As a global crew of Land Locked Surfers, one of our goals is to build an archive of Community Leaders passionate about helping others discover the stoke of surfing outside of the ocean. This will help accomplish our vision of having an accessible point person for each surf community, location, and discipline. For example, if you live the United States, especially in the Georgia region, and you are trying to get into inland surfing then Ashley Harel is our recommended resource for you. Her inland surfing network runs deep in Georgia and she is passionate about sharing with others the stoke she finds out on the water!
For questions about surfing in Georgia it’s best to contact Ashley through her Instagram: @ashleytheskateboardingnurse
Let’s get to know Ashley, your Georgia surf connection!
Q: Give us some background, who is Ashley Harel?
Ashley: I am 28 years old and currently living in Atlanta GA. I was born in Connecticut, and grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. I received my nursing degree in Charleston, SC in 2012 then moved to Atlanta a month later. I grew up skateboarding, snowboarding,
Q: How and when did you get into Surfing in Georgia?
Ashley: In 2015 my good friend introduced me to Thursday Surf Nights with Jenny and Perry from Pull Water Sports. I went out with them that summer about 9 times then entered my first wake surf nationals that year. When I started wake surfing I was instantly addicted. I was so amazed that there was an endless wave! As a skateboarder, once started seeing all the tricks that were possible it made me even more excited to learn everything I could about wake surfing.
Q: Through your eyes describe the surf scene in your area, what are you doing to help it grow?
Ashley: The Surf scene in Atlanta and the surrounding area is booming with a constant flow of new and experienced wake surfers. At multiple lakes including, Allatoona, Lanier, sinclair, and more! People are out on the water every week all year long. We have many people to surf with on each lake. Two big surf nights we have are with Danny B, from Allatoona Adventures, near little river marina on Lake Allatoona, and Thursday Surf nights with Jenny and Perry from Pull Water sports on Lake Lanier. They both offer board demos, and Perry offers Tige boat demos. Jordan (@wolfe.jordan) and Taylor wolfe (@taylor_wolf3) also offer lessons as pro riders in wake surfing. They are located on Lake Sinclair and can be contacted through instagram as well as email and by phone. I, myself, offer lessons on the south end of Lake Allatoona at Holiday Harbor Marina. Lessons and introducing new people to the sport is how I am helping the surf scene grow in the greater Atlanta area. In the last two years I have introduced over 50 people to wake surfing.
Q: In Georgia, what are few types of inland surfing riders are taking advantage of, which is your favorite, and why?
Ashley:
- Wake Surfing – This is by far my favorite because I feel it is most closely related to ocean surfing.
- Flo-rider
- Stand-up paddle boarding
Q: As a Locked Surfing Community Leader, what are your areas of expertise new riders should ask you about?
Ashley: If you need a place to surf, rent/buy gear, get lessons, set up your boat or just have questions about a specific trick, Im your girl!
Q: What drives you to get better everyday?
Ashley: Surfing is so much fun and a very safe sport. The feeling of cruising on your board over the water and landing new tricks is like no other. Its a rush of excitement, accomplishment, and happiness all at once. It’s addicting because there is always something new you can learn. What drives me to surf better everyday is pure excitement and fun!
Q: What are your surfing/life goals for this year?
Ashley: My surfing goals for this upcoming season are to learn as many tricks as I can and maybe even invent some new ones. I’d love to compete well in the outlaw division and also establish more relationships with all my fellow wake surfers ! My life goals are to keep being a good nurse, wife, friend, and person. I want to spread surfing, skating, and all things that I am passionate about to others, so they can feel the joy of these amazing sports as well.
Q: In your world of surfing, who do you look up to most and why?
Ashley: This is always a hard question because there are so many great surfers and people out there. The two people that inspire me the most are John Ackerman and Jodi Grassman. They are both great surfers that are constantly pushing the limits of the sport, but the most inspiring thing about them is that they are humble and kind. I love both of their outgoing spirits and their love for board sports.
Q: Outside of land locked surfing what are your other passions?
Ashley: Oh man this is a loaded question for me lol. I have so many passions and many of them came before wake surfing. My biggest passion besides surfing is skateboarding. I have been skateboarding since I was 9 years old and its given me a little head start with wake surfing. I also enjoy snowboarding, ocean surfing, dirt biking, irish hurling, basketball, climbing, parkour, running, videography, photography, traveling, playing music, and art. Overall, I just enjoy trying new things, and exploring the world. I love being outside in the sun and trying anything that looks fun!
Q: What is something funny very few people may know about you?
Ashley: Okay I am going to be completely honest with this question, and see how many people still want to be my friend after sharing this stuff,haha, so hear goes: I love to make animals noises and impressions. The Chicken is probably my best one, but I have many more. I am really really good at running on all fours. I enjoy eating raw garlic, especially when I feel bad haha. Basically I am really goofy and dorky. I enjoy reading medical books in my free time and researching things about health.
Questions about surfing in Georgia? Best to contact Ashley through her Instagram: @ashleytheskateboardingnurse
