Women Making Waves member Thays Franca with organizer and founder Emily Jones (center) and co-member Erin Taylor ready for their next adventure.
Women Making Waves member Thays Franca with organizer and founder Emily Jones (center) and co-member Erin Taylor ready for their next adventure.
Imagine exploring nature under the moonlight or paddling within feet of dolphins, manatees, turtles and tropical fish.
These expeditions are real for the ladies of Women Making Waves, a paddle-boarding excursion community who propel themselves down the waterways into islands surrounding New Smyrna Beach, Ormond-by-the-Sea, Port Orange, Oak Hill and throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. The women get more than just beautiful imagery, exercise, leisure time and adventure; they get camaraderie and lifelong friendships.
Emily Jones, founder of Women Making Waves, moved to Florida from Arizona in 2014 and worked in corporate America for most of her young life. Always an entrepreneur, she decided to do something different with her life after her corporate job went under.
With the courage to change her path, she started Paddle Florida Now, a paddle board/kayak rental and touring company. It was her dream to have a business where she could be around the water, meet friends, and support her community.
“I didn’t know anyone or have family here and I wanted to be outside, have fun and make friends and Women Making Waves to me was that platform,” Ms. Jones said. “After starting my business, it was a hard to get my foot in the door and with a lot of already established companies and not a lot of women, it was tough. So I created a women’s only group, a safe space where women could get together. The first week three people showed up, the next week 18 women showed up and now we have over 3000 members from all over Florida and even some women fly in from out of state.”
Ms. Jones established WMW in March 2016 and admits it was through a bit of loneliness and wanting to make friends with similar interests. She posted a detailed description of her event on social media; to paddle to an island, sip a little wine and it turned into an opportunity for people to connect, share their stories in a place where women can be comfortable, seen and speak about their lives.
“We paddled out to an island, sat in a circle and I brought wine and snacks. There are only two rules, no gossiping and no man bashing,” Ms. Jones said. “Everyone paddles at their own pace, there’s no rush. Some people may think they weigh too much or it’s not for their age, size or skill level, but no one cares about your size, marital status or what you drive. You don’t have to be a mom, a wife or whatever we are on land, none of that stuff really matters … we’re just women sharing our stories and supporting each other.”
The ladies joke it’s like a grown up sorority, without the cattiness and no judgment; you can say anything, wear anything and just be yourself.
Becoming part of a movement and community of like-minded, independent women was crucial for Kelly Fordham.
“WMW was instrumental for me following my divorce. I joined her group and as a result met some amazing women who have become close, and I think lifelong friends,” Ms. Fordham said. “Emily is upbeat, encouraging and fun. I learned how to SUP (Stand up Paddle Board) and instantly became hooked! I’ve paddled some amazing places and almost all of the springs with her group.
Community involvement also is a plus, she said. “We just did an event, Surfers for Autism, which was a humbling, incredible experience, which I will be doing annually now. I am forever grateful to her for being the catalyst I needed to become who I am today.”
Women from their mid 20s to 80s have joined and the average age is from 45 to 50. The group is for all skill levels, all ages, sizes, single, married, empty-nesters and those who have a lot in common to those who have nothing in common. Women have that "ah-ha" moment and discuss work-life balance, being a mom, a partner or a spouse, and a professional sometimes all rolled into one. Women juggle many roles with the societal expectations to "do it all." It is in these groups they can be vulnerable and real and share commonalities.
“I found this wonderful group five years ago when I decided I wanted to try paddle-boarding. Emily hosted a paddle to an island where a group gathered around to share stories, drink wine and eat snacks. What’s not to love about that? I was hooked!” Maureen Hale said. “Women Making Waves has enriched my life with friendships, support, encouragement, and a community of resources and volunteer opportunities and adventures.”
In October, WMW will host the “Pink Paddle” for breast cancer awareness with donations going to the cancer society. November will be a women’s retreat weekend filled with yoga, paddling the rivers, eating at local restaurants and ending with a beach party and bonfire.
In December at the “Christmas Paddle” there will be prizes for best dressed mermaids, Rudolph’s and Santa’s on skis and the like. And in January their “Intentions for the Year” bonfire and dinner will commence.
“Our group does a lot of volunteerism and right now we are working with the Legacy Housing Project, (legacyhousingproject.org), a program for young women who aged out of foster care,” Ms. Jones said. “The project provides guardians and a safe place to for these girls and keeps them on track. It keeps these girls out of sex trafficking and gives them a safe place to get them through college and help them become adults … an incredible local non-profit.”
Every year WMW sponsors the Legacy House Projects gala in November and dives into raising money. The Legacy Housing Project is raising funds to providing a ranch for boys. This will offer young men and women housing for those aging out of foster care.
“We sponsor Surfers for Autism and our group goes to Volusia and Flagler events to encourage kids to get out on boards and onto the waves. We have 20-30 women who volunteer for this worthwhile cause,” Ms. Jones said. “Save Blue Paradise is another non-profit organization dedicated to taking care of the ocean. We help with beach and water clean-ups.”
The Women Making Waves tribe members have branched out and are making waves in other their communities and in their lives.
“Women making waves is such a healing and empowering community. It's a great way to get outdoors and get involved while making some of the best friends you could ever ask for. Emily brings a light and immense joy to all of her events,” Taresa Ward said. “Emily and this community (of women) are really such gifts to the area and the waves we make in this network spread all over the United States and further throughout all our travels. I've met amazing people from all over while paddling some of Florida's most gorgeous springs. Getting involved in women making waves is truly a blessing and an unforgettable experience.”
For more information, visit wmwmovement.com.
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