EASTLAKE, Ohio — A Facebook group called Women On Water of Ohio has brought together thousands of women across the state, forming a community, opportunities to try new things, and a network of like-minded women eager to get outdoors.
Kim Stone, the group's founder, has long loved outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. A few years ago, she began posting photos of herself and her group of friends out on the water, not expecting that others would see what she was sharing and want in on the fun.
In 2021, Stone decided to create the "Women On Water" — or WOW — Facebook group, with the goal of opening up their activities and inviting others to get out on the water with her friends. Stone says she expected the group to gain a few dozen members, but never the thousands it's garnered today.
"I think it's bringing empowerment, definitely a sense of community, and just the camaraderie, it's just — it's almost overwhelming, actually," Stone told us of the way the group has taken off.
While the group started as "Women On Water," Stone and other members joke that it's become "Women On Whatever," as gatherings have ranged from kayaking to concerts to wintertime tubing and more.
At its core, Stone believes the group isn't so much about the activity of the day, but the friendships and shared experiences it’' creating.
"These ladies have the biggest hearts, and I can't even put how great they are into words," Stone said. "That's what makes this group what it is today, is the generosity and the big hearts of these ladies to extend their friendship and themselves."
Robin Winzer stumbled upon WOW through another Ohio kayaking group she was part of, and decided to stop by a WOW event with her sister. From that first meet up, she was sold.
"It was so welcoming," she recalled. "I was literally friends with some people that very first paddle, and then I was like, 'Oh, this is a fun group.'"
Winzer, now an administrator of the group, describes the members as "kindred spirits," adding that as women join, they bring others with them, expanding the group and creating a supportive environment.
"If you need a hand with loading your kayak, if you don't have a kayak, if you're looking to buy something, we're sharing posts, we're sharing ideas, we're sharing gear, and mostly we're just giving people the confidence to come out," Winzer said. "I think a lot of people wouldn't come out by themselves, but now that they have a group."
Not having to do these activities alone is one reason Stone started the group in the first place, acknowledging some women don't feel comfortable or safe going on a hike or heading out on the water by themselves. In WOW, members are finding power in numbers, and realizing they don't have to go it alone.
That also applies to life off the water. Stone and other members say having the support of the group has helped members navigate difficult chapters.
"I think it's the most welcoming group that I've ever been a part of," group administrator Kathy Myers explained. "I'm thinking of one person in particular that I'm friends with who said she was at a point in her life where she was depressed, and this totally got her out of the depression."
Elizabeth Walker, another group administrator, recalled a similar story about a member who after the death of her partner had been afraid to leave her home. Finding the WOW community got her out and about again.
"We're going to support each other, we're going to be there for each other," Walker said. "You're going to come and we're going to make you feel like family. You're not going to feel estranged."
Stone says she's received messages and heard stories from members going through all sorts of challenges — from depression, to navigating life as an empty-nester to women fighting breast cancer. Her message to them is a simple one: "We'll see you on the water. We're here for you."
Stone knows firsthand the power one can find in paddling. After her husband lost his leg in a snowmobile accident, getting out on the water was something the outdoorsy couple could do together.
Now, she's watching as kayaking changes others' lives, too.
“It's a passion. It is purpose. This has given me purpose," she stated. "Many of us have mentioned this group — you go through depression, it's life. We've had our battles; each individual in this group has had a battle, and this gives you purpose, focus, empowerment.
"It's very rewarding, and I am proud of these ladies. I'm proud to know these ladies."
For more information on WOW, you can check out their Facebook page.