Pink Diva Dispatch - July Edition

Aloha Divas!

You’re reading the very first edition of the Pink Diva Dispatch — your monthly moment of calm, courage, and community. Whether you found us through the Ocean Affirmations Journal, a YouTube video, or a friend’s nudge, we’re so happy you’re here.

Each month, we’ll share handpicked inspiration, gear, wellness tools, and stories from women like you — who are choosing joy, challenge, and sisterhood after 50.

From the Founder:

“I started Pink Divas Surf Club because I believe the second half of life isn’t about slowing down — it’s about riding a bigger, bolder wave...” Carol Ann Martin, Founder - Pink Divas Surf Club

Hi! I'm so happy to be sharing this first edition of the Pink Diva Dispatch with you. Since I started surfing 13 years ago at 45, I have had a vision to create a welcoming and supportive space for mature woman to enter the ocean - and their next phase of life.

In 2012, after an exhausting divorce, with a new 50/50 custody arrangement with my ex, I didn't know what to do with my every other weekends off. I had suddenly become a part-time empty nester - sorta.

So I began driving over to Cocoa Beach, Florida every other weekend. And then I took a surf lesson. And then I met Jackie, who was learning how to surf too, and she was 50. We even had the same Wavestorm soft top boards!

And the rest is just waves... Lots and lots of waves. Lots of wipeouts, failed popups, pearling my board, missing takeoffs, and unexpectedly, some unwelcoming vibes in the water from experienced surfers. Every time I entered the water, I felt I needed to prove my worthiness to share the waves. Eventually, I did. But it took a while. What helped most was the inspiration and friendship Jackie offered - surfing over 50 - and killing it. Watching her - I knew I could do it too.

As I started attending surf retreats in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico, I noticed there were lots of women in their 40's, 50's and even 80's!! learning to surf, and experiencing some of the same issues of self doubt and self consciousness in the water. That's when I realized there was an unmet calling for a community of ocean loving women seeking supportive surf sisters as well as just overall support for the midlife waves of life.

The name "Pink Divas" is inspired by the movie Grease. Those chicks in the 50's in the Pink Ladies Club were hot, rockin, and salty. I like to think of the Pink Divas as like the Pink Ladies - but all grown up. Still hot, still rockin, and still very salty...

Stay salty, Pink Divas.... And I'll see YOU in the lineup!

🌺 Until Next Month...

Thank you for being here. The sea has a rhythm — and so do we. See you in August’s edition with more stories, tools, and updates on exciting things ahead.

Love, Waves, & Sea Spray,

Carol Ann

Founder, Pink Divas Surf Club

P.S. If this story resonates with you, comment and share your surf (or life) story. Or follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pinkdivassurfclub/ and join the vibe!