Another year, another unforgettable She Shreds weekend in Toronto.
She Shreds is an annual event hosted by Surf the Greats. From the onset, our goal has been to create and support an environment where local women feel welcome to experience Great Lakes surfing, with no cost or equipment barrier, and no prior experience required — just a willingness to try something new.
In our community, She Shreds is a time for to celebrate surfing in Canada and sisterhood. It’s when we reset and remind ourselves of why we love to surf on the Great Lakes. And, as we grow our tribe of lake surfers we remain mindful that the best communities are those which are welcoming, open, inclusive and representative.
On Friday night, we welcomed Mathea Olin and Nate Laverty for the premiere of Northern Tides, showcasing Mathea and Paige Alms' surf trip to Haida Gwaii.
Q&A with Mathea Olin at Surf the Greats. Photo by Josh Laverty.
On Saturday, the surf gods gifted us one of the most perfect beach days ever. The day started with a Beach Yoga session by our teacher Renee Perry-Gore, followed by a clean-up lead by our partners at MEC Outdoor Nation. There were tons of beach games at the Hydro Flask tent and we danced to the tunes of DJ Gimmemar in the Red Bull tent. The fun continued with Flat Water Intro to Surf lessons lead by our instructors Angela Currie, Jenifer Rudzki and our special guest instructor Mathea Olin. It was a beach day packed with smiles and good vibes all around.
Flat Water Intro to Surf with Angela Currie and Jenifer Rudzki. Photo by Aly Ambler
Flat Water Intro to Surf with Angela Currie and Jenifer Rudzki. Photo by Tina Heiss
Flat Water Intro to Surf with Angela Currie and Jenifer Rudzki. Photo by Tina Heiss
After the beach, we moved to the Ashbridges Bay Skate Park where Stephanie Battieste from Babes Brigades lead a special skateboarding clinic. Following her clinic, our crew moved to the outdoor hockey rink at Jimmie Simpson Park for two Carver Sessions led by our instructor Chevaun Botica.
Skateboarding clinic with Stephanie Battieste by Babes Brigade. Photo by Aly Ambler
Skateboarding clinic with Stephanie Battieste by Babes Brigade. Photo by Aly Ambler
Carver Surfskate clinic with Chevaun Botica. Photo by Tina Heiss
Carver Surfskate clinic with Chevaun Botica. Photo by Tina Heiss
On Sunday, the day started bright and early with a Tidal Flow movement class at the shop. After some movement and refreshments provided by our partners at Rip Curl, Antonio taught a special Wave Forecasting Workshop to empower the women in our community to find their own waves.
Tidal Flow movement class with Antonio Lennert. Photo by Daisy Enright
Wave Forecasting Workshop with Antonio Lennert. Photo by Daisy Enright
This event would not be possible without the generous support by our presenting sponsors Rip Curl Canada and MEC Outdoor Nation. We would like to thank our event partners Hydro Flask, Babes Brigade, Carver Skateboards, Red Bull and Muskoka Brewery for their partnership to make this magical weekend a reality.
Flat Water Intro to Surf class with Angela Currie and Jenifer Rudzki. Photo by Aly Ambler
A very special thank you to our event organizer Jenn Dumaran, and to our instructors Angela Currie, Jenifer Rudzki, Renee Perry-Gore, Stephanie Battieste and Chevaun Botica for teaching all the clinics. And last but not least, a huge thank you to our videographer Mike Austin and to our photographers Aly Ambler, Daisy Enright, Tina Heiss and Josh Laverty for documenting all the action. Stay tuned for our She Shreds Winter Edition happening in February.
Words by Antonio Lennert.
Antonio is an ISA-certified surf coach, movement teacher and community builder. He was born and raised in Brazil and graduated from OCAD University with a degree in Graphic Design. Antonio is the founder and CEO of Surf the Greats. Find him on Instagram.
