When I moved to the Oregon coast, my family and I were 'taken in' by an amazing community of water-people. Being a "water person" isn't just about surfing.... it's about expressing a love for the ocean by trying to explore all of the different ways to experience the ocean's wilderness environment with the greatest levels of respect, care and passion. Surfing, paddling, sailing, diving.... these are only a few of the ways to immerse ourselves (literally and figuratively) and remain connected to this planet, grounded,and feeling like a small part of something that's obviously soooo much bigger than ourselves.
Lately, it's been impossible to ignore some of the issues that society has been facing.... issues like gender equality and human rights.... and environmental issues as large as climate change can feel overwhelming. And yet, I've always felt strangely grounded when I let go of control in environments like the ocean, sky, or mountains. That grounded feeling somehow allows me to focus on trying to do my part; to live my life in ways I feel are positive. Moving to the coast, Kara, Nya and I were super lucky to meet people who inspire us with the way they chose to live.... while spreading as much positivity as they can. Truly living KAVU (Klear Above, Visibility Unlimited) lives.
The Women's Expression Session is a great example of that and how communities can come together to support each other while collectively keeping that momentum moving the right direction.
The Women's Expression Session is an annual event organized by our friends Olivia Schroeder and Meira Cole. These two women are positivity power houses, hubs of our community and both also happen to be ripping surfers. Their love for the ocean is expressed in the way they chose to live......
.... This event makes that obvious.
The idea is to celebrate women's surfing through a family gathering where everyone can participate. Costumes, and a fun competition with prizes for "keenest vibe, best wipeout, and most creative maneuver"... to name a few.... are given for heats surfed in the adult and grom (kids) categories. While the fun competition heats were rolling, surf lessons were being given and group activities like beach cleanups had the crowd collecting any plastic and garbage they could find to try to leave our beaches cleaner than when we arrived. The Surfrider foundation's involvement, along with several local sponsors like Ossies Surfshop, Moment Surfshop, KAVU, OC Eyecare, Pura Vida Surfshop, Kassia Surf, Mo's, Zuglife Surfshop, Gorge Performance, Oregon State Parks, Leboss Surfboards, Ultralife Cafe, and Graece Gabriel Photography among others, showed support and kept the people who showed up super-stoked.
But, most of all..... it was the huge smiles, laughing and solidarity that was the main focus of the day..... as it should be! And.... with perfect weather, warm sand and fun waves.....
It was a KAVU day, Fo Sho!
It was super fun to watch the lessons go down throughout the day. People had traveled from inland to learn and get exposed to riding waves, and to see all ages playing in the water was what it was all about.
But, I think the coolest part for me (by far) was seeing kids in the water with their parents.
It definitely brought back some memories of my own childhood and made me psyched for these young groms to grow up knowing what it means to have a visceral love and connection to our planet, to want to experience it..... and in turn, to perhaps feel strongly about protecting our oceans and environment for their own kids someday.
Of course..... the competition was fierce! After all.... who can have the most fun is a prize everyone wanted to win!
......And, the costumes kept people laughing which made it obvious that everyone was winning.
In the end, the event was a huge success. If you're interested in surfing, the ocean, supporting people regardless of gender, color, sexual preference, or anything else that seems to be cause divisiveness between humans......please come next year!
There's no better way to learn, stay positive, to support community and environmental health than with sand between your toes!
Love and respect to all!
Surfrider Foundation
Olivia Schroeder
Meira Cole
Women's Expression Session
Northwest Wahinis
Grace Gabriel Photography
© 2026 KAVU
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