Photos: Senior women find boogie boarding joy on California coast

Californian grannies and retired mothers live it up on boogie boards, riding the waves like kids away from the sunset. For these besties, there was no better way to celebrate International Women's Day than to surf away their blues together at Solana Beach, California. Above, Frances Dyer (R) enjoys a boogie boarding session with a women's seniors group she helps run as they enjoy the ocean waves in Solana Beach, California.

"It's exhilarating. There is nothing like being in the water, getting wet, getting cold and loving it," said 75-year-old Patti Fitchen. Above, Karen Helman, 67, rides her boogie board as she joins a senior women's group in the ocean waves in Solana Beach, California.

"Look at these great women," chimed in Christa Stahl, 85, a boogie boarder for almost 20 years. "Nobody's worried about their hair and makeup or how much weight they've gained or lost; they're just real, you know, it's been special."

The boogie boarding group, with members aged 60-90, was founded by Fran Dyer and friends after she retired and moved to the area.

Members of a senior women's group put on their wetsuits before a morning boogie boarding session in the ocean waves.

"We're not raising children anymore," Dyer said. "Some of us are retired and we need new friends and we need activities.

Jackie Zucker rides her boogie board as she joins a senior women's group for a morning session in the ocean waves.

And I'm 74. I want to be busy every minute." For Stahl, riding the waves on her belly is bliss after 85 years of ups and downs.

Karen Helman (L) follows her grandson Grayson, 7, to the beach with Loraine Vaught (C) as a senior women's group enjoys a morning boogie boarding session in the ocean waves in Solana Beach, California.

Lora Wheat, 73, laughs as she joins a senior women's group to ride their boogie board.

A member of a senior women's group holds her boogie board before hitting the waves for a morning session.