Doug Maudlin's feature on the California Coast Girls Surf Club ran in the May 19, 1963, issue of the Los Angeles Times.

Although most boys are reluctant to admit it, some girls are good surfers. Proving this isn't the main goal of the California Coast Girls Surf Club, but the girls are proving it just the same, says Pat McVey, club president.

The club was formed nearly two years ago and comprises 14 South Ray area girls whose ages range from 13 to 18. The main purpose of the group is to upgrade the reputation of the sport by helping with community cleanup projects and the like.

"I wouldn't say we're better surfers than boys," savs Miss McVev, 16. a Bishop Montgomery High School student, "but we aren't as had as they think we are either. Most girls who surf apparently don't take the sport seriously. They paddle around and get in everyone's way. Consequently, the boys tend to lump all girls in the same category."

Paddling a heavy, cumbersome surfboard through the surf doesn't present an insurmountable obstacle for girls—except in extra heavy surf, she says.

One club member, Josette Lagardere. recently won a first-place trophy in the women’s division at a Santa Monica surfing contest. A number of other girls also have won trophies at various contests.

The girls now are pointing for contests at Playa del Rey and Doheny Beach in Orange County later this month.

Club members meet every other week at a member’s house to discuss surfing, see films and plan surfing trips The girls camped out one weekend at Doheny Beach with two mothers chaperoning.

This summer the girls hope to take a week-long trip to a beach at San Miguel, Mexico. They plan to sponsor a dance to finance the trip.

Torrance police officer Bill Joseph, and Hoppie Swarts, president of the United States Surfing Association, act as advisers to the club.

 They meet in groups of two or three or more to do their surfing.

Miss McVey says she knows of only one other girls' surfing club in the area—the Piling Peakers. who operate out of the Torrance Beach area.

"SOUTH BAY GIRLS TAKE TO RIDING THE SURF," LA TIMES (1963)

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