Audrie’s Story
At Salted Roots, some of our most powerful stories begin with a single moment of courage, stepping onto the sand, showing up for oneself, or saying “yes” to something new. Many of the volunteers who now help hold and shape our community began right where our participants begin: curious, excited, nervous, and not yet sure if the ocean had a place for them.
Audrie was one of those people. What started as a first surf session in our Alameda Newbie program became the beginning of a deep relationship with the ocean and a journey that would eventually bring her back as a volunteer helping others take their very first waves.
Below, in her own words, is Audrie’s story.
“I’ll never forget my first day with Salted Roots, circling up on the sand with strangers who would soon become my ocean family. I had always wanted to surf in the Bay Area, but the ocean felt intimidating—and I didn’t know where to begin or who to go with. The dominant surf culture often felt exclusive and unwelcoming, making it hard to imagine a place for someone like me in the lineup. That all changed when I found Salted Roots. Immediately, I felt at ease. Here was a space centered around community, joy, and our own needs. A place where beginners weren’t just welcomed—we were celebrated.
“The first sessions in the Alameda Newbie and the Soul Surfer Programs were pure magic. I remember laughing and screaming with joy as volunteers pushed me into wave after wave. I felt like a kid again—completely present, free, and alive. Salted Roots opened up a whole world of possibilities. I had lived by the Pacific Ocean for more than 15 years, yet I had never truly entered it. This community helped me reclaim that relationship with the ocean—and with myself.
“What made it even more special was the way Salted Roots taught me how to surf in a way that felt completely safe and supportive. From learning the basics of pop-ups and turning to simply getting comfortable in the water, the volunteer surf facilitators encouraged me every step of the way. It wasn’t just about the technical skills—it was the environment they created: grounded in care, consent, and play. It was a space where I felt like I could truly learn, mess up, and grow without judgment. A truly rare and beautiful kind of learning environment.
“Now, I get to be part of co-creating that same magic for others. I’ve returned for my second season with Salted Roots, this time as a volunteer boogie and surf facilitator. It feels incredibly special to stand alongside new participants—supporting those early nerves, celebrating their first waves and wipeouts, and witnessing them fall in love with the ocean, held by a community that truly sees and supports them.
Salted Roots isn’t just about surfing. It’s about healing, joy, and connection. It’s about remembering what it feels like to play. It’s about community. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of this wave.”
