![[image 1] Surf Sisters with their surfboards in the water [image 2] Surf Sisters sitting by the rocks overlooking the water](https://image.s5a.com/is/image/TheBay/bay-fall-2021-innersurfersisters-2021-09-03-hero?scl=1&fmt=webp&qlt=76)
WIND CHILL
SURF STYLE
(When the Water is 13°)
Photographs by Jeremy Koreski @jeremykoreski
& BRYANNA BRADLEY @bryannabradleyphotography
The coolness of surf culture is ratcheted up even further in Tofino, B.C. where it’s known for having the highest concentration of female surfers in the world – and Surf Sister is its epicenter.
Shop Women’s Fall Essentials →The school’s all-female instructors once welcomed only other women, but years ago, owner Krissy Montgomery explains, they started saying yes to others: families, people with disabilities, and students who preferred their warm and inclusive style. While the cold water culture is shaped by the wetsuit, back on land, surfer style is anything but. It includes vintage tees, Birkenstocks, toques and salty hair.
KRISSY MONTGOMERY
Surf Sister Instructor
Known as ‘Surf Mom’ to staff and friends, rescue dog parent, originally from Nanaimo BC. A pro surfer once told her she was always looking for this community of women, and never dreamed she’d find it in middle-of-nowhere Canada in freezing cold water. It just reaffirmed everything that Surf Sister stands for.
“We surf all winter. The waves get bigger and gnarlier. We just wear thicker wetsuits.”
Hear from Krissy
“The trademark aesthetic is a
plaid shirt, toque, boots and
Birkenstocks. It’s practical
and technical, but there’s an
aesthetic here.”
Alyssa Nico
Surf Sister Instructor
Bartender and entrepreneur, originally from Northern Alberta. She used to travel to Tofino every summer when she was little and always wanted to be a part of the crew.
“Preparing is a mental battle. In the parking lot, I’ll think: whatever happens, happens. If it’s not a great day, at least I’ll have a good paddle session.”
Hear from Alyssa
“My style is feel-good and
androgynous. Boyfriend jeans,
tees, and hats. And there’s
times for more feminine jeans,
high wedges and fitted tees,
too. It’s mood-dependent.”
Jo Humphries
Surf Sister Head Instructor
Longboarder from Torquay, Australia, photographer, world traveler. Being from the surf center of Australia she has surfed a lot of countries but Tofino is the kindest place to surf and to learn. The stereotype of Canada as nice is true.
“Surfing can be body-focused but the wetsuit offers more anonymity — it’s empowering. In a wetsuit, we’re all just seals swimming around.”
Hear from Jo
“I’m learning to dress
Canadian! When I’m not in a
wetsuit or sweatsuit, I’ll be in
blue denim, light-wash – jeans
and oversize tees or linen
pants and a cropped tee.
Always my denim jacket”
Chloe Platenius
Surf Sister Rental Counter
High-schooler, surfing since age 6, Tofino native and considered one of Sister’s strongest surfers. When she gets ready to go out in the water, she listens to J. Cole, NWA and the Beastie Boys to get hyped.
“I surf with a great group of girls. We cheer each other on, but there’s still enough competition to try harder.”
Hear from Chloe
“I wear jeans and I like good
sneakers. I wear tights a lot for
school because they’re
comfortable and stretchy. I
wear a lot of hoodies.”
