A partnership making waves in women’s surfing
When Women + Waves and Rip Curl joined forces, we wanted to do more than just stick two logos together.
This partnership is about changing the game for women’s surf coaching – giving female surfers the tools, confidence and community to keep progressing.
It’s all happening right here in Newquay, Cornwall, where Rip Curl’s global experience meets the passion and energy that drives our surf community. Together, we’ve launched an academy, a clothing range, and a new approach to learning that’s built on connection and progression, not competition.
Introducing the Rip Curl x Women + Waves Surf Academy
The Rip Curl x Women + Waves Surf Academy kicked off in early 2022, bringing a fresh take on how women learn, progress and stay stoked.
Forget huge lesson groups and generic feedback — this is focused, personal coaching with smaller numbers and a clear plan for moving forward.
Three coaching levels
- Level 1 – Beginner Surfers
- Level 2 – Progressor Surfers
- Level 3 – Intermediate Surfers
Each weekend, our coaches work through your goals, film your sessions, and keep a personalised logbook so you can actually see your progress.
And the best bit? You’ll be taught using the unique Women and Waves teaching style that has been created with a focus on the challenges that ladies face when learning or improving their surfing.
Our sessions run across Newquay, Croyde, and Wales, giving you different conditions to test your skills and learn how to adapt to real surf environments.
Insight from the world’s best female surfers
Thanks to Rip Curl, we’ve had the chance to learn directly from some of the best in the business, including World Champion Molly Picklum and Brisa Hennessy.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Rip Curl and launching the all-new Surf Academy,”
says Women + Waves founder Rachel Murphy.
“Rip Curl has been at the top of the surf world for decades, and what they stand for aligns perfectly with our values – quality, sustainability, and a genuine love of the ocean.”
Rachel added:
“We’ve already spent hours with Molly Picklum, talking about everything from her training and mindset to her diet and equipment. Those conversations are shaping how we coach – practical, real-world advice you can actually use.”
Molly Picklum summed it up perfectly:
“I think it’s amazing what Women + Waves are creating. They’re really broadening the sport and helping more women push their surfing forward.”
Molly Picklum talks exclusively to Women + Waves founder Rachel Murphy about her top surfing secrets.
Progress, sustainability and shared purpose
Rip Curl’s European Sales Director, Sean Harris, said it best:
“We’re stoked to support Women + Waves and the community they’ve built. More and more women are getting into surfing, and working together on coaching, product and development benefits everyone.”
We couldn’t agree more. Both brands share a long-term commitment to sustainability and creating opportunities for women in surfing. Since 2019, Women + Waves has run inclusive surf coaching weekends, surf retreats and international trips, while Rip Curl continues to innovate with eco-conscious surfwear and gear that lasts.
The Rip Curl x Women + Waves capsule collection
Off the back of the academy’s success, we teamed up again to create a clothing capsule collection that captures the Women + Waves spirit. Think soft, functional surfwear designed by women who actually surf, not just models in beach shoots. Each piece blends Rip Curl’s technical design with our community’s laid-back, coastal style. It’s gear you can wear from dawn patrol to post-surf coffee.
Check out the Women + Waves x Rip Curl Capsule Collection
Raising the bar for women’s surf coaching
Together, Women + Waves and Rip Curl are setting a new standard.
We’re showing that world-class coaching can be friendly, supportive and tailored to real life, not just competition surfers.
From local UK surf weekends to international surf travel, this partnership is helping more women than ever feel confident in the water and part of a wider movement that’s only just getting started.
Watch the video
Watch the Rip Curl x Women + Waves Surf Academy launch video.
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