GENERAL FAQ’S

 

Can’t find what you’re looking for?  Check out our general FAQs below.

 

Please note: Each of our weekends and holidays has their own individual ‘FAQs’ tab on each of their pages which hold valuable information and should answer any questions related to the specific events.

Are Women + Waves weekends open to everyone?

The simple answer is yes! Our events + trips are inclusive of all women. Whether you’re an advanced surfer or a complete beginner we tailor everything to suit you as an individual. We’ll help you break your surfing barriers and get you to the next level. There’s no sign-up fee, no membership commitments, no hassles, no expectations, our focus is for all participants to have great fun and to leave the weekend with increased skills that will help them to gain more enjoyment from surfing. We welcome everyone!

Do you have the equipment to suit everyone?

We have a wide range of equipment and wetsuits. Our wetsuits range from size 4 to size 22. We’ll ask you at the time of booking for your sizes. Just don’t worry; we will make sure we have the suitable equipment for you. Please see the ‘Prices’ tab for each trip/destination for equipment hire costs.

I’m not very fit and not a great swimmer, will it be too much for me?

At the time of booking we will ask you to fill out a form with some details about your fitness levels. Don’t worry if you’re not your fittest, we’ll always go at your own pace, this isn’t a bootcamp. However upon arrival, you will be asked if you can swim 50m on your enrolment form.  You will need to tick this box in order to take part. When learning to surf for the first time, you’ll never be out of waist-depth water, so no swimming will be needed. You’ll also be under the watchful eye of our qualified and experienced team who are all surf lifesavers.

Am I too good or not good enough?

Our pre-trip enrolment form asks questions about where you are at with your surfing. You may have never been in the ocean. You may have been surfing for 30 years. We establish your ability and add you to a group of ladies with similar skills. You won’t be held back but you also won’t be put under any pressure to perform. The weekends are about fun in a no-pressure environment. But we get results through our tried and tested beach, ocean and video feedback coaching. We have a 77% rate of guests returning for more of our events. We pride ourselves on great value for money and an experience that you will want to repeat.

Can I attend on my own?

Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.

How can I work for Women + Waves?

We occasionally look to expand our team or take on new roles. If you’re a female surf coach who’s got what it takes, a dedicated photographer or are looking for a role specific within the Women + Waves team, please apply by sending us a covering letter/video of yourself introducing yourself + CV to info@womenandwavessociety.com and we’ll contact you accordingly. Please enter the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. If we are not looking for any roles to be filled, we do save all submitted CVs in our database for future reference. That means if you’re not contacted immediately you still have a chance of employment at a later stage as new opportunities arise.

Are there any age restrictions?

If you are under 18 we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the weekend or holiday (they don’t have to participate). If you are 65 or over we’d love to chat to you about the weekend or holiday before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on +44 (0) 1637 226017.

Are the weekends predominantly for young girls?

No, we have a great mix of all ages. Surfing shows no age boundaries. We welcome whippersnappers to silver surfers and everything in between.

I’m scared of the sea but want to learn to surf and get over my fears, is this possible?

Yes, of course, we have heaps of knowledge within our team to help teach you about the ocean and strip it back to basics. We’ll slowly build your confidence using a few tried and tested techniques. We’ll go at your own pace.

Will an all-female team coach me?

We do our best to include as many female instructors and team members as possible and are always recruiting the best female instructors and photographers in the industry. However, we do occasionally call upon our male experts such as 3 x British Champion Alan Stokes to explain specific skills like how he overcame his fears, or how he built his surfing confidence. All our Women + Waves staff are not only suitably qualified by the relevant governing body but all undergo extensive in-house training.

Can I join in if I’m from abroad?

Yes of course, we’re open to everyone from all over the world.

Can I make contact from abroad?

Yes! If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the weekend details, you can contact us through WhatsApp, Facetime or Skype.

Just let us know by email and we can arrange this with you.

COVID 19 FAQS

 

We are always following the latest updates about COVID-19. We understand it’s a concern so we’ve created some FAQs to clear any doubts you may have.

I’m afraid of booking a trip due to the COVID-19 virus and my concerns about travelling. How can I ensure I will be able to go away?

We would never host a trip if it were unsafe to do so. We appreciate that due to the level of uncertainty this can be a big concern for our guests and staff. If you have booked and paid for one of our events or trips and it is unsafe to go ahead, we have reviewed our deferment policy and can now extend the validity of a credit up to 18 months. We can also move your booking to an alternative future weekend/trip to suit. Keeping abreast of all data from the government, FCO travel advice and our local operatives is a responsibility that we take very seriously.

What happens if my flights get cancelled?

We always recommend taking out travel insurance and paying for flights on a credit card.  We are not responsible for your flights and other forms of travel before the trip start date. However, we will always do our best to help where we can. Airlines have (mostly) been very supportive through the Covid 19 situation and although reimbursements have in some cases taken longer than would have traditionally been expected, they have finally been forthcoming. We ask you not to book flights until we let you know that the time is right to do so (when all travel restrictions are clear, lockdown policies aren’t in place and it is the right time to travel to the region).

What happens if I have to cancel my try as I have to quarantine and cannot travel?

Please contact your personal travel insurance cover and view our Terms + Conditions for our Covid-19 cancellation policy.

What if I get stuck in quarantine at the destination/camp?

We will have solid, up to date information about the locations current situation before travelling. Worst-case scenario, all our camps and locations will accommodate you as best as possible. You won’t be alone and we’ll be following the local FOC travel advice. You will also need to contact your private travel insurance company. There may be an additional cost to extend your stay, subject to availability.

Still can’t find what you are looking for? Then please contact us on info@womenandwavessociety.com or give us a call on 01637 226017