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14 October 2024 / Written by Rachel

My First Experience On An All Women’s Surfing Weekend

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Our Croyde Surfing Weekend in October was blessed with great weather and waves, we had 13 women of all ages and backgrounds who were either total beginner or progressor surfers. Laura Hammond from Brighton joined the Progressor class, she can consistently catch white water waves and wants to take her surfing outback to the bigger waves. The results were amazing and these ladies made an amazing bond over the weekend. Laura explains her experience below. Take it away Laura!

Join me, for an exciting two-day journey as I head off on my first all-women Intermediate Surf Weekend in Devon, hosted by the amazing Women + Waves!

Laura surfing during our coaching weekend

A Wonderful Weekend With Women + Waves

Before my Women + Waves adventure began I was mostly surfing solo. Aside from a basic ‘How to Surf’ lesson ages ago, everything I’d learned was from YouTube clips (many on the Women and Waves channel!) and a whole lot of trial and error! So, when the opportunity to join a Women + Waves weekend popped up, I leapt at the chance.

I’d been following Women + Waves for a long time, always envious of the photos and videos of groups of women having the time of their lives together, laughing and smashing it on the waves. I’d always wanted to push myself further, but confidence was a huge barrier for me, and half the time I wasn’t even sure if I was doing things right. A Women + Waves Intermediate weekend seemed like the perfect chance to meet some like-minded women, level up my skills, and build my confidence in the ocean. 

My Surfing Experience 

I chose the Women + Waves Intermediate weekend because, while I’d been surfing independently for a while and could handle smaller days, the idea of paddling out back on bigger waves was way outside my comfort zone. I lacked confidence in the line-up and really wanted some support and guidance, so this felt like the best place to start.

Before signing up I used the handy Women + Wave’s ‘What’s Your Surfing Level?’ quiz to check if the intermediate weekend was the right fit for me. But once I got there, it became clear that no matter what level you’re at, you’re made to feel comfortable. There was zero pressure, and I knew I wouldn’t be pushed any further than I was ready for. Everyone is treated as an individual and receives bespoke tuition. 

Before the weekend had begun we were all invited to join a WhatsApp group with our new surfing crew. This was an easy way to get all the information we needed, plus it gave us a chance to ask any questions we had or voice any concerns. To help with any nerves we also received a link to a calming breathwork session – great for calming the mind ahead of the surfing weekend! This was super useful and I’m still using it now. 

Saturday Morning 

A beautiful morning in Croyde Bay
A crisp beautiful morning in Croyde Bay

Arriving In Croyde, Devon 

Driving to the beautiful Devon Coast I was a bundle of excitement and nerves. My over-caffeinated brain worrying – was I a good enough surfer? Had I picked the wrong weekend? Would everyone else be in groups of friends while I stood awkwardly on my own? But after pulling up into the glorious Devon sunshine and looking out over Croyde Bay – my fears lifted. The waves were rolling up the golden beach and there were already groups of surfers making their way down the dunes, boards underarm. 

Waves at Croyde Bay
Rolling waves as I rocked up to Croyde Bay

I was welcomed with open arms by Rachel and her Women + Waves team. Any morning nerves disappearing with the cheerful greetings. We met in the lovely Surfing Croyde Bay Cafe, where you could pick up a flat white and a croissant before the day started. Tucked away in a sun-kissed room at the back of the cafe, an excited group of women, eager to get to know each other and of course get surfing waited.  

As soon as I stepped into the room, I relaxed. Smiles were everywhere, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, led by our incredible instructors for the weekend, Cat and Erin. Rachel kicked things off with the classic ‘introduce yourself’ circle, but this time it didn’t feel awkward at all. Everyone was so open and honest about why they were there and what they hoped to get out of the weekend, it was impossible to feel out of place.

We were an eclectic group of fifteen women from all over Europe, all with different backgrounds, jobs and levels of surfing experience. Ages ranged from twenty-five to fifty-five, but the one thing we all had in common was a love of the ocean and surfing. 

Coming into the weekend I felt like I would be the only one with nerves or fears about surfing, but listening to the women around me I realised I was not alone! Time and time again, women talked about feeling unsure, lacking confidence, or just wanting some extra support.

“Just hearing those words out loud from others lifted a weight off my shoulders. It was an incredible feeling to know I wasn’t alone, and being surrounded by women who totally got it is something I’ll never forget. “

Getting Ready

With introductions done, it was time to hit the waves! After a quick chat about the plan for the next 2 days, the Women + Waves team reassured us that all the fears we’d shared were totally normal – and that we’d tackle them together as a supportive group. Feeling stoked for the waves to come, we headed to the spacious changing room to get suited up.

For those who needed them, wetsuits were ready and waiting, with handy cubbie holes and lock boxes for valuables. The heated room was a lifesaver in October, keeping us warm while everyone geared up.

Once ready, we grabbed our surfboards, there were plenty of options and guidance from the team to help us pick the right one. The short walk to the beach flew by as we chatted excitedly, soaking in the unseasonably warm October sunshine, ready to dive into our first session!

Women warming up for surfing on Croyde Beach
Starting the day with a warm up

Surfing Time! 

On the beach, we were split into groups by skill level to make the most of our surf coaching. Cat and Erin got us started with some hilarious warm-up games to keep us warm and laughing. We ran through some safety and general coaching points before diving straight into the sea. 

Paddling out as a group of women is such an empowering experience, the laughter and jokes eased any fears and with the help of Erin and Cat we were soon up and surfing. They stayed alongside us the entire time, assessing our abilities as they went and providing feedback wave after wave. All the coaching was tailored to the individual, from tips on how to generate more speed, to helping us choose the best waves and showing us where the best spot to catch a wave from was. Time flew by in a blur of waves, wipeouts, and non-stop laughter.

Day one had an extended surf session – 2 back-to-back sessions, so we didn’t have to wrestle with wetsuits twice (thankfully!). After a few hours of fun, we took a well-deserved break with snacks and hot Ribena on the beach, the perfect pick-me-up before round 2.

Now that the instructors had seen our surfing, they went over some surf theory on land, drawing on what they’d seen in the session, they pinpointed areas that needed improvement and with some excellent sandy demonstrations, we all learned some new tips and tricks. 

We hit the waves again, and the improvements were already showing! I could feel my confidence and style improving as I caught wave after wave, cheered on every time not just by the eternally enthusiastic instructors, Cat and Erin but also by my new surfing friends.    

A few hours later we were exhausted in the best way and ready to get inland and get some grub! 

Women and Waves log book for surfing.
Our log books to track all our surfing

Surf Theory and Video Analysis 

Back up in the changing rooms we hit the hot showers (What a luxury!) and headed to the cafe for some well-deserved lunch. Some people brought their own but there was plenty of time to grab hot food and coffees from the cafe as well. The sun was still shining so our surf theory session took place overlooking the beach.

The surf theory was thorough but fun! We covered everything from line-ups and reading surf conditions to turns, take-offs, and breathwork. With our Women + Waves logbooks, we jotted down notes on the conditions, how we felt, and what we wanted to improve for the next day.

After a lively Q&A session, we headed into the cafe for photo and video analysis. Trust me when I say, there is nothing more humbling than watching yourself surf. Luckily everyone was in the same boat and no matter whose wave we were watching there was something to learn. Seeing yourself surf is such a game changer and I had more than one Eureka moment that has completely changed my approach to surfing. It really is an invaluable part of the weekend. 

Croyde surf weekend camp site
My camp sight for the night

Saturday Evening 

Dinner and Drinks 

With our bodies aching from a full day of surfing and our heads buzzing with new knowledge, we all headed to our accommodation for the night. I was staying at a cosy campsite nearby, where I enjoyed a hot shower and a peaceful sunset before walking into town to meet my new surf crew for dinner at the Blue Groove restaurant.

The dinner was optional but nearly the whole group came out in force for delicious food, wine and plenty of surf talk. It was so easy to fall into the rhythm of conversation with a group of women I’d just met – learning everyone’s story, why they came to be here and how they were finding it. It was like we’d known each other for years. I was surprised to find that almost everyone had arrived solo seeking something similar, a confidence boost, some fine-tuning of their techniques and some new female friends to surf with. 

Many women on the weekend were repeat Women + Waves attendees, who had worked their way up from beginner’s weekends and were already booked into international trips in the spring. It was so inspiring to be a part of a group of women stepping out of their comfort zones or trying something new later in life – taking on the waves with confidence and building lasting friendships.

After a fun evening of bonding, we called it a night, ready for some well-earned rest before another day of surfing!

Ladies having dinner in croyde after surf
Out for dinner with the girls

Sunday Morning 

Sunday morning dawned bright and windy as I packed up my little tent and headed back over to Surfing Croyde Bay Cafe for Day 2. I had plenty of time for a coffee and a vegan bap while checking out the waves joined by a few of the women from the weekend, excited for all the day would bring. 

Surf Time Take 2! 

At 9 am sharp we hit the changing rooms, wasting no time getting down to the beach. The waves were a little smaller today but there was still plenty of fun to go around! We played games on the beach to get warmed up before diving head first – literally – into the ocean for a body surfing session to get us hyped for the waves. I’d never learned the skill of body surfing before and it was great fun! Back on land, we had a quick recap of yesterday’s theory before heading out with our surfboards.

By the end of the weekend, we were all paddling out back and catching waves with newfound confidence. Today’s session was shorter but packed with fun, great coaching, sweet rides, hilarious nose dives, and classic wipeouts. Time flew by with everyone cheering each other on. After a few hours, we headed back to the cafe to warm up and change. 

Sunday Afternoon 

Photo + Video Analysis and Surf Theory 

Tucked up inside the cafe, cosy and warm with the essential post-surf coffee and cake. We began our second surf theory and video analysis session. Watching everyone’s progress on screen was a wonderful experience. The atmosphere of support and encouragement was infectious, and we were all encouraged to give each other feedback.

The surf theory session took all the comments and questions from the analysis and opened them up for some in depth discussion. By now the whole group had gelled together and it was an easy, fun session with plenty of laughing along the way. 

Group of women surfers eating in Croyde
Relaxing between surf theory and video analysis

Goodbyes (For Now!) 

Much too soon it was time for our group to part ways – but not before Rachel had handed out our Ripcurl goodie bags! We all received a back pack and a cap worth over £50! Of course, we had to share socials to stay in touch and organise future surf trips! 

With our What’s App group already created it was easy to share photos, messages and thanks for the weekend. The connections didn’t stop with the weekend and we were all given a cheeky discount for a returning trip, a post-surf yoga session to ease those sore muscles, and even a surf-inspired workout to keep up surf fit all year long! We also got a great list of all the upcoming surf trips with Women + Waves and it’s safe to say plenty of us will be coming back for round 2! 

Final Thoughts 

This weekend was an epic surfing experience, surfing with an all-women group was empowering, supportive and so much fun. The team were always there to ensure we were having the best time, and nothing was too small for them to help with. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend in Devon with such an amazing group of women, and I can’t recommend it enough for all levels of surfers. Whether you’re learning to surf for the first time, or are fine-tuning your surfing skills, Women + Waves are THE place to learn. Don’t be scared, go for it, it’s so much fun! 

Laura joined us in Croyde as a Progressor as she had some prior experience,  but if you’re totally new, you can join our Croyde Beginner Weekend!

We also offer Intermediate coaching weekends for those who are confident in surfing outback and want to finesse their skills and build confidence further.

Take a look at our full range of UK coaching weekends to find the one nearest to you.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Take a look at their handy recommendations blog.

Author

Rachel

We're an all-female surf collective. We offer surf coaching weekends and international surfing holidays to women of all ages, experiences and backgrounds. Enjoy our online coaching tips, blog, surf society members’ discussion group and surfing workshops, and we have a shop jam-packed with Women + Waves merchandise.