Surf therapy, self love and sisterhood.

Huanchaco, Peru / www.groundswellcommunityproject.com

Photography

Peruvians have been surfing since 500 CE. They are some of the first people to ever surf. But for most of history, it was only the men. Around the world, women have traditionally been responsible for household duties and raising families and have often been excluded from activities like surfing.

Since 2017, Groundswell Community Project, a grassroots surf therapy organization, has been teaching the local women in Huanchaco, Peru how to surf, empowering them to break down traditional gender norms, reclaim their ancestral connection to the sea, and open opportunities for the next generation of girls.

The following photos feature these brave, transformational surfer girls.