Sommers Surf Lessons

Published in The Dispatch, The Coastal Point, The Wave, OC Today

Local Surfing Instructor Specializes in Teaching Women to Catch Waves

         Michelle Sommers, Executive Director of the Eastern Surfing Association, and a long-time resident of Fenwick Island, has been recognized for years as the area’s premier surfing instructor, offering customized surf lessons for women of all ages.  Through her “women specific” camps and private or small group lessons, hundreds of women throughout the coastal region and beyond  have discovered the sport of surfing in a fun, safe environment, while making many new friends along  the way. 

      “Women often are intimidated when it comes to surfing as it has been viewed as a male-dominated sport for years,” says Sommers.  “Many people would love to be able to surf, but mistakenly believe that surfing is too difficult to learn -- and even if they are interested, they don’t know how or where to begin.  For women, learning the basics from another woman takes away the intimidation factor.”

      Sommers did not begin surfing until she was in her late twenties.  “I always wanted to learn but didn’t feel comfortable paddling out alone.  When I started surfing over 12 years ago, there were very few female surfers to learn from or with.  From my six years of teaching surfing to women, I have learned that they enjoy doing new things together, and this mutual support makes the experience memorable and fun. 

     “Women who are learning to surf feel comfortable with me. As a woman, I understand their fears and frustrations,” said Sommers.  “There were not any women surf instructors that I knew of when I began the sport so I had to learn techniques by watching and surfing with men surfers.” Women who are new to surfing are encouraged even more today by seeing so many other women in the surf. 

Local Ocean City resident, Hilary Trader, discovered surfing last summer.  She said, “Michelle is a natural teacher and coach, she makes you feel relaxed and confident while pushing you to a new level of your own abilities.  Not only is she incredibly skilled in her talents but she truly finds so much joy in watching each and every one of her students get up on the surf board for the first time.  I feel so incredibly lucky to have found Michelle as she made me feel safe and taught me a new sport that I have grown to love."

     “The best part of my job now,” adds Sommers, “is that I have met hundreds of amazing women who have taken my classes. I have been able to pass on my love and skills in surfing, and I have maintained close friendships with many gals who I continue to teach and surf with.”  Through Sommers’ role as the executive director of the Eastern Surfing Association, the nation’s largest amateur surfing organization, she knows how rewarding surfing can be at every level.

     Sommers’ surf camps are offered on several weekends throughout the summer as well as “refresher” camps for students who haven’t been in the water since last season.  “There is a lot of information that surfers must be aware of including safety, etiquette, and proper technique.  It’s always important to be reminded of this prior to paddling out,” says Sommers.  Lessons are offered seven days per week throughout the summer, dependent on surfing conditions and the weather.

     Sommers works with local photographer, Sarah Schwind, of De Vita Photography by Sarah Schwind, to offer Sommers’ surf camp participants great keepsakes and memories of their first surfing adventure.  “Sarah is so talented in capturing the enthusiasm of the camp participants.  Everyone wants one good photo of themselves riding waves, and Sarah offers this -- and so much more,” adds Sommers.  “Even the Assateague ponies come and pose for her photos.”  Schwind will be offering group surf photo sessions throughout the summer for those who want to capture their surfing style and want beach portraits.

     Sommers has taught surfing lessons for women into their sixties as well as lessons for children and men.  She said, “I enjoy teaching entire families to surf.  This is very rewarding as it’s something they will be able to do together forever.”  Sommers’ husband, Jay, also surfs and owns several bicycle shops in the beach area, while their two young sons, Kai and Kade, enjoy catching waves as well.  Sommers explains, “Our family time is spent at the beach in the ocean.  There’s nothing better than that!”

Check out these publications where Michelle has been featured:

Michelle is honored to have been selected as one of Athleta's Featured Athletes! Catch up on all of Michelle's blogs about surfing.



Michelle is proud to be included in Girl Museum's online Surfer Girl exhibit that was post Fall 2014

High Tide News - Aug. 2016

The Daily Times - Feb 2015

The Daily Times & Worcester Times Press - October 2014

The Daily Times - 6/28/14

The Daily Times - 6/16/14

Michelle named Executive Director for the Eastern Surfing Association (Press Release - Apr 2012)

Michelle profiled in Delaware Beach Life Magazine (July 2012, pages 28-31)

Michelle was honored as one of The Dispatch's Young Professionals (Aug 2011)



Michelle named as a 2011 Featured Athlete for Athleta (Jan 2011)

Michelle invited by OluKai to attend their 3rd Annual Ho'olaule'a  (Mar2011)

Michelle featured inShore Life Magazine (Jul 2011):

Michelle featured in Family Time magazine (Summer Two issue 2011):