Episode Details

What is it like to identify as queer in a heteronormative and male-dominated surf culture? Kyla Langen, former pro surfer and founder of Queer Surf, an organization dedicated to expanding surf culture and supporting queer wellness, reminisces with our host Holly Beck about their time together on tour and surfing around the world in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. They chat about the structure and expectations for female professional surfers of the time and what it meant for those who did not fit the standard mold (for queer folks in particular). Kyla recalls her struggles with sponsors and having to hide parts of her identity in order to remain supported. She dives into the barriers to queer surfing and her journey in creating Queer Surf. Kyla dreams of a more inclusive, friendly lineup, where people of all bodies and beliefs can find connection and awareness through the ocean.

Surf With Amigas runs surf coaching and yoga retreats for women in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Morocco, and Indonesia — http://surfwithamigas.com

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.