“Having a Third Kid Broke Me”: Surfing Mom Reveals How the Sport Helped Her Put the Pieces of Her Life Back Together With an Empowering Move

Juliana Shallcross is a tenacious spirit in the field of travel journalism and surfing. As a contributing writer, her words have woven stories that traverse continents. Yet, beyond the tales of far-off lands, Juliana’s personal narrative reveals a poignant truth: the journey of parenthood can sometimes be tumultuous. Amid the palm-fringed beaches of Los Angeles, Juliana Shallcross’s path took an unexpected turn.

Her oldest daughter started taking surf lessons in the summer of 2020, and as Juliana floated next to her child, a mysterious spark began to burn within her. Nevertheless, life’s currents can prove unforgiving, especially when coupled with the added responsibilities of a third child. The weight of meeting maternal expectations peaked as she navigated the care of a newborn alongside her two other school-bound darlings. She candidly stated, “Having a Third Kid Broke Me.”

How surfing helped her heal

Amid this sea of familial love, moments of loneliness emerged, echoing the struggle for self-identity within her new role. Yet, as the waves ebbed away, a beacon of hope emerged. An occasional surfer, she discovered herself mentally and physically invigorated with a renewed challenge. According to Condé Nast Traveler, like seabirds flocking together, kindred spirits often find one another even in the vastness of the ocean. Juliana Shallcross’s path intertwined with fellow surf-loving moms. Through mutual struggles and triumphs, these women proved that even the possibility of growth and self-renewal can emerge. Introducing Surfing Moms, an organization of feminine strength and camaraderie.

Founded in 2018 by marine ecologist Elizabeth Madin, Surfing Moms transcends the confines of conventional support systems. With the mantra “Don’t lose your wild,” these moms find solace in the waves. The organization’s roots are grounded in mutual support, where mothers share the responsibility of childcare while embracing the healing power of the ocean. As Madin eloquently phrases it, “To have things in your life that are challenging and adventurous is really important for parents, especially mothers.” Surfing Moms provides a haven where women can navigate their personal challenges, fostering a ripple effect that extends not only to their families but also to the oceans they hold dear.

Changing lives of moms and their families

By extending the therapeutic benefits of self-care to the families themselves, Surfing Moms cast a wider net. As Madin aptly illustrates, Surfing Moms showcases the idea that focusing on personal well-being can have a positive ripple effect on the entire family. This concept is analogous to the advice given to air travelers, who are instructed to secure their own oxygen masks before aiding others. Going beyond just mental advantages, Surfing Moms takes a more profound approach by fostering surf expertise through regular gatherings, disregarding factors like wave size or weather conditions, as highlighted by Elizabeth Madin.

While moms tackle the waves, children play on the shore, crafting sandcastles and savoring the beach. Erin van Liemt, head of the Surfing Moms Santa Monica chapter, cherishes blending her favorite pastime with family fun, shattering the myth of parental sacrifice. This movement surges across the US, from Hawaii to California, New York to New Jersey, uniting parents. Juliana Shallcross, a testament to the community’s influence, finds self-care and triumph in the waves, her struggles a backdrop to euphoric dopamine rushes.

Read more: “Hoping for a Miracle”: As Panic Rises Surfing Icon Kelly Slater Sends a Heart-Felt Message in a Concerning Update

Surfing Moms becomes not only a support system but a source of personal victories in a journey that weaves surfing, family, and empowerment into a single resounding narrative.

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