Pregnancy, surfing, and finding a softer rhythm
By Megan Craig
Surfing and the ocean have been two of the biggest influences in my life. Growing up I was surrounded by a family who, despite being in possibly the most landlocked location in England, embraced the sport from afar. It was for this reason that I made the decision at eighteen to move to Australia in pursuit of every surfer’s dream.
So, here I am now. Four years later and I am living in Coolangatta, married and, oh yes, five months pregnant.
In the four short years since I left the UK, a lot has changed in my life. I usually spent my days making coffee, bobbing around on my 9ft 4in, or lying in the dunes. Well, that was before I found out I was pregnant anyway.
Resetting expectations
I find that my relationship with surfing has become mellower, softer.
In my naivety, I honestly believed that, like Bethany Hamilton, I would be able to live out these nine months like nothing had changed, that I would just paddle on my knees and the rest would come like normal, right. Wrong.
Pregnancy was not easily achievable for my husband and me. After fourteen months of trying with no success, I was diagnosed with endometriosis which was impacting my fertility. Luckily for us, one surgery was all it took to fix our issue and within one month I found out we were expecting. In that moment, my outlook on surfing changed.
Listening to the body
In the last nineteen weeks my whole body has changed, not just my ever growing bump. I spent the first few months either nursing a headache or hugging a toilet seat. I cannot say that these two things, especially combined, equalled any desire to leave the house, let alone throw myself onto my log.
My connection with the sport is as strong as ever, but in a more basic way.
While I still loved going out for that golden hour glow at Kirra, I was suddenly very aware of how important it was to take myself out of harm’s way. As you can imagine, living in an area like this, the surf is one thing, the crowds are another. I wanted to sit as far to the shoulder as I could, away from anyone who could flick their board at me or mess up a duck dive.
A mellower mindset
My relationship with surfing has become mellower, softer. Just being in the ocean is enough. I do not feel the drive to get the longest ride or sit for hours waiting for the perfect wave. My connection with the sport is as strong as ever, but in a more basic way.
I honestly feel like I am resetting to those first days of surfing, where it is more about the feeling than the action.
Stay connected
Follow Megan and baby Craig’s story exclusively at Women + Waves.
Fancy something gentle and confidence building
If you are navigating similar changes and want supportive coaching, our Newquay Intermediate Surfer Programme balances progression with comfort. For mellow, warm water options, take a look at our Costa Rica surf trip or our Barbados surf trip, both great for easy rollers and relaxed sessions.
