Last night, it was raining in Montreal. Luckily, we got an injection of sunshine… It was Erika Drolet’s SURF book launch party at the Savsav.
A white surfboard lay against the restaurant’s large mirror, and guests, with a glass of wine or a beer in hand, drew little women surfing big waves, seashells, suns and girl power of every color.
The Savsav is packed to the rafters, mostly with women clutching their books to their hearts, all of which Erika has autographed, laughing with the energy of a summer afternoon. We notice her right away, because Erika is sunkissed and incredibly at ease, and we all want to be like her.
Girls who surf
For ten years now, Erika has been organizing surf and empowerment retreats for women in all the best surf spots on the planet: Bali, El Salvador, Hawaii, Morocco, Ecuador… Of course, when she talks about them, she names the spots; El Zonte, Montanita, Siargao.
When I ask her why she only works with women, she tells me that she grew up with a love of sport, but that the world of sport is predominantly male. She was a bit of a tomboy, and wanted to create a space for surfing without the male gaze, between girls – with the sisterhood and sense of freedom and security that brings.
That’s how I feel, surrounded by women who laugh out loud, throw themselves into Erika’s arms and talk to everyone, sitting cross-legged on the Savsav’s big pink sofas – and also when I chat with her mother who runs the book sales table, guiding the girls to the end of the table where Erika signs them.
SURF and Salty Souls
SURF, the book, is a kind of guide for novices and the not-so-new to surfing, which Erika likens to a “mafia” with the ocean as church and arena. There are also tips, spots and sublime photos taken in the last 10 years of Salty Souls, her surf retreat company for women.
It’s not all surfing, and the women who spend 8 days with Erika at this summer camp are mostly novices or near-novices. They also practice yoga,empowerment, volcano walks… It’s a retreat of self-discovery, challenge and adventure – drawing strength from sisterhood and sport.
Next dates here…
When I ask Erika where the best surf spots are right now, she tells me everything close to the equator – South America, Morocco, Hawaii. It’s raining outside, but I’m already feeling warmer, and I can smell the sunscreen and ocean salt. I buy the book, and want to sign up for one of her upcoming surf retreats right away – for sun, for sport and for sisterhood.
Erika, in her speech to celebrate the launch of SURF, reminds us that it’s “impossible to catch a big wave by looking at it. You have to get out there and- paddle paddle paddle paddle…”
The book is published by Parfum d’Encre and available online and in bookshops across Quebec!
Enjoy the wave!