving behind the daily routines, even if for a few moments. Surfing often gives me a new perspective on things, and more energy and enthusiasm to enjoy all the wonderful aspects of being a mum.
I love that I never experience two surfs alike. I love paddling out as the sun rises, and the days when you’re out the back and the wind turns offshore, or the clouds start to roll in and the rain gently falls. I love that surfing is a challenge and continues to teach me great lessons such as perseverance, facing fear and pushing my limits; lessons that I can pass on to my children. I love being able to surf with friends and sharing my passion with like-minded mums and their families.
What I hate about surfing: The fact that even on days where I can’t surf, I still wake up wondering what the surf is doing and what I’m missing out on. Surfing in a packed line-up is also extremely tough and incredibly frustrating.
What advice would you give to ladies starting out on their surf journey: Surfing will be one of the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. There will be times when you will feel like you’re going backwards, but every surf teaches you something (even if it’s something about yourself). You may experience some surfs where you wonder if you’ll be resurfacing anytime soon, but somehow you always do. You begin to realise that when you fall its okay, you won’t get hurt; it’s only water. Surfing is not only about standing up; there is so much to learn, and the best way to learn it is to go out regularly. Enjoy it and find others to enjoy it with you!
Favourite surfspot in Oz: Crescent Head
Favourite surfspot overseas: Kaikoura, NZ
Favourite surfboard: Up until the 2015 Australia Day Long Weekend it was my custom made Mark Richards 5’8” fish which is snapped in half :-(
Favourite surfer: I am inspired by Bethany Hamilton for her incredible courage and perseverance.
Favourite surf movie: Castles in the Sky
What you do when you are not surfing: Being mum of three girls, managing Surfing Mums Incorporated and catching up with friends keeps me busy during the week. On weekends I love spending time with my family, whether it is for a swim, snorkel, bike ride or adventure!
By the way, Surfing Mums are looking for ladies who would be interested in running Surfing Mums in Bondi. Send us a message if you are interested in we’ll get you in touch with Carla.
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