Surfing has a way of connecting people to the ocean and to each other. For Tawney Ricketts and her daughter Delilah Safran, their mother-daughter surfing bond has strengthened their relationship and created unforgettable memories.
Tawney’s love for the water began early, with swim team practices, Junior Lifeguards, and water polo. After a serious car accident in college, she turned to swimming and prone paddling for recovery. This eventually led her to surfing—a passion she now calls her “number one love.”
Introducing her children to the ocean was more than a goal for Tawney; it was a necessity. “We wanted them to respect and love the ocean, to swim and surf with confidence,” she shares. Starting Delilah on a boogie board before transitioning to a foam shortboard, Tawney encouraged her daughter to build both strength and independence in the water.
One of Tawney’s favorite memories is surfing early mornings with Delilah’s middle school surf team. “The kids would be out surfing, and some of us moms would paddle out at sunrise. Watching them surf and have fun with their friends is unforgettable.”
For Tawney, surfing isn’t just about riding waves; it’s about life lessons. “Delilah understands that the ocean is something greater than us. If respected, it can grant us pure bliss and happiness.”
Her advice to moms introducing their kids to surfing? “Expose them early, but don’t force it. Encourage them to be strong and brave, and remind them they’re capable of anything.”
Delilah’s earliest memory of surfing with her mom is a day at Silverstrand. She recalls facing her fear of the waves and, with her mom’s encouragement, having an amazing time. “She made me go out, and I ended up having a really fun time,” Delilah remembers.
Delilah has learned many lessons from her mom, including how to balance grace and power in surfing. “Not everything has to be a competition,” she says. “There are so many ways to surf, and you can enjoy all of them.”
What Delilah treasures most about surfing with her mom are the smiles they share and the support they give each other. “She lets me take her waves, and we share party waves. Watching her surf and being able to talk to her about it has made our bond even stronger.”
One technique Delilah admires is her mom’s ability to stall gracefully, a skill she has recently learned. “It’s made my surfing more calm and precise. It’s amazing to see how her style has influenced me.”
Surfing has brought Delilah and her mom closer, both physically and emotionally. “The fact that we can do this sport together says so much about our commitment and love for it,” she says.
For Tawney and Delilah, surfing is more than just an activity—it’s the foundation of their adventures and connection. From early mornings in the lineup to the life lessons learned along the way, their bond is a testament to how surfing can bring families closer.
Whether they’re competing in contests or sharing carefree sessions, Tawney and Delilah’s story shows how the ocean inspires connection, builds confidence, and creates lifelong memories.
