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18 August 2025 / Written by Rachel

Beyond the Break

Blog

Meet Kitty – Surf Coach, Yogi and Positivity Powerhouse

If Kitty was a stick of rock and you snapped her in two, the word running through her core would be positivity. Hailing from Australia and now living in Cornwall, we love having her lead our weekends. Kitty has that rare talent of getting great results while keeping guests in fits of laughter throughout the session. With a mix of surf coaching skills, yoga teaching, and a whole array of extreme hobbies, she is someone everyone should get to know better. Kitty leads our Newquay weekends and Croyde weekends.

Meet Kitty Women + Waves instructor
That infectious smile! Kitty in her natural environment.

What’s lighting you up right now?

Adventuring outdoors while it’s summer in Cornwall, spending time swimming, surfing, and unwinding with Yin or Restorative Yoga in the evenings.

What music are you listening to right now?

Fame – Reimagined by Ocie Elliot. As an amateur singer, I love the harmonies.

What’s the most intriguing book or article you’re diving into?

I read a lot of yoga literature, but I’ve just finished Still Life by Sarah Winman – stunning!

Kitty cruising through the shorebreak
Cruising through the shorebreak – this lady loves her job.

Which podcast has you hooked?

I’m getting into Buddha at the Gas Pump. The interviews are fascinating, especially for someone who loves yoga.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve watched this week?

When the surf isn’t pumping I’ve been climbing outdoors. I loved watching The Alpinist – it’s wild and so inspiring.

Which app or gadget are you loving right now?

The World Surf League app. I’m part of the Newquay fantasy league – you pick pro surfers to win each destination and it’s addictive!

Kitty throwing a shaka
A solid shaka game is an important part of the job!

Where have you surfed this year?

I ventured back to Australia at the start of the year and scored waves at Philip Island and along the Mornington Peninsula. Back in Cornwall, we’ve had great days at Watergate Bay, and next up is a van trip to the south west coast of Ireland. I’ve surfed Inch Beach before and can’t wait to check out Dingle.

Surfing with Kitty on a Women and Waves weekend
On a Women + Waves weekend, this is the view after your ride to shore!

Dream surf destination for 2025?

I’ve always wanted to surf in the Philippines. Tropical waves, no wetsuit, and multiple sessions a day – a dream! For 2026, I’d love to join the Bali Island Retreat in April, those waves look stunning. And since we can now fly from Newquay to Faro, the Portugal surf trip is top of my list for October.

Ready for your surf adventure?

Kitty’s positivity, surf coaching skills, and yoga expertise make her an incredible host. If you’d like to surf with her, check out our Beginner Surfer Programme in Newquay or join her on Croyde weekends. Places are available through autumn and beyond.

Kitty climbing in Cornwall
Kitty loves adventure – climbing in Cornwall on a flat surf day.

All images by Sarah Bunt

Author

Rachel

Rachel Murphy, founder of Women + Waves, was born and raised in Cornwall and discovered her passion for surfing at 14 during work experience at a local surf school. After years of coaching and working in the surf travel industry, she launched Women + Waves to carve out space for women in surfing.