Azusa Shiotani is a former professional competitive surfer, and her career started around the ‘90s. She competed in both national and international tours, and she is one of the early figures who greatly contributed to the development of the Japanese female surf industry. Now she runs her own surf school based in Tsujido beach, the Shonan region of central Japan, coaching men and women at all levels. She is also a founder of Aloha Girl Cup, an annual women’s surf contest  whose aim is to connect women surfers who love Shonan.

Pauline Menczer is a former pro surfer, winner of both the 1988 Women's Amateur World Title and also the 1993 Women's World Championship of Professional Surfing. Pauline shines with the strength and determination to overcome any societal or physical obstacle, including autoimmune disease. All photos are by Mala Norris www.epicshotz.com in this feature.

Rita’s imagery is one from a surfers’ deepest dreams. Her eye for the raw environment of Tofino, BC paired with the fantastical layering of colors and textures makes for inspiring art. A talented woman, to say the least, that brings a “neverland” feeling to Tofino, B.C.

I'm not sure to be completely honest. I really like to play around with slow shutter, and I'm also a big fan of moody, but also dreamy. I like to experiment a lot, and I guess the more time I've spent in the water the more comfortable I've become with experimenting.

I had the lovely privilege to connect with these ladies via zoom from across the country to chat about their surf journey as a family of badass, lady rippers.

How does it feel to have such a powerful squad and be so influential in the surf community of Myrtle Beach?

"I've got older friends. My friend started to learn at 52! And I have other friends from work that want to try it, and you're never too old to try it. It's fun! I'll be the first grey-haired woman out there surfing since all the old dudes can do it."

Gwyn Haslock grew up in England and began surfing in the 60s on heavy, wooden Malibu boards. And she hasn’t stopped surfing since. Surfing has evolved and changed over the years, and yet you’ll still find Gwyn in the lineup, patiently waiting for her next wave.