Can I Really Go on a Solo Surf Trip as a Woman? Here’s How.

Have you ever wondered: Can I really do a surf trip on my own?

Yes. You can.

A year after having my third child, at forty years old, I realised it was now or never if I wanted to learn to surf properly. So I booked a solo surf trip – terrified and exhilarated in equal measure.

That first trip taught me far more than just how to surf.

I met one of my first lifelong surf pals. I overcame panic, fear and expectation. I discovered exactly who I am when it’s just me and the waves.

Ten years on, I’ve just hit ‘book’ on another solo surf trip for my 50th birthday. Am a nervous? Hell yeah! Bring it on.

Because there’s nothing more empowering and liberating than heading off on a solo adventure to the waves. Yes, it’s nerve-wracking. Especially that moment you actually press ‘book’. And when you’re all packed up, heading to the airport or train station on your own.

But here’s what you gain: freedom, confidence and self-reliance. You choose where you want to go, when you want to go, how long you surf for. No compromises, no pressure to perform, no waiting for someone else to commit.

You might be surprised to learn that 90% of our guests on Women & Waves surfing holidays travel on their own. You’re not the exception – you’re the norm. Our surf camps make it easy for solo surfers to set their own pace, with everything organised so all you need to do is show up and go surfing.

Why More Women are Choosing Solo Surf Travel

Women choose solo surf trips for all kinds of reasons. Maybe you want time to yourself. Maybe you want to progress without pressure or comparison. Maybe you’re between chapters of life – motherhood, career change, healing, reinvention. Or maybe you simply want an adventure that’s yours alone.

Whatever your reason, it’s valid.

Surfing with friends is fun. Surf trips with your partner can be great, but they often come with unspoken pressures: to step up to someone else’s level, or to step back and prioritise togetherness over waves.

Going on a solo surf trip as a female is different. It’s about choosing waves that suit you, days that flow at your pace, and experiences that nurture you.

And let’s be clear: solo doesn’t mean lonely.

You might travel to your destination on your own, but you’ll surf alongside women with a shared mindset, similar skill levels, and the same love for the ocean. You’ll find your people – if you want to. You’ll find space – if you need it. That’s the magic.

Going Solo: The Gains

Overcome fear and self-doubt. Like the best waves of your life – you’ve got to paddle hard, commit, and take the drop.

There’s a moment before every solo surf trip when doubt creeps in. You’re standing in your kitchen, bags packed, scared that you’ve signed up for something way outside your comfort zone.

Sure, day one might feel strange. But by day three that fear will feel like a distant memory. New faces become friends. New waves become your waves. By the end of the trip, you’ll wonder what you were worried about and why you waited so long.

Be yourself. In everyday life we juggle so many roles within our families, jobs, relationships and routines. A solo trip strips all that back and gives you space to be just who you are, and live each day on your own terms.

No expectations. No performance anxiety. No pressure to keep up with a partner who’s been surfing since childhood.

This is about rediscovering yourself. Just you and the ocean, working it out together.

Set your own pace. On a solo trip, surfing – and the rhythm of your days – becomes intuitive. It’s about tuning into your own internal metronome. You decide how long you surf, when you push and when you step back.

Some days that means three surf sessions. Other days it might mean one gentle dawn patrol and a book on the beach. No guilt for saying no. No pressure to match someone else’s pace.

You’ll gain more than just better surfing. Something shifts when you go alone. You’ll come back feeling stronger and more independent. There’s a resilience that comes from navigating airports alone, striking up conversation with other surfers, and paddling out in foreign lineups.

The confidence you gain isn’t reckless. It’s earned. And it doesn’t just stay in the ocean. That stronger, calmer, more self-reliant version of you shows up in the rest of your life, too. Want to boost your confidence in the surf? Check out our top tips in this video.

Destinations for solo surf trips

Our top tip for a successful solo surf trip is to choose a destination that suits your ability – and the length of your trip.

I’ve always dreamt of the Mentawais and Papua New Guinea, but let’s be practical. The time to get there, and the power and size of the waves is way beyond me. Arriving after two days of travel to waves you can’t handle isn’t brave – it’s reckless.

Be honest with yourself. Pick somewhere that excites and challenges you, but doesn’t terrify you.

At Women and Waves, all of our destinations are made for beginner and intermediate surfers. Take your pick and see what some of our guests say:

Portugal

Offers a confidence-boosting first solo surf trip, with consistent beach breaks and a thriving surf scene that’s accessible for all levels. Plus it’s sunny (mostly!), affordable, easy to reach from anywhere in Europe, and the food is delicious.

“I was initially nervous about flying out alone, but as soon as I stepped off the plane into the sun and warmth I was in my element and didn’t stop smiling the whole time. It is so lovely meeting like-minded women with a love for travel and surfing and we all instantly connected.” – Lauren-Ashleigh, Portugal

Costa Rica

Offers a soul-nourishing tropical escape, where jungle meets ocean and the waves deliver for real progression. The Nicoya Peninsula is a perfect destination for women ready to reconnect with themselves, with surfing, yoga and really supportive female surfing community.

“One of the best times of my life! I left my kids at home and took myself on an adventure both inside and outside of myself. – CC, Costa Rica”

Curious what a day in Costa Rica looks like?

 

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Bali

Is a game changer for your surfing – a magical and exotic for a women-only island escape with the convenience of a private surf taxi. Then there’s yoga, snorkelling and beachfront stays where you can chill by our lagoon-view infinity pool.

“The best part? Since returning, seven of us from the trip have already rebooked another one together – proof of the epic experience and friendships we made.” – Kristin, Bali

Think Bali’s too scary to surf? Think again. Watch our video which debunks all of Bali’s surfing myths.

Morocco

Is for women craving adventure and the thrill of surfing somewhere truly different, with warm water, long right-hand point breaks, and the Atlas Mountains in the backdrop. With expert local guidance, you’ll explore quieter stretches of coastline, finding freedom, flow, and deep connection far from the crowds.

“I love that these trips attract like-minded girls, and you come away having made a new group of pals.” – Annabelle, Morocco

Barbados

Is simply a surfing paradise – turquoise waters and playful waves with turtles in the lineup. It’s laid-back and deeply uplifting – a place where solo travellers feel instantly at ease and enjoy a life-changing surf experience.

“The most amazing surf trip I have been on, everything was so well thought-out and organised. I felt very comfortable travelling solo and left with an amazing gang of new surf friends!” – Hannah, Barbados

Check out Noreen’s experience…

The UK

Proves you don’t need to travel far for transformation – our homeland surf community offers the winning combo of easy-to-get waves made for learning and progressing. In Newquay, Cornwall, you’ll find a supportive, down-to-earth surf community, varied breaks for all levels, and a vibrant town that makes it easy to feel at home.

“The all-women environment is extremely supportive, and I left with not only a new set of skills in the water, but new surfing friends.” – Sarah, Cornwall

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Surf Travel for Women