You might think that once you’re paddling outback, catching green waves and turning along the face, that’s it – no more surf coaching needed! But when you get to an intermediate surfing level, it’s a critical time to be honing in on the technical side of surfing. From top turns and trimming to carves and cutbacks, steeper take-offs and catching bigger waves, there’s so much opportunity for progress.

Our ladies were doing just that on our most recent Intermediate Surf Programme supported by Rip Curl! The conditions in Newquay were perfect for our group of intermediate surfers to really nail their bottom turn and boost their confidence. Clean waves, offshore winds, uncrowded peaks and winter sunshine…

Intermediate surfers Rhiannon and Jo absolutely smashed it out there this weekend – see what they have to say about it below!

Rhiannon:

Where are you from and where do you usually surf?

I’m originally from Suffolk but I move around a lot! I’m now in the South West and normally surf in North Devon. 

How long have you been surfing?

Only six months! I’m totally hooked now.

What is a challenge you’ve faced in your surfing? 

The paddle out back has always been my biggest challenge! I still get horrible anxiety about it.

How did you overcome this challenge? 

I really focused on where the anxiety was coming from. For me, it was a fear of getting too tired and/or then a set catching me out. I do a lot of dry training on the days I can’t get in the sea and I really worked hard on turtle rolls and breathing so that I knew I would be okay if I did get caught out by a set. I also found an instructor who I felt totally calm and confident with in the water, which really let me push outside of my comfort zone! 

Why did you join the intermediate surf coaching weekend with W + W?

I’d never surfed with any women before! 

What was it about the course that helped you the most?

Being surrounded by like-minded and incredible women really makes you feel like you can do anything! 

What advice would you give to someone else thinking about booking this course?

Do it!!! The best weekend of surfing I’ve had yet. 

Jo:

Where are you from and where do you usually surf?

I’m originally from exotic Stoke-On-Trent. I’ve lived all over but have been based in Newquay since March 2020 and this definitely feels like home! Normal surf spots are Towan, Fistral and Watergate.

How long have you been surfing?

I first had a go as a kid but then properly caught the bug over the last 3-4 years and I go regularly now I’m living in Newquay! 

What is a challenge you’ve faced in your surfing? 

My pop-up has always been quite inconsistent (Surf Fit Academy has been awesome for improving this) and having the confidence to go out and catch waves when it is over 3ft! 

How did you overcome this challenge? 

Following a training programme to improve my upper body strength, surfing with like minded and positive people and getting in the water as much as possible!

Why did you join the intermediate surf coaching weekend with W + W?

I’d seen them out a few times in the bay and I was keen to get in on the action. When I saw the split up levels this year I seized that as my perfect opportunity to book a weekend!

What was it about the course that helped you the most?

Confidence in my own abilities and acknowledging we are all in the same boat. We all have sessions where we go out, get frustrated and sometimes don’t get any decent waves, but that is surfing and it gets balanced out with those awesome sessions!

What advice would you give to someone else thinking about booking this course?

Do it – it’s a great opportunity to meet lots of like minded, positive women and have fun in the water!

Any more feedback? 

I used to really get into the details about board size, fin shape, technique videos etc. I think it led me to be overly critical. What has made the biggest difference to my surfing has been just getting out more, no matter what the conditions or outcome – just enjoying being out there!

Could this be you next month? Join us on 9th & 10th April for our next Intermediate Surf Programme for in-depth coaching and good times in the surf capital of the UK! Click here to learn more and book.