Empowering Women & Girls in our Community

OUR PROGRAMS
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It All Started with a Question…

Spotted in the waves off Folly Beach, our founders watched a fellow female surfer and wondered:

How is she so confident?

In a traditionally male-dominated sport, we realized that women needed a safe space to grow. We created Waves 4 Women, a nonprofit, to provide that strength in numbers.

There is strength in numbers to try new things and grow. As a team, we created clinics to build confidence and connection in the waves through wellness skills so we can thrive together!

More than Just Surfing

Surf therapy is the intentional combination of wellness education, professional surf instruction and mindfulness. We use the ocean as a classroom to help participants discover personal strengths and a true sense of belonging.

Skill Building

Professional group surf instruction tailored to all levels.

Wellness Discussions

Guided conversations on overcoming adversity and growth mindsets.

Community

Developing healthy relationships in a safe, supportive "pod" of women and girls.

Ride the Wave to a Stronger You

Participants don't just leave with a new hobby, they leave with life skills:

  • Emotional Resilience: Learn to manage anxiety, fear & discomfort

  • Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment without judgment.

  • Growth Mindset: Reframe negative self-talk and set healthy goals.

  • Connection: Increase trust in yourself and your community.

Meet the Team

Erin Jones

LISW-CP
Co-Founder & Board member

Sarah Butler

Executive Director
& Legal Counsel

Jennifer Hamrock

Surf &
Programs Director

Kathie Watson

Wellness &
Social Media Director

  • Sarah recently retired from her 25-year legal practice & started her new role as Executive Director & General Counsel for the non-profit Waves 4 Women. Sarah is so excited to be a leader for W4W !

    When Sarah was in private practice, she was a civil defense attorney and enjoyed construction litigation and personal injury defense. She is a proud Past President of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association (SCDTAA). Sarah received numerous awards during her 25 year practice such as Leader in Law and Influential Women in Law. 

    A frequent public speaker, Sarah has presented on many legal topics but in recent years her speaking engagements have focused on ethics and mental health. She has presented on topics such as Diversity & Inclusion, Civility in Legal Practice, Work Life Balance, Working Women, Burnout & Stress, Mental Health & Wellness. Sarah’s personal experiences with stress, mental health & wellness and her love of the ocean lead her to the Waves 4 Women community. 

    Sarah remains active with the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association. She is also a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute, Litigation Counsel of America, and the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance. Sarah is also a Certified Professional Life Coach, completing her training in 2023, and a Red Cross certified professional lifeguard, completing that training in 2024. 

    In her new role with Waves 4 Women, Sarah is excited to engage and collaborate with other nonprofit organizations and embrace the NPO community in South Carolina. She is dedicated to strengthen funding for its successful programs and to honor the mission, vision and values of the W4W founders. 

    When she is not working, Sarah enjoys life on Folly Beach with her husband, Drew, who is also an attorney, and their four children. Sarah and her family love anything to do with the ocean. They have recently traveled in the Adriatic Sea and the Caribbean Sea and can often be found boating, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking and surfing.