Amy Reda is a dear longtime friend of Seea. An incredible surfer, friend, and mother, Amy was kind enough to sit down and share her honest and helpful tips about how to get back surfing postpartum. There is no set timeline for when you have to start surfing after having a child, we want you to know that you can start surfing again if and when you're ready. We want to empower everyone to get back into the water and remind you to give yourself some grace throughout the process.
{Amy Reda doing both, having time with her kids and getting in a cross step or two! Surfing in the Bobby shorts and Bobby bikini top.}
Words by Amy Reda
Photos by Cara Bram
I’m writing this as we’re driving back to Orange County from surfing my favorite wave in Santa Cruz, 3 months postpartum, with two kids in tow. Do I still find the chance to do this ‘every day’? No. Do I need to find time every now and then to surf, for my mental health and happiness? Yes, and I do!
I often come across new moms who really want to get back into surfing but think it’s impossible to get back out there or moms who wait years to get back on a board. I’m not here to judge anyone or tell anyone what to do. If you don’t want to surf postpartum, that’s great too! I’m here to offer some tips in order to help you to feel like: it IS possible to surf postpartum!
Tips for Postpartum Surfing Moms:
1. Take your time
Obviously, you want to listen to the advice of your medical provider, on when you can get back out there. I had C sections, and the general advice is to wait 6-8 weeks until engaging in this type of exercise. I definitely waited that amount of time, and found that to be beneficial.
2. Breathe!
While you’re in that waiting period, practice breath work daily! This is so important for gently strengthening your core again. It can also help a lot with postpartum anxiety. You can find lots of breath work videos on YouTube, if you’re feeling lost.
3. Work toward regaining your strength
Practicing the right kind of gentle yoga, after you give birth, is so important for getting your strength back. Postpartum yoga should focus on your core and should never hurt.
4. Ask for support!
The people who actually care about you and are going to help you. And then ask & let those people help you! I had to get out of my comfort zone, and ask for a lot of support.
5. Take it Easy
When you first get back into surfing, surf the easiest board you have, at the easiest wave you can get to… in other words, ease yourself into everything (including surfing). I surfed up until the end of my pregnancy, but I still found it more challenging to stand up on waves right after giving birth. Be easy on yourself! This is especially important to remember if you enter into surf contests, right after having kids… like I have done! I’ve paddled out into contest heats with my kid’s barf in my hair… and sometimes I perform really good & sometimes I do really bad, and all I can say is “I’m really glad I got to paddle out & catch a wave or two for myself, to recharge!”
6. Bring your baby!
Bring your baby to the beach if you can, for breastfeeding right before, maybe halfway in between, and after surfing. This will help ease any breast pain, from laying on milk-filled breasts while paddling out. It will also allow you to surf longer ;). I realize not everyone has the privilege; but consider hiring a babysitter to hold your baby/watch your kids on the beach, if your partner or friends can’t.
Seea tip: Check out the organization Surfing Moms, a supportive network building community and collective care through surfing meet-ups!
Check to see if they have a group in your area that you can join. Members enjoy time together at the beach swapping childcare and surf sessions.
7. Keep your baby safe from the sun
And while your new little baby is at the beach, it’s important to think about sun protection! I tend to think the same way for adults as I do for babies: The right kind of sun protective clothing (from Seea of course!), hats and a shade tent or tree should all be considered first. And then apply a good, natural Zinc based sunscreen, where and when necessary. All of this is important for both babies and new moms, who are sensitive to the sun because of changing hormones.
8. Get a good Swimsuit for Breastfeeding.
I’ve also found that it’s a must to invest in the best breastfeeding swimwear/surf wear, which can be found at the Seea! Something that lets you easily access your boob; but still offers support… and some sun protection.
Seea tip: We want you to feel confident in the water and be ready to spend time with your baby on the beach! Check out our Postpartum Collection with breastfeeding and mom friendly swimsuits!
7. Find a support group!
Acknowledge if you have postpartum depression or anxiety, and ask for help. I had this after giving birth to my second child. My support system (and surfing) has really helped me. “Happy Mom. Happy Family.”
{Amy Reda enjoying time with her kids on the beach! She is wearing the San O one piece, a great suits for easy access while breastfeeding. Her kids are wear Doheni Mini Rashguards that are essential for protecting them against harmful sun rays.}
Our bodies and lives are definitely different right after having a baby. And no one’s postpartum experience is exactly the same. My hope is that by sharing these postpartum surfing tips, moms will feel more empowered and will feel like it’s possible to get back into surfing sooner…if that’s what their heart's desire.
Surfing during this postpartum time has given me a connection back to myself, my body and the Ocean. It has uplifted me and strengthened me in ways that nothing else can. Only a surfer knows the feeling, and it’s a feeling that no one should have to give up, if they don’t want to… even if you’ve just added a new baby to your life.
Thanks Seea for supporting us moms during this postpartum phase of life!
Check Out Our Mom-Friendly Collections!
Postpartum Surf Collection- Swimsuits for Breastfeeding and New Moms
Maternity & Bump-Friendly Suits
More on Surfing through Motherhood:
- Surfing During Pregnancy With Ashley Johnson of Aloha Exchange
- Surfing Motherhood: Transitioning from Pro Surfer to Motherhood
- It Takes a Village: Surfing Moms Build Communities of Care
- Gratitude and Grace: 5 Surfer Moms on the Magic of Motherhood
