2025 is here and it’s the time of year where we start anew, press the ultimate reset and begin our next chapters. It’s pretty common for us to start thinking about goals and aspirations for the next year, whether it be to head to the gym more or actually save up for that surfboard we have been dreaming about!

But, setting goals isn’t just something we should do when the new year rolls around. Goals are an ongoing part of life, and are an essential part of growing as a surfer.

The key to making real progress in surfing is setting healthy, achievable goals that challenge but don’t overwhelm us. After all, surfing is about enjoying the ride – so let’s make sure your goals keep you pumped to hit the swell!

Let’s explore how you can set yourself up for success in the surf, no matter where you are in your journey…

1. Reflect on Where You Are Now

Before you can look ahead, it’s important to reflect on where you’re at. Think about the progress you’ve made so far and the challenges you’ve overcome. Are you a beginner who’s finally catching waves on your own? Or maybe you’ve been surfing for a while and now want to focus on improving your turns or working on bigger waves.

Take a few moments to jot down your thoughts:

• What do you feel proud of in your surfing so far?
• What do you still find tricky?
• How do you feel when you’re in the water – confident or a little nervous?

It’s super important to recognise your current strengths and areas for improvement. This helps you set goals that are both realistic and aligned with your personal surfing journey.

During our coaching weekends and trips, we provide dedicated guidance to help you reflect on your goals and identify key areas that offer the best opportunities for growth. We’ll work together to pinpoint where to start and record it in your bespoke Women+Waves Log Books, so you can make meaningful progress toward your aspirations!

2. Make Your Goals Realistic and Actionable Steps

The trick with good goal setting is to keep it specific and achievable. If you’re just starting out, your goal might be as simple as paddling out without feeling overwhelmed or mastering the pop-up. If you’re more advanced, maybe your goal is to improve your bottom turn, nail your first cutback, or ride a bigger wave confidently. Rephrase these goals, keeping in mind to make them specific and actionable!

Here are a few examples of well-crafted goals:

• Beginner: “Over the next 3 months, I’ll work on improving my pop-up timing and make it smooth on at least 3 out of 5 waves.””This month, I want to practice paddling out confidently and catch at least 5 small waves.”
• Progressor: “This month, I want to practice paddling out confidently and catch at least 5 small waves.”
• Intermediate:  “In the next 6 weeks, I want to land a clean cutback on a wave at my local break.”

Notice how the goals are clear (e.g., catch 5 waves, work on timing), measurable (e.g., 3 out of 5 waves), and time-bound (e.g., by the end of the month or 3 months). This approach helps you track progress and stay focused. Instead of saying, “I want to get better at surfing,” you have something tangible to work towards.

3. Break Goals Into Smaller, Manageable Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming, but when you break them down, they become way more achievable. For example, if your goal is to ride bigger waves, start by setting smaller goals like improving your paddling strength, learning how to read waves, or practicing how to stay steady on your board in choppier conditions. Once you’ve hit those mini-goals, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the bigger waves with confidence!

So, for any goal, think about what the smaller building blocks look like and break them down into easy actionable steps. These mini-goals will help you feel a sense of accomplishment along the way!

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Goals are about progress, not perfection. Every step forward counts, and it’s important to celebrate your small wins. That could be anything from nailing your first successful bottom turn to catching that long, sweet wave you’ve been working towards. Celebrate those moments, whether it’s by sharing with a friend or giving yourself a little treat (the Women+Waves shop can help you out with the latter 😉 ).

Surfing is all about the journey, and every wave you catch brings you closer to your next milestone. So don’t just wait until you’ve reached the “big” goal – take pride in the little victories!

5. Reassess and Adjust as You Go

Goals should be flexible. Life happens, and sometimes the conditions or your own schedule might change. You might feel like you’re making slower progress than you hoped, or maybe you’ve surpassed your goal faster than expected. Either way, take time every month or so to reassess your goals. Ask yourself:

• Am I still on track?
• Do I need to adjust my goals to better match where I’m at?
• Have I learned something new that I can incorporate into my surfing?

This keeps you from getting discouraged and allows you to make adjustments as you evolve as a surfer.

6. Work on Your Goals With Us!

One of the best ways to achieve your surfing goals is to surround yourself with support and encouragement. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to refine your skills, joining a surf retreat or weekend getaway can really help you take things to the next level.

Our surf trips and weekends are a great way to work on your goals in a supportive and empowering environment. You’ll get expert coaching, connect with like-minded women, and most importantly, you’ll be in the perfect place to learn, grow, and have fun. 

But that’s not all – we’re also here to support you before you hit the water! We post regular tips and tricks on our YouTube channel to help you advance your surfing skills, no matter what your goal is. Whether you’re working on your pop-up, figuring out how to carry a bigger board, or mastering your turns, we have the video to help you out!

So, whether you’re aiming to catch your first wave or ride the perfect barrel, we’ve got your back. Join us for a surf retreat, watch our YouTube videos, and let’s crush your goals together!

Book onto our surf camps here! 

Check out our surf weekends here! 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!

Final Thoughts…

Wherever you are in your surfing journey, setting goals is a powerful tool to keep you motivated and progressing. But remember, the key is to enjoy every moment in the water – surf goals are there to guide you, not pressure you!

Ready to set your goals and bring some GIRL POWER to the waves!

Hope this blog helps you set your surf goals this year, and every year!