DIVA
/ˈdēvə/
pronounced (DEE-VAH)
noun: diva; plural noun: divas
late 19th century: via Italian from Latin, literally ‘goddess’.
a woman who exudes great style, confidence, and personality; not easily influenced by others
For a decade we’ve been building a community in the ocean. Now we’re bringing the ocean to the community.
Our Story
The Salt Water Divas Meetup group was founded in 2012 by Toyo Yamane-Peluso, who began surfing at the age of 46, inspired by her sons’ surfing adventures. At the time, there were very few women in the local lineup so Toyo started the Divas to recruit more women to the water.
Now, 600 strong, the Santa Barbara and Ventura-based group promotes health and wellness through surfing with educational programs, coaching, meetups, scholarships, outreach, and trips.
We are also involved in community service and coastal resource protection in and out of the waves. We participate in beach cleanups, volunteer lessons, sponsor surf scholarships, and are involved in a variety of organizations that help local women without the social and financial support they need.
Our Mission
As the Salt Water Divas have grown, so has our mission. Years ago we began offering scholarships to expand access to the SoCal surf lifestyle for those experiencing economic and social hardship.
Now, entering our second decade and following the helm of our founder, Toyo, an Asian-American Pacific Islander, we are expanding that mission with the goals of bringing racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity into the lineup.
Keep an eye out for upcoming community outreach and scholarships opportunities.
Follow our journey
