By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
It was the summer of 2020 and Kristin Manchin and her family were doing what they love to do: surfing. The proud mom watched her three boys paddle out and ride the waves on their bellies, trying hard to stand up. And when they did, she cheered her heart out.
Another woman who was enjoying the beach with her family said how impressed she was that Manchin’s children surfed. When Manchin asked if the woman’s children could surf, the woman hesitated. “We don’t know how, and I don’t know how they would learn,” she said.
At that moment, Manchin had a vision. The Manchin family would soon create Raising Surfers, an online jewelry and merchandise marketplace that donates a portion of its proceeds to fund surfing lessons all over the country.
South Jersey locals already donate to surf shops like Seventh Street and Heritage, which host giveaways for surf instruction. But Manchin had bigger ambitions, hoping to have a broader impact in different ways.
Whether through surf lesson giveaways at other surf shops trade arrangements, Raising Surfers has a mission is to support swimming and surfing education from coast to coast.
“Our goal is to break the stigma that you have to know what you’re doing to surf,” the Cape May Court House said. “Especially in these dark times, we want to give people permission to simply be. They don’t have to be the best, or even stand up. There is something deep and rich and awesome about just being a part of the waves.”
Raising Surfers offers a diverse line of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that reflect the seashore theme in name and style. Examples include The Shoreline bangle bracelet, The Lola necklace and the Mother Gypsea, honoring Sue McElwee, who creates stunning shell art on the beach in Ocean City. Fittingly, her namesake is a necklace with a golden shell.
Manchin designs her own jewelry which is produced by various manufacturers. It’s hypoallergenic, tarnish-free and waterproof. The business also sells surf dog collars, tube socks and Raising Surfers apparel.
“I wanted to create beautiful pieces that honored important things in my life,” said Manhcin. “These are good quality pieces at reasonable prices that last for years to come.”
In the winter, Raising Surfers funds swimming lessons for people who have not had the privilege of learning to swim and perhaps are fearful around water. Drowning is one of the top causes of death in children. After being personally touched by this kind of tragedy, Manchin decided that teaching swimming had to be the first step in her mission to promote surfing.
Raising Surfers merchandise can be found in local stores, including Wild Phoenix in Ocean City and Pou Hana, a boutique that will open this spring in Somers Point. You can also follow Raising Surfers on Facebook and Instagram and on their website at raisingsurfers.com.
“Whenever we surf, I always think of my dad, who loved spending time on the beach,” said Manchin. “Everything we do and pass on to the next generation, I know that I am making him proud. It’s a part of our family tradition and I hope it becomes a part of yours.”
Sarah Fertsch is a writer and artist who has recently moved back to South Jersey. She loves satire, a good cup of coffee, and exploring new places.
