We’re incredibly proud to share that Chelsea Roett, our talented Barbados and Costa Rica trip leader and Women + Waves surf coach, has been chosen to join the ISA (International Surfing Association) Women’s Regional Coaching Programme in Costa Rica.
Chelsea has been surfing for over 20 years, representing Barbados on the world stage and inspiring women in the water through her passion, positivity, and experience. A former professional surfer turned ISA Level 2 Surf Coach, she’s earned more than 100 wins and 50 titles across her career, including standout victories such as the APSPR Corona Pro in Puerto Rico.
Since joining Women + Waves, Chelsea has become a cornerstone of our Barbados surf trips as well as running our Costa Rica surf camps blending world-class coaching with warmth, humour, and a deep understanding of what women need to thrive in the surf. Her selection for this international programme is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to women’s surfing and her mission to uplift others through the ocean.
We caught up with Chelsea to hear how she feels about this incredible opportunity, what it means to her, and how she plans to bring her experience back to her community and Women + Waves guests.
How did you feel when you found out you were chosen for the ISA Women’s Regional Coaching Programme?
Chelsea: I was honestly over the moon! It’s such an honour to be selected for a programme that’s empowering women in surfing and coaching across the Americas. I felt proud, grateful, and so inspired to keep growing. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of something that’s creating real change in our sport.
My love for coaching really blossomed in 2023 when I started working with Women + Waves. Seeing women grow confident and excited in the water has been incredibly rewarding. To now be selected as a Level 2 ISA coach to further my education and development feels like a massive achievement and an exciting step forward in my coaching journey, while still keeping my focus on progressing my professional surfing career.
What does this opportunity mean to you personally and professionally?
Chelsea: Personally, it feels like a full-circle moment. The ISA has been a part of my story since I was a teenager, so to return now, at 31, as one of a select group of women surf coaches, is incredibly meaningful. Professionally, it’s an amazing opportunity to learn from world-class mentors, connect with other female coaches, and strengthen my skills so I can continue giving back to my surf community.
The programme had 42 applicants from 16 countries. What do you think helped you stand out in your application?
Chelsea: I think my long-term involvement with the ISA and my journey as both a professional athlete and a coach helped me stand out. I started surfing when I was 10, and by 12 I was representing Barbados at my first ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Portugal. Growing up through the ISA pathway gave me a deep understanding of the organisation and its values.
Coaching with Women + Waves has also been a big part of my development. It’s allowed me to create supportive spaces for women to progress, build confidence, and connect through surfing. I think that blend of experience, passion, and community focus really came through in my application.
The programme aims to support women coaches in surfing. What are you most looking forward to learning or sharing at the convention?
Chelsea: I’m really looking forward to connecting with other women who are doing incredible work in their own countries. There’s so much we can learn from one another, from different coaching styles and approaches to new ways of growing the sport.
I’m excited to share my experiences from Barbados, especially around building confidence and community in the water, and to bring home fresh inspiration and knowledge.
What do you hope to bring back to your own surf community and Women + Waves after this experience?
Chelsea: I want to bring back new tools, techniques, and ideas that can help elevate women’s surfing, not just in Barbados but for women all over the world. I’ve been mentoring young women in surfing from a very young age, and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.
My goal is to keep creating opportunities for women to progress, build confidence, and continue growing within the sport. I also want to emphasise the importance of women supporting one another, celebrating each other’s achievements, and seeing peers as collaborators rather than competitors. This programme will help me keep that momentum going, to continue building a strong, supportive surf community and contribute to a wider movement of women empowering women through the ocean.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for women in surf coaching today?
Chelsea: Visibility and representation are still major challenges. There aren’t many women in high-level coaching roles yet. But that’s also where the opportunity lies. Programmes like this are helping to shift the landscape by giving women access, training, and a global support network. The more we connect and uplift each other, the stronger the next generation of women coaches will be.
Chelsea, you also make instructional YouTube videos for Women + Waves. How does that fit into your coaching?
Chelsea: I love making videos that help women understand the small details that make a big difference in their surfing. Some of my favourites have been “Stop Making These 5 Surfing Mistakes!”, “5 Secrets to Getting Out Back”, and “6 Easy Tips For Handling WIPEOUTS While Surfing”.
Filming these allows me to reach more women around the world who might not be able to join a trip yet. It’s about breaking things down simply, so everyone feels confident taking their next step in surfing — whether that’s catching their first green wave or improving their style.
Congratulations Chelsea
Chelsea’s selection for the ISA Women’s Regional Coaching Programme is a huge achievement for both her and the Women + Waves community. Her dedication to empowering women in the water continues to inspire, and we can’t wait to see how this experience shapes her next chapter.
🌊 Join Chelsea on our next Barbados or Costa Rica surf trip and experience her incredible coaching first-hand.
View upcoming Barbados surf trips
View upcoming Costa Rica surf trips
