Send us a Text Message.Growing up in Orange County, Ben loved to spend time in the water. However, as he grew up transgender, the revealing nature of swimwear eventually made him uncomfortable and led him to give up his time in the ocean. It wasn’t until he moved back to Orange County from San Francisco in 2010 that he was encouraged to get back into surfing.In San Francisco, Ben found a strong sense of acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. The freedom to be open and authentic about his identity was transformative, and it inspired him to reconnect with surfing and begin shaping his own boards.Ben is passionate about inclusivity and accessibility in the surf industry. By sharing his story, he inspires others to pursue their passions, regardless of perceived limitations.Main Themes:Transgender Experience in Sports: "So it's weird that it was something that I wanted to do, but being transgender, when I hit puberty, like, that wasn't cool with me. Swimming things that I loved. You wear things that are rather revealing. Wetsuits, bathing suits." - Ben SotoSacred Surfboards and Economic Disparity: "There was a reason why the Hawaiians thought, is something sacred when they made surfboards. Not just anyone could make a surfboard. You had to be a priest. And there were rituals and ceremonies, there were launching parties, and it was a special thing. And it's gone from this wholly sacred thing that we took from these people and now make millions while they live in poverty." - Ben SotoSurfing and Spirituality: "When I go surfing and when I'm in the ocean, that is the closest I truly feel you can get to God's energy and the energy of the universe that flows within everything. When you catch that wave, that sensation, that feeling, there ions flying and atoms swirling around you in this energy that is coming from thousands and thousands of miles and the energy is what you're riding. This thing that's created and it comes all this way and at the very last moment of its energy, you get to play with it." - Ben SotoResources:Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.Shop Dip and get FREE shipping with the code "confessions" at checkout at Dipalready.comFollow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurfladyFollow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membershipFollow Ben on Instagram @sotosurfcraftVisit Ben's website sotosurfcraft.comSupport the Show.Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com