Rediscovering Strength, Health and Joy Through Surfing
Meet Tamara, a 57-year-old surfer, lawyer and all-round powerhouse who’s proof that it’s never too late to make incredible, positive change using the power of surfing as a catalyst. Growing up between Arizona and California and now living in New York, she’s spent 25 years practising Family and Criminal Defence Law. But in recent years, Tamara’s found a new kind of balance – through surfing, fitness and the Women + Waves community.
We aught up with Tamara on the final day of her recent Barbados trip
Tell us about your surfing journey?
I surfed a bit as a kid in Santa Cruz, California, and again while stationed with the Navy in Hawaii. Then I connected with Women and Waves and reignited my passion. I have always loved skateboarding and I find surfing so much fun.
What Women + Waves trips have you been on?
I’ve been on three trips so far: Barbados, Bali Island Retreat, and Barbados again. I’m booked for Costa Rica in February and Portugal in October. In 2027 I plan to go to Secret Morocco and the Cornwall Camp for Women to complete the tour – and I’ll probably squeeze another trip in too!
So amazing! Thank you for joining so many trips, we’ve loved having you along. You’ve been on a fitness journey, inspired by surfing – can you tell us about it?
When I went to Barbados in 2024, I was 225 pounds. I could barely paddle out. Before heading to Bali, I decided that had to change. I built a routine that worked for my lifestyle and stuck with it.
- Three days walking at least 10,000 steps plus rowing or swimming for 30 minutes
- Three days running for 45 minutes followed by 30 minutes of weights or strength training
- Two yoga sessions a week, riding my skateboard to each class
- No alcohol or processed sugar
“By the time I got to Bali, I could paddle strongly and enjoy every session. When I returned to Barbados this year, I was down almost 100 pounds and training for a half marathon.”
That is an incredible achievement. Well done, the photo’s of your transformation are mind blowing! Why did you choose to come back to Barbados again?
I loved it the first time and wanted to love it even more – and I did. Jodie and Chelsea are so supportive and caring. I truly feel like I have family in Barbados.
If you could describe the surf conditions in one sentence, what would you say?
Perfect – all around perfect.
You’re on track to be the first guest to join every single Women + Waves trip. Which have you still to go on, and which has been your favourite?
Barbados has been my favourite so far, the waves, the food, the coaches. Rolling out of bed and surfing with turtles is just magic. Bali was stunning and challenging though, and I’ll be heading back in 2028 for my 60th to conquer it. I loved the long rides and the beauty of Indonesia.
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If you could pick one song to sum up this trip to Barbados, what would it be?
“Learn Yourself” by Ziggy Alberts. I truly found myself on this trip.
Can you share the best tip you received during your Barbados trip?
“Paddle smarter, not harder.” You can’t catch every wave – and not every wave is worth the paddle. Sometimes the most magical moments are just sitting on your board watching the world go by.
That’s a tip that we can all take something from, where ever we are in our surfing journey. Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.
I’ve been skateboarding since I was three. I even had a crew in high school and college called the Gothic Skate Punks. I credit skating for my balance and ability to ride long waves.
Gothic Skate Punks sound rad! Love that. What would you say to someone thinking about joining a Women + Waves trip?
Do it. It doesn’t matter how old you are – no one thinks about that. Every woman has her own reason for being there, and everyone is supportive. No egos, just love. It’s a trip you’ll never forget and it helps you grow in so many ways. You’ll leave completely hooked on surfing.
A Journey That Keeps Growing
Tamara’s story reminds us why we surf – for confidence, joy and community. If you’re looking for a reason to get fit, why not follow Tamara’s lead, she is literally glowing! During the recent Barbados trip she cracked it, paddling out and catching waves alone, standing up, trimming all the way to the shore with style. The physical, mental and spiritual transformation over 12 months is a credit to Tamara’s will power to get the very most out of surfing. From Bali to Barbados, she’s living proof that surfing can change lives at any stage.
We have 2 final places on our December ’25 Barbados trip, if you’d like to join, we are offering a £250 flight credit voucher for both spots. Follow this link to sign up.
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