Meet The Yeasties: Gina Jurlando (founder)

Gina has been surfing for her entire life, but that doesn’t mean she’s good at it.

“When I was a kid and went every day I’m sure I was OK at it, but lots of injuries and neck surgeries later, I’m just happy to be in the water! However, when I moved to Rockaway a few years ago I was terrified to go out alone and get in someone’s way since there are so many great surfers out here.”

Gina learned to surf when she was about 7 years old, being pushed into waves on a 10 ft water logged longboard from the 1970s by her dad. Her whole family are water men and women and she comes from a long line of fishermen, boat captains, and most importantly- surfers! She grew up on Long Island but traveled the world with her hippie backpacker parents as a kid. She moved to Rockaway Beach about 4 years ago.

Gina founded the Yeasty Boys in 2021 when she realized how many other surfers felt the hesitation to paddle out due to a lack of skills or a support system. What started as a joke has turned into an ever-growing group of people who want to help each other grow and progress, no matter what their skill level.

“As a kid I always dreamed of having a few girls to surf with and now I have like 50!”

When Gina’s not in the water she can be found planning weddings or slinging drinks at RBCO. She lives on a barge with her husband, 2 dogs, a hairless cat and a revolving cast of characters. She encourages everyone to join the Yeasty Boys!

Gina is in the process of becoming a certified surf therapy facilitator and looks forward to sharing her education with others.