The W&M Surfing Club was originally started by Jas Short in the late '80's, who ran the organization long ago. Rumors have it that Jas and other members were able to fund a club trip to Costa Rica during his days as captain. Although Jas's legacy eventually died, the club was made official again at the beginning of Spring Semester, 1999, when Gareth Morgan and Elizabeth Manos re-activated the organization. Although difficult to start the club in the middle of winter, there were still about 20 people on the listserve and a handful of interested students. The next few years of the club were dominated by WM surfers Tim Montgomery, Kevin Thompson, James Jackson, and Drew Zailik. They were the core group of WM surfers who ripped it year round, from the Fall 'Cane season to the cold winter months.
      Today, the club is still strong, and is comprised of an enthusiastic group of surfers. At the beginning of every Fall semester, the club is advertised at the Activities Fair and more interested students join the group. In addition to our frequent surf trips to Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks, we have also teamed up with other east coast surfing clubs on trips to North Carolina or to Maryland.
      The W&M Surfing Club provides a great outlet for surfers of all skill levels. Our primary goal is to promote the sport and allow others the chance to enjoy the challenge and thrill that surfing provides.

      Any students that are interested in joining the W&M Surfing Club should contact Drew Zailik, so that we can sign you up on the roster and add you to our email group (or list-serve). The list-serve is the way we inform both members and nonmembers of upcoming trips and meetings, as well as the surf conditions.
      Club trips are usually once or twice a week. Drivers will email out to the list when they are organizing a trip. If you want to go, just email the driver to make arrangements. On the day of the trip, remember to bring gas money as a courtesy to the drivers.

      Boards and wetsuits are highly recommended for those interested in joining the Surfing Club, however, it is possible that extra boards and wetsuits will be available. During the winter and spring seasons, wetsuits are necessary, and since there are no surf shops in VA Beach that rent out wetsuits, it will be difficult to surf in the winter and spring unless you already have a wetsuit or are willing to buy one ($150+). Boards, on the other hand, can be rented for $25 a day with a cash deposit or credit card from WRV and other shops in VA Beach. This makes it possible for those who have never surfed before (or those without equipment) to go on trips when the water is warm enough. Although our services are somewhat limited now, as our funds increase we hope to have more equipment available to those who need it.

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