We are so honored to introduce you to one of our long-time ocean muses, a creative powerhouse and fellow female founder, Erika Drolet. She is a long time traveler and surfer who embodies the words transparent, focused and free. She's the co-founder of the Salty Souls, an online community that's blending together fitness and freedom, empowering women to reconnect with the ocean, their bodies, and their true selves. All reasons we've felt connected to Erika for a while now.
Join us as we explore the transformative power of community, nature and courage in this interview with the beautiful Erika.
What does being in the ocean mean to you?
Every part of me loves being immersed in water, salted or fresh. I truly believe there's a chemical reaction that happens—a kind of alchemy where water transforms my state on a cellular level. It calms me or energizes me, depending on the day. The ocean humbles us; it strips away the ego and reminds us that we are made of the same elements.
What inspired you to co-found The Salty Souls? How did your passion for surfing and wellness shape its vision?
I can’t believe it’s been 10 years already since we started Salty Souls! From the very beginning, our idea was to create an all-inclusive experience where audacious women who crave the extraordinary could come together, get sweaty, salty, and connect with other bold and adventurous souls. Learning to surf or skate can feel incredibly intimidating, especially when starting as an adult. But when you're in the right environment, it not only becomes fun, but your progress accelerates.
What inspires me now is witnessing too many women who are exhausted and somewhat disillusioned. The Salty Souls experience offers an occasion to press pause, get out of your head, and re-ignite your enthusiasm for life. One of our central themes is re-wilding, and I think it’s so, so necessary to bring people back to nature—and ultimately, back to their free selves!
Was this a solo vision or something you and a team had been doing on your own before offering it to others?
My co-founder Marie-Christine (MC) and I had already been living on the wild side for a while, traveling and seeking ways to stay close to the ocean year-round. MC was deeply passionate about surfing, while I was really into yoga and empowerment. We combined our strengths and set out to create something special. Over time, our team grew as incredible women from different countries, backgrounds, and skill sets joined us, each adding their unique magic to the mix. Today, Salty Souls is so much bigger than just me and MC—it’s like a full-grown teenager with its own personality and a whole lot of soul. Surfing remains at the heart of it all, uniting us through our shared passion for the ocean, adventure, and essentialism.
Do you have a favorite spot to “soak” in? Whether it is soaking in some water or in the sun - what makes it special to you?
Find me wherever the water is—lake or ocean. And if water isn’t accessible, I’ll climb to the top of the nearest mountain. I love ‘soaking’ in nature. Every day, I make a point to swim, run, or hike outdoors—no music, just the raw sounds of the earth. Nature brings clarity, spaciousness, and a kind of stillness that feels vital.
What core values or philosophy does The Salty Souls represent? How do these values influence your offerings as a mentor and as a student?
Freedom – Authenticity – Playfulness – Courage – Essentialism – Commitment.
These values are the heartbeat of everything we do, shaping both our offerings and the way we show up as mentors and students.
Besides surfing, what other activities do you enjoy? Any memorable experiences you’d like to share?
Gawd. I’m the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Growing up, I tried every sport under the sun—including fencing (who knew! haha) . I never really stuck to one thing with as much obsession as I did with surfing.
Lately, I’ve been diving into endurance sports through triathlons and trail running. Last year, I raced in three different countries purely for the joy of it: a half-marathon in Stowe, Vermont, a 16K trail race across El Salvador’s volcanoes, and a triathlon back home in Canada. I love these challenges because they require discipline, consistency, and focus in the months leading up to them. Plus, they connect me with a different tribe, outside the surf world. It builds resilience and keeps me versatile!
In parallel, I’m proud to officially say that I’m also a writer. My first book, named SURF, is an alternative Surf Travel Guide filled with practical knowledge, captivating stories, surf-spot-specific insights, and stunning photography. It has recently been released into the world—in French, my mother tongue. I suppose ten years of chasing waves and running on the wild side did give me an edge—enough to earn a spot on the shelves of mainstream bookstores!
Does “playing” (in water or land) help foster a stronger sense of community or of self for you?
Playfulness is essential! You lose your playfulness, you lose your soul! Life becomes rigid and heavy. I think that’s why surfing is so life-giving—it’s inherently playful. Sure, we all aim for a sense of progress, but at the end of the day, free surfing is a game. We slide, fall, paddle back out, and give it another go! It’s also an incredible tool for connection. My biggest love language is quality time, and for me, that often means sharing adventures, activities, and play. Also… no dating app needed when you're a female in a male-dominated sport! Lots of organic encounters happen when you're out and about, doing what you love.
Are there any surfing or water-related goals you’re aiming for in the coming year?
I’ve been exploring the graceful dance of longboarding lately. Spending time in the Philippines and Morocco, where the waves are perfect for it, has opened up a new layer of curiosity for me. Having spent a decade exclusively shortboarding, this shift feels both challenging and refreshing. I’m excited to see where it takes me.
We'd love to know! What's your favorite Minga product?
The Maria Woven Market Bag with leather straps—it’s simple, durable, and the perfect beach bag. I love it!
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If you resonate with this story and want more from Erika head to the Salty Souls website to learn more.
Also follow Erika on social for more mindset and movement insights!
