Surf Mama

Wilma John son is an artis t who was brought up in London  and moved to Biarritz . At 5 0 - years old she swapped her husband for a surf board and took up surf ing. Since then she’s set up the Mamas Surf Club with the motto : “Out of the kitchen , into the surf.”

- Nat Fox

Wilma, we believe you’re such an inspiration to beginner surfers, especially those starting out later in life. Did you ever feel that you would get to this point and be featured in SurfGirl magazine?

No – in the beginning all I wanted was just to get to my feet! To start with people were saying, “I dunno Wilma, maybe you should get a boogie board – maybe you’re a bit old.” At one point I did wonder what made me think I could go out there and prove them all wrong – as I was so unfit and terrified of the waves.

But you proved them wrong, and you proved to yourself that you can…