Girl Scouts of Miami Lakes-based Troop 248 took on a new challenge perfectly suited to their Florida roots. They all learned to surf at Cocoa Beach, Florida, in October.
Under the leadership of troop leader Adriana Schwinghammer, the girls had been planning this adventure for some time. They camped in tents in an ocean front park for two days, and had scheduled quality instructors to come and teach them.
The woman-run surf company, Surfet, was a great example to the scouts. Surfet brought out nationally-ranked surfer-girls to teach the scouts the basics. In one morning, all learning the important surfing skills, from the paddling out, to picking a wave, the vitally important “Pop Up,” and how to direct their boards.
“I didn’t think I could do it, but then it was great,” said Kristine Kugler. “I rode all the way into shore.”
Within a few hours, each girl scout was picking and riding their own waves on long boards. Throughout the day, the tide receded and the wind increased making for higher and more challenging waves, but the girl scouts conquered the challenges and kept surfing until dusk.
Surfer Chloe Schwinghammer said, “This is the coolest thing ever!”