Carolina Amell

Interview by Glenn Sakamoto

Carolina Amell is the author and designer of “Surf Like A Girl,” a coffee-table sized book filled with stunning photography and stories. Focusing on thirty women surfers from around the world, the book captures the spirit of today’s woman surfer. We had a chat with Carolina to learn more.

Please tell us a bit about yourself...

My name is Carolina Amell. I am a book packager and editorial designer specializing in illustrated nonfiction book for adults. 

I graduated in graphic design and I have been working for many years in advertising as a creative, until the day I was asked to create and make a book. I exclaimed, “A book?” Since then, I haven’t been able to stop! 

I’ve fallen in love with books and the creative side of the publishing industry. Exploring trends in contemporary visual culture, I am dedicated to the creation and publication of titles such as art, design, fashion, and visual culture.

What inspired you to create a woman-specific book on surfing?

I felt the need to feature women who make surfing what it is right now, and to show that women surfers have never been more talented and empowered than they are today.

I wanted to capture inspiring women. Women who are breaking stereotypes. From professional surfers, big wave surfers, longboard surfers, late start surfers, mama surfers, water photographers and shapers.

I wanted to make sure that these women’s voices could be heard and could inspire others with their stories!

Are you a surfer? Can you tell us your favorite board and surf spot?

I am a late start surfer. I’ve started when I was 42. I have always been in love with the sea, I love swimming, I love sailing... but it took me so long to start surfing.

Surfing was on my wishlist but it was not easy to find a way to start. I live by the Mediterranean where there wasn’t a surf culture. I didn’t know anyone that was surfing and Mediterranean waves does not have the best conditions for it.

I finally got the chance to travel to Lanzarote where my husband rented a board, laid it down in the sand. He explained to me how to paddle, how to stand up and sent me straight to the water. Wouuwww!!!!! Yessssss !!!! I fell in love with surfing from the first minute in the water. 

Caleta de Famara is my favorite surf spot and a soft foam surfboard is my favorite board. In the book we feature a mini guide with surf schools and camps for women, for those who want to give it a try themselves.

How did you decide which surfers to include in your book?

That was the most difficult part of the book as there are a lot of women out there that can inspire others! I tried my best to feature women from different ages, different backgrounds and different countries. 

What were some of the challenges you encountered during the process?

The biggest challenge was getting in touch with women from remote places in some parts of the world in Europe and the US. 

The best part is I assumed that a lot of women in so many countries who wouldn’t even think about surfing and I’ve been surprised how surfing is reaching more and more places. There are a lot of women around the world empowering other women. That has made me very happy. We are on the right track!

Who were some of your favorite subjects for this book (and why)? 

I don’t really have a favorite. I just loved getting and reading their personal stories. I’ve learned so much from them.

What did you learn from making this book?

I’ve learned about facing challenges. About being strong and accepting weakness. About connecting with nature and our social and environmental responsibility. About how important it is to listen to ourselves rather than the rules of society. About following our dreams, it doesn’t matter if it is not easy. About being confident in our own skin. About empowerment and creating social bonds between women. And above all: About being grateful.

What inspired you to come up with the title of the book?

The original title for the book was “Girls Surf Too,” but Julie from Prestel made me see how that could be a patronizing title. They suggested “Surf Like A Girl”. They liked its subtle irony and how it played on a previous “Like A Girl” ad campaign in the US. It really conveyed the spirit of female empowerment and confidence that we wanted to promote with the book.

My first reaction was thinking that it sounded pejorative then I realized that “like a girl” had become like an insult.

After seeing the video campaign and hearing a girl saying: “Yes, I kick like a girl, I swim like a girl, I walk like a girl and I wake up in the morning like a girl because I am a girl”. I realized that we could not permit “like a girl” sound like an insult anymore.

I would love that from now on, “like a girl” has nothing to do with something to be ashamed of. In the campaign a small girl is asked “What does “Run like a girl” means to you?” and she answers: “Run as fast as you can.”

What has been the worldwide reception to “Surf Like A Girl”?

It is still too early to know as the book came out in October. But we’ve read some nice reviews. Surfertoday.com wrote, “This book is probably the best title ever published exclusively dedicated to women’s surfing. Get it and enjoy.” and Publishers Weekly said, “Gorgeously photographed.” 

Where can we find your book?

In bookstores or you can buy it online. You can find more info about Surf Like A Girl here.

What’s next for Carolina Amell?

You can expect more awesome books coming soon!

To learn more about Carolina Amell, visit her website here.