The storm was raging and so were the women who sat under the Folly Beach pier as lightning struck the water over and over. Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, was mirroring our emotions, holding space for our loss, and providing the most appropriate backdrop for a Paddle Against the Patriarchy.
Just a month prior, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the decades-long protection over a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion. The paddle out was an opportunity for women and allies from all over Charleston, South Carolina to come together, grieve, and share.
We talked about body dysmorphia, journeys of sobriety, and how we craved female friendship and connection. From that moment, we knew we needed to keep these conversations going. It was on this stormy day in the deep south that we (Liz and Nadia) first met, bonding over our shared anger at the loss of our bodily autonomy and recognizing that there are actions we can take together to reclaim it.
Charleston has always had an impressive female surf presence in the lineup. We fantasized about how it could grow and about creating more opportunities for connection; to foster a space where we challenge the narrative that women are only as strong as their romantic partnerships or attractiveness to men. We wanted to make more room for platonic love and for community to hold us in a way a partner can not.
Five months later, we launched 'shes on edge' — a Charleston-based women’s surf and skate collective. We hold monthly surf and skate meetups, and sprinkle in as many opportunities for connection as possible — book club, movie nights, silent discos, you name it. The mission of ‘shes on edge’ is to create judgment-free spaces for women to grow, find support, and have fun (extra emphasis on the fun bit because life can be heavy for us girls!).
We started ‘shes on edge’ as a pair of strangers with a shared passion, but it didn't take long for us to figure out that we (Liz and Nadia) have super different styles — think Annie and Hallie in The Parent Trap. And while that can have its challenges, our differences actually work in our favor. Liz's ying to Nadia's yang helps keep our community at the forefront of everything we do. That being said, it takes us forever to agree on how to write about ‘shes on edge’ and what it means to us. So for the sake of brevity and our sanity, here's "20 Questions with Liz and Nadia" — where we dig a little deeper into all things 'shes on edge.'
What are some of the biggest barriers to entry for women in surfing and skating?
Nadia: Starting to surf for anybody is embarrassing. It’s hard for women to step into a space where they not only have to publicly eat shit (because we all do at first) but also still hold the impossible standards that come with womanhood. Just to paddle out, women have to unlearn perfectionism, to let go of body image issues, and accept that their makeup is going to look like trash after their first wipeout. They have to not trust the asshole on FB Marketplace that sold them that 6’0 board that’s waterlogged and meant for wall art. They have to afford a board and wetty that suits them (even when the net worth of men on average is more than double that of women). And on top of all that, without community, they have to consider their physical and psychological safety because the lineup, like it or not, is a man's world. Not to mention — can sharks smell period blood? Liz and I can’t agree. DM us the answer if you know.
Favorite hot topics on the surf scene right now?
Liz: Pipeline is for the fucking girls! Love seeing women absolutely dominating waves that they weren’t even given the opportunity to compete on for decades. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed watching Billabong try and backtrack their awkward as hell “Surf Meets Sex Appeal” campaign.
Nadia: Trans women competing in the WSL. You can be loud, you can be ignorant, but definitely don’t be both. @RipcurlWomens @BethanyHamilton. Shout out to @Sash_Jane_Lowerson for doing the hard work & check out her awesome episode on the Second Breakfast Podcast.
How is surfing and skating a reclamation of bodily autonomy?
Liz: When I surf and skate, I feel courageous, free, and powerful. Yes, I’m at the mercy of mother nature and gravity, but I’m the person who made the decision to challenge my body and mind in that way — not some random politician or other patriarchal oppressor. It’s liberating to be in the water surrounded by other women. Watching and learning from one another, we’re reminded of our own strength, not only in the lineup but in life.
What words of advice do you have for girls who want to come to a surf or skate meetup but are scared?
Liz: Meeting new people and trying something new can be scary, but so is letting life pass you by without challenging yourself to grow. Just remember that you are a badass who can do anything you put your mind to. Also, our meetups are super welcoming, fun, and low pressure, I promise lol!
Favorite female surfers/skaters/ athletes?
Nadia: Jaleesa Vincent, Holly Wawn, Nique Miller, Marina Carbonell, Tyler Wright, Caity Simmers & of course, my hometown home girl hero Tara Miller. Love watching y’all shred.
Liz: Josie Prendergast (the grace!), Jaleesa Vincent (the edge!), Karina Rozunko (the style!), Risa Mara Machuca (the power!), Lauren Hill (the humor!), and Lizzie Armanto (the guts!)
How did you get into surfing?
Nadia: I started in college and then fell in love with the sport teaching lessons at ISLA Surf School. It was seriously a dream getting to be in the water everyday, getting better at reading the waves, and learning from others’ mistakes. I reveled in a daily practice of being so stoked for other people’s surf progression 7 days a week.
Liz: I saw how much joy surfing brought my husband, and I wanted in on the action. After many sessions of screaming under water, crying on the beach, and realizing spouses probably aren’t the best teachers, I finally started to get the hang of surfing and stopped taking myself so seriously. A couple years in and I still have days where I want to throw my longboard like a javelin, but those days are few and further between. Surfing helps me get in touch with myself — even the messy bits — and I’m super grateful for that.
It’s 1 ft and firing, what are you riding?
Liz: 9’0” Mitsven Modern Classic in baby blue
Nadia: 9’4” Catherine Girard Noserider
What is a Wedgie?
Liz: (n.) - An endearing term for a woman in 'shes on edge.' E.g. "I saw a bunch of Wedgies surfing down on fourth block — looks like they were having the time of their lives."
The name of our collective was inspired by the fact that we are women on the edge! Plus, it’s where we’re based, on the Edge of America (the unofficial official nickname of Folly Beach, South Carolina). And it’s what we do for fun… cruise on the edge of our boards.
Nadia: When you eat it on a monster wave and your bottoms go up your ass.
Why are you on edge?
Liz: Companies are prioritizing profit over people and the environment. Governments are prioritizing power over human rights and decency. Also, I drink too much coffee.
Nadia: If I don’t eat chocolate everyday I get prickly.
Who is your dream sponsor?
Liz: A major surf or skate brand that gives its female riders fair contracts and supports their long-term career goals. Know of any?
Nadia: Milk (the beverage).
How can women better support one another in the surf and skate scene?
Nadia: Hot Take: The systematic oppression of women involves intentional rivalry and comparison. Healthy communities start with self-love. Surround yourself with people that pump you up and make you feel supported. Stop comparing and start caring. Stay for one more wave if another girl paddles out, give her a ‘YEW’ even if you don’t know her, learn from her and give her tips (but ask her if she wants them first). We aren’t asking for a seat at the table, we are building our own.
What has been an unexpected challenge of running a girls’ group?
Liz: Everyone is on their period at the same time.
Kidding! A challenging aspect of running a girls group is realizing that, just like in your personal life, you can’t be everything to everyone. We’ve been very intentional about defining who we are, what kind of programs we want to offer, and the causes we support — and sometimes that has meant letting other opportunities pass us by or realizing that not everyone might love what we’re about. We’ve had folks rag on the fact that we aren’t co-ed, we’ve had people try and get us to not support pro-choice initiatives. But we stick to our guns because we’re committed to supporting the needs of the women in our community.
What does the patriarchy mean to you?
Nadia: I’d describe the patriarchy as the system in our society that awards men power over women. This power difference shows up in spaces that include but are not limited to professional, financial, political, and social. Historically (white) men are offered these privileges which, for women, result in physical and/or emotional outcomes that range from daily annoyances (like getting snaked or dropped in on), disrespect, disadvantages, to downright abuse.
Biggest ick from guys in the water?
Liz: Unsolicited advice. Didn’t ask, but thanks!
Nadia: The eye contact right before they take your wave. Oof.
Do you hate men?
Liz: I hate toxic masculinity.
Nadia: No. We are all in different places in our journey of understanding our privilege and how it serves us. I am here for any guy who is open minded and willing to learn and unlearn. But also, don’t tell me what to do, and LORD don’t tell me to “Go Left!”
Best surf advice?
Liz: Don’t take yourself too seriously in life or in the water.
Nadia: "Comparison is the Thief of Joy" — eyes up, lock your elbows, and bend your knees. Look at others for inspiration & to learn but not to judge your own performance. The moment you put yourself down, you’re gonna stay there.
What current or upcoming projects is 'shes on edge' working on that are particularly exciting?
Liz: We’re in the process of developing an annual Zine with contributions from the Wedgies. Look out for that late 2024/early 2025! We’ve also been hosting monthly surf movie nights where we watch films that feature inspiring female surfers. Our long-term goal is to continue to create opportunities for connection within the women’s surf and skate community.
Favorite movie that's not Blue Crush?
Liz: Pride and Prejudice (the BBC version with Colin Firth)
Nadia: Blue Crush 2
Three things you can do to support access to abortion and a woman's right to choose?
Vote. It is the easiest, cheapest, and most important thing you can do to support people with uteruses.
Donate to a local abortion fund. If you’re in South Carolina, Palmetto State Abortion Fund provides financial, emotional, and logistical support to all South Carolinians seeking abortion services.
Create community with other women. Nearly one in four women will have an abortion by the time they are 45. Listen without judgment. Be supportive of a person's decision, even if it doesn’t align with your values. It is our body and our choice.
Describe 'shes on edge' as a brand in one sentence or less.
Liz: We’re like if you put sleepovers, seashells, Mary Kate & Ashley movies, friendship bracelets, Blue Crush, womanism, and reef safe sunscreen in a NutriBullet (add sea salt to taste).
Nadia: It’s everything your little "can’t surf," 7th grade, puka-shell-necklace self dreamed of.
So glad you made it to the end! If you don’t feel like you know us well enough yet, send us a DM and we’ll tell you our deepest darkest secrets, traumatic period stories, and/or our secret surf spots. If you find yourself in Charleston, drop by a meetup and follow @shes_on_edge to keep up with the happenings. If you want to collaborate, we do too. Check out our website and buy some merch — or don’t. Your money, your choice. supportyourlocalwedgie.com
The Wedgies Playlist:
Liz Wolfe is a Pennsyltucky Pisces who made her way down to the Edge of America, Folly Beach, in 2016 and has been surfing, writing, and advocating for more ladies in the water ever since. @lm.wolfe
Nadia Klincewicz is a full time sexuality educator, part time surf instructor in Charleston, SC.
Likes: yogurt, her longboard, the morning time. Dislikes: sand in her bed, racism, coffee. @naut_nadia
All photos courtesy of shes on edge
shes on edge @shes_on_edge
shes on edge: website
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