Florida boasts some incredible female surfers–Mimi Munro, Frieda Zamba, Lisa Andersen, and Falina Spires come to mind. The next generation of up and coming pros are girls like Karina Petroni and Connie Arias. It’s time to add another name to the list. Christa Alves of Cocoa Beach has been doing nothing but winning. In four short years of competition, she’s put more first place trophies on her shelf than most career competitors. At 17, Christa has quickly jumped rank from budding amateur to promising pro. Unlike most of the names listed above Christa isn’t a lifelong surfer, she found her ocean muse six years ago.
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Wahine, Betty, Diva, Honey. There are many endearing terms used to describe a surfer girl. In the past, female surfers were criticized for participating in a sport that was once considered “masculine”. Today, women’s surfing has risen from the doldrums, stamping an everlasting imprint on the sport. With blonde bombshells like Lisa Andersen and Layne Beachley shattering previous standards, female surfing has taken a radical direction while still remaining “feminine.” Across the country, girls are trading in their mall dates and mini-skirts for a pair of baggies and a surf session.

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From surfer to model to movie star, Sanoe Lake can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Surfer Girl- A Guide to the Surfing Life is a fun guide for young girls who want to learn the basics before getting in the water. Sanoe covers topics from catching your first wave to dealing with boys in the water. She advises on getting in shape and finding functional surf wear. She shares her own surf stories, briefs us on the “herstory” of women’s surfing, and makes sure you know that while surfing is a really fun lifestyle, it also takes patience and focus to succeed. The book is full of color and loaded with photos, illustrations, charts, and cartoons that make for an easy read for ages 12 and up. There’s a glossary as well as a reference section that includes links to everything from surf schools to environmental groups. Surfer Girl is a great introductory book and is a fun addition for collectors of women’s surfing keepsakes.

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