Wahine Spotlight on: Barb Knowlton, aka Pinky, co-owner of Forest Beach Designer-Goldsmiths
Windsurfing since:
Well, a little in the 80s.
Surfing since:
2003
Favorite beach for each:
I like to surf in Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, or Ptown -- wherever has the best break for that particular day.
Land life:
My husband, Steve, and I live in Chatham, MA with our daughter Whitney, who is 9. Whitney is growing up to be a wahine herself, really loving surfing; we now call her Pinky Jr. Steve and I own Forest Beach Designer-Goldsmiths, a jewelry shop in Chatham, and we really enjoy making custom jewelry.
Where and why did you start windsurfing/surfing?
I surfed a bit as a teenager, a few times a year when we visited the Cape. Then I read "Jaws", and that was the end of that! A few years ago I began thinking of trying it again. I have always been a water girl; swimming, canoeing, kayaking. I just love being in the water especially the ocean.
Wahine Wisdom for newbies:
Just go out and have fun! Don't get frustrated if you don't get any rides one day, or have trouble learning the next step, it still is great to be out in the ocean with your friends on a beautiful day! Surfing takes lots of practice but is also good exercise, so you can eat more cookies!
Favorite non-wahine activities:
Swimming, running, reading, baking (and eating it), making cool jewelry, hanging out with Whitney and Steve.
Where have you traveled to windsurf/surf/kite?
Greenharbor, Massachusetts has been my only road trip, and that is just a little off Cape. The surf here is great year round. Maybe someday I will make it to California, or Costa Rica. I would love to surf that Malibu wave.
Ever compete? Wanna try?
No, I surf for the fun of it. Competing would make it less fun for me. Surfing is the most fun sport I have ever done!!
Name one or two wahines who have most influenced your windsurfing/surfing/kiting. How?
Cathleen Creedon has really helped me to charge bigger surf. She is fearless!!!
Do you have a favorite piece of equipment?
My pink Pierce and Arrow Noserider which was custom made for me. Good equipment really matters!
What do you like best about CCW?
All the great women of all ages and walks of life who like to surf. There is great camaraderie.