The world of surfing has long been associated with a predominantly male image. However, a new wave of female surfers is rewriting the narrative, carving their own path through the waves and forging strong friendships along the way. This group of young women embodies the spirit of female empowerment in its purest form, showcasing a vibrant and empowering perspective on surf culture.
Their camaraderie on the waves and on the sand is a testament to their strength and unity. They challenge traditional perceptions of aggression and competition within surf culture, demonstrating that it can be a space for connection, support, and self-expression. Photographer Sam Spence, with her background in contemporary dance and a passion for capturing movement, captures this unique energy perfectly. Through her lens, we see how these women embrace their femininity while simultaneously harnessing the raw power needed to ride the waves.
Sam Spence, a Korean-American fashion and fine art photographer based in Los Angeles, has always understood the importance of standing out. Growing up adopted in the Midwestern United States after being born in Korea, she turned to the arts as a young girl to express herself. Her work, a powerful blend of art and fashion, challenges beauty standards and pushes boundaries.
This photo essay, a collaboration with a talented team of stylists, makeup artists, and hair stylists, features the captivating talents of Bethany Valverde, Carson Lewallen, Liv Bennett, Piper Graber, Ted Maria O’Connor. It’s more than just a collection of beautiful images; it’s a celebration of female empowerment and the transformative power of surfing. It invites us to reimagine surf culture, to see it through the eyes of these strong, graceful, and inspiring women who are rewriting the rules of the game, one wave at a time.
