It’s not news to San Diegans that grannies are living it up on boogie boards. But the international news service Reuters featured them Tuesday, saying they’re “riding the waves like kids away from the sunset. “
An account appeared on the websites of U.S. News & World Report and other clients.
“For these besties,” reported Omar Younis for the British-based agency, “there was no better way to celebrate International Women’s Day on Monday than to surf away their blues together at Solana Beach.”
“It’s exhilarating. There is nothing like being in the water, getting wet, getting cold and loving it,” said 75-year-old Patti Fitchen.
“Look at these great women,” chimed in Christa Stahl, 85, a boogie boarder for almost 20 years. “Nobody’s worried about their hair and makeup or how much weight they’ve gained or lost, they’re just real, you know, it’s really been special.”
The boogie boarding group, with members aged 60-90, was founded by Fran Dyer and friends after she retired and moved to the area.
“We’re not raising children anymore,” Dyer said. “Some of us are retired and we need new friends and we need activities. And I’m 74. I want to be busy every minute.”
Karen Helman, 67, rides her boogie board as she joins a senior women’s group in the ocean waves on International Women’s Day, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Solana Beach, California, U.S., March 8, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Blake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 
Frances Dyer (R) enjoys a boogie boarding session with a women’s seniors group she helps run as they enjoy the ocean waves on International Women’s Day, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Solana Beach, California, U.S., March 8, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Blake 
A senior women’s group hit the beach for a morning boogie boarding session in the ocean waves on International Women’s Day, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Solana Beach, California, U.S., March 8, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Blake 
Jackie Zucker rides her boogie board as she joins a senior women’s group for a morning session in the ocean waves on International Women’s Day, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Solana Beach, California, U.S., March 8, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Blake 
Lora Wheat, 73, laughs as she joins a senior women’s group to ride their boogie board at a morning session in the ocean waves on International Women’s Day, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Solana Beach, California, U.S., March 8, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Blake
For Stahl, riding the waves on her belly is bliss after 85 years of ups and downs.
“To find something to do that makes you forget all that and feel optimistic, I think that’s the toughest part,” she said.
International Women’s Day has been recognized since the early 1900’s to inspire women and acknowledge their contributions, according to the International Women’s Day website.
— Reuters contributed to this report.
