“When women get together, amazing things happen.”
Words: Scar Lee
My first surf lesson was in my now-hometown, Newquay in Cornwall. When I stood in the changing room and put a wetsuit on for the first time (back to front, I hasten to add), I had no idea how addictive surfing would become. We wore men’s rash vests and carried our boards down the beach, where the instructor gave us a quick rundown of how to pop-up, then took eight of us out into the waves.
Don’t get me wrong, I had an amazing time, and it was the first day of my personal surf journey.
But looking back, the whole thing was very transactional. The goal was simple: stand up on a wave, and once that was complete, I had gotten what we’d paid for, and the box was ticked.
There was no deeper connection or sense of belonging.
Years later, I discovered just how different learning to surf could be. During my surf instructor training, I shadowed coaching sessions at a Women + Waves weekend retreat. Compared to my first lesson, these retreats felt magical.
Women from across the country (and the world) came together in a small group to be taught by an all-female team who were passionate about creating an experience. Everyone was uplifted by each other, each small win was celebrated, and personal goals were paramount.
The end result? All of the guests left feeling a part of something bigger – a female surf community, with new friends for life.
Rachel Murphy, Founder and Co-Owner of Women + Waves, explains:
“I was inspired to start surfing retreats for ladies because I wanted to create a space where women could enjoy surfing in a fun, supportive environment.
Having visited many surf camps in the past, and having worked in that industry for many years, I noticed a gap in the level of coaching offered. Many camps didn’t provide in-depth coaching, such as daily video analysis, surf workshops, and lessons tailored to different abilities.
I wanted to build an environment where every woman is treated as an individual, with coaching that meets her specific needs. My goal was to offer an experience that wasn’t only educational but also fun, helping women of all levels improve their surfing skills while feeling confident and supported.”
And honestly? This is how every woman should learn how to surf! Being surrounded by supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate women completely changes the experience. The fear of the lineup fades when you’re part of a group that genuinely wants to see you succeed.
Like many women in the surf industry, Katrien – founder of Chicks on Waves – fell in love with surfing before realising how male-dominated the industry was. And without being able to see other women who are learning to surf, it can be difficult to summon the courage to try it. As Katrien says:
“Many women hesitate to try surfing due to fear, lack of confidence, or feeling intimidated in the water.” Where women thrive is in a “space where they can learn at their own pace, surrounded by like-minded women and expert female instructors. It’s about fun, progress, and community – helping each other push past limitations and celebrate every wave caught!”
Learning to surf is often a vulnerable experience because the only way to progress is to let go of your inhibitions and free yourself to make mistakes. With women often held to high standards of appearance and behaviour, we can pile huge expectations on ourselves in the water, and it can be difficult to let go.
Becs, founder of DRIFT retreat, thinks that tapping into childlike play and experimentation is essential:
“We wholly subscribe to surfing being about childlike play and joy, so the best surfers are always the ones having the most fun. Our instructors are water women who share their unique experience to help our guests to feel comfortable and brave to get out there.
Our instructors are water women who share their unique experience to help our guests to feel comfortable and brave to get out there. Nat Fox has trained in trauma therapy and group surf therapy so she is very well equipped to hold space for anyone who is nervous or has anxiety about getting in the sea. We are a friendly inclusive bunch, and we have different unique skills between us all.”
This is exactly why female surf spaces are so powerful: they create an environment where women feel free to experiment, play, and push themselves. Created by women for women, retreats like these have been optimised for the female experience. This feeling of support and encouragement isn’t just about surfing, it has a ripple effect into other parts of life.
Kate, co-founder of Surf Sistas, sees firsthand how confidence gained in the water translates beyond the waves.
“We want to support our guests to take on a healthy amount of challenge by providing this safe environment so they feel like they can send it whilst surfing with us. This means you’re not thrown in at the deep end or feeling an immense amount of overwhelm by going it alone. Overcoming obstacles in the water can also translate into other parts of life. If something is making you feel fearful, you can stop and think, “Oh hang on, if I can paddle out back and catch green waves, then I can do this.”
Ines, founder of Align with Nature, quit her job when she was 26 and left everything behind with a one-way ticket to Latin America, which is where she first tried surfing and never looked back.
“I have met some of my best best friends in the water, and being in the ocean with my female friends is all about sharing endless stoke and support. To have the opportunity to tailor that experience for other women is honestly such a gift and an honour for me. The ocean is always always a better place with more women in the water!”
Of course, the community aspect is just one part of the equation – the location can also play a big part in your surfing journey. Ola Wozniak co-founded Xanadu, and chose Lombok as the location for Xanadu Surf & Yoga:
“When it comes to the female surf scene, Lombok has always felt like a bit of a bubble, and that’s one of the reasons I fell in love with it. Even six years ago, when I first started Xanadu, the female presence in the lineup here was surprisingly strong – actually, in many spots, there were more women than men surfing.
That really stood out to me, especially compared to other surf destinations where the scene was still very male dominated. I think a big part of that is the nature of the waves in Lombok – they’re accessible and more forgiving, which makes it a really welcoming place for women to learn and progress in surfing.”
Women’s surf experiences aren’t just about us in the here and now – they’re shaping the future of the sport. The more women who see other women in the lineup, the more of them feel empowered to paddle out themselves.
Women + Waves’ Rachel is now a mum to a young daughter, and explains “I’m more passionate than ever about showing her that there’s no limit to what we can achieve, both in and out of the water. Whether you’re a new mum or a seasoned surfer, there’s always room to grow and have fun. Being a woman in the surf industry has taught me the power of perseverance and community. It’s not just about catching waves – it’s about breaking down barriers, supporting each other, and creating a space where women can truly thrive.”
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf or progress your surfing, it’s the perfect time to look at a joining a female surf community. To progress your surfing amongst a supportive group who will celebrate your wins with you!
Check out some of our favourite female-founded surf camps and experiences below:
Chicks on Waves
Chicks On Waves
Chicks on Waves.
Chicks on Waves is a women-only surf and yoga retreat in the Algarve in Portugal. Designed to empower and inspire women through surfing, movement, and connection. Founded with a passion for the ocean and a desire to create a supportive space, Chicks on Waves offers an experience that blends surf coaching, yoga, and a warm community vibe.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, their retreats provide a safe and encouraging environment to challenge yourself, build confidence, and make lasting friendships. More than just a surf camp, Chicks on Waves is about adventure, growth, and the joy of riding waves together.
Katrien (Chicks on Waves Founder) says her vision in creating the company was to create a retreat designed to support and encourage women both in and out of the water.
“Like many women in surfing, I often felt like an outsider in the male-only lineups. The surf industry has traditionally been male-led, but times are changing. Building Chicks on Waves has been my way of fostering a more inclusive and welcoming space for women to thrive in surfing.”
Woman + Waves
Woman + Waves
Women + Waves
Women + Waves are a surfing collective specialising in bespoke international surf camps, UK-based coaching weekends, private lessons and training courses exclusively for women. With over a decade of experience, they’ve developed a unique, female-led coaching approach, perfected through delivering trips from Cornwall to Costa Rica. Women + Waves stands apart from other surf schools by offering a supportive, low-pressure environment where coaching is tailored to each individual. Learn alongside like-minded women, achieve your surfing goals, build confidence, and have fun.
Rachel Murphy talks about her goals in creating Women + Waves, saying “our primary aim is to create a fun, supportive environment with no pressures. Our focus is on making sure women feel comfortable and confident while learning to surf, and most importantly, we want them to enjoy themselves! We understand that every individual has unique needs, so we use a variety of tools and techniques to provide personalised coaching. Whether it’s through tailored lessons, surf workshops, journaling in our surf log books or daily video analysis, we ensure each woman gets the attention and guidance she needs to progress at her own pace. Our goal is to break down any fears or doubts, allowing women to enjoy surfing in a safe and empowering space.”
Drift Retreat
Drift Retreat
DRIFT Retreat.
Becs started DRIFT when she felt burnt out after seven years in London directing commercials for big clients. She collaborated with Gemma Bartlett (Wild Health), and Natalie Fox (Eco, Yoga, Surf), to curate a unique retreat that focused on time in the ocean and in nature, creating space for healing and rejuvenating, and to return feeling stronger and clearer. DRIFT has grown into an amazing community of women, from the US to Europe and Asia (From New Jersey to the OG Jersey island). Many new friendships and collaborations have been born from time away, just drifting for a little while.
Talking about her vision, Becs says, “As women, we are often anchored to schedules and routines, so every now and then, a little time to drift at your own pace, slow down, immerse in nature and make some space to dream and re-envision the future is needed. The circadian rhythm of today’s systems (women’s are not 24 hours, but our own cycles) is very restrictive, so time to let nature dictate the timetables and give ourselves time to tune into our own true nature is restorative and healing. At DRIFT we prioritise ocean time, good food, and intuitive yoga. We prioritise time in nature and connection with each other.”
Surf Sistas
Surf Sistas
Surf Sistas.
Surf Sistas was co-founded by two wave-hungry Londoners looking for opportunities to surf more, progress and connect with like-minded women. They had the idea for a weekend surf bus to help landlocked surfers easily escape the city for the coast – and 21 years later, they are permanently based in beautiful Cornwall and also run trips across the globe in the winter months. The Surf Sistas magic is in small group coaching tailored to your progression, alongside hand-picked comfortable accommodation, delicious food, supportive, experienced and professional coaches, and of course a great crew of women to share your surfing journey with! Their signature White to Green course launched in 2010 to help women break free from their white water rut and their EXPLORE retreat is an adventure led pop-up surf trip series to dream destinations.
Founder of Surf Sistas – Kate – says, “We design our surf trips, courses and retreats based on what we felt we needed when we learnt to surf; empathy, community, structured learning and a space where we can have a lot of fun whilst doing it! We offer small group coaching so each woman gains the support they need for their level of ability and confidence. We emphasise that there is no pressure to “perform” or linear model for surf progression – just an opportunity to meet like minded women, have fun and gain surf confidence and skills.”
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
Xanadu Surf & Yoga.
Xanadu Surf & Yoga is a boutique surf and yoga retreat with two stylish locations in Kuta, Lombok. Co-founded by Ola Wozniak, it has naturally evolved into a space that empowers women both in and out of the water. The Xanadu team have created a supportive, inclusive environment where you can learn, grow, and connect—free from pressure or judgment. No matter where you are in your surf journey, you’ll be guided by a team that truly cares. At Xanadu, the objective is also to uplift female staff, create meaningful opportunities and a strong sense of community. It’s a place to feel confident, inspired, and completely yourself.
Ola talks about the surf scene in Lombok, saying, “When it comes to the female surf scene, Lombok has always felt like a bit of a bubble, and that’s one of the reasons I fell in love with it. Even six years ago, when I first started Xanadu, the female presence in the lineup here was surprisingly strong, actually, in many spots, there were more women than men out surfing. That really stood out to me, especially compared to other surf destinations where the scene was still very male-dominated. I think a big part of that is the nature of the waves in Lombok. They’re accessible and more forgiving, which makes it a really welcoming place for women to learn and progress in surfing. So while the global rise in female interest in surfing is definitely real, Lombok was ahead of the curve in that sense.”
Align with Nature
Align with Nature
Align with Nature.
Align with Nature is a transformative yoga and surf retreat in the serene coastal paradise of Morocco led by Ines Robim.
Each day, you’ll be guided through revitalising yoga classes that promote strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in a safe, supportive environment. You’ll also enjoy personalised surf lessons with a longboard coach, tailored to all skill levels, helping you build confidence in the water.
Indulge in delicious, nourishing meals and participate in a fun cooking workshop where you’ll master local Moroccan dishes. With plenty of beach time to relax and reflect, this retreat offers a safe, empowering, and relaxing space for women to connect, rejuvenate, and feel inspired.
Ines talks about her own experience with surfing, saying, “Surfing taught me resilience, patience, and how to embrace uncertainty. It’s not just a sport for me now, it’s a life-changing practice that grounds and empowers me every day. Surfing represents my freedom, my source of courage, my highest thrill, and also my peace of mind. It’s the ultimate balance of adventure and calm, where I feel fully alive and centered all at once.
I have met some of my best best friends in the water, and being in the Ocean with my female friends is all about sharing endless stoke and support. To have the opportunity to tailor that experience for other women is honestly such a gift and such an honour for me. The Ocean is always always a better place with more women in the water!”
Gather & Glide
Gather & Glide
Gather & Glide.
Gather & Glide offer progressive surf coaching designed specifically for women and non-binary surfers. Run by a team of passionate surf coaches with over 26 years of experience, their mission is to help you build confidence, feel good, and take your surfing to the next level.
With small group intakes on every course, you’ll get plenty of time with your coach to provide the support you need to truly progress.
Each course combines on-land theory, insightful video feedback, and in-water coaching to provide a clear path for your surfing journey.
But it’s not just about technique. Gather & Glide creates space for open, honest conversations around the mental side of surfing: the frustrations, the breakthroughs, and the emotional highs and lows that come with the sport.
Gather & Glide believe surfing should nourish your mind, body, and soul. On their courses, you will find a community, make new friends, and reconnect with yourself.
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