In the words of World Tour competitor Caity Simmers, “Surfing is for the girls.”
It’s a simple statement, but one that reflects a growing movement in surfing worldwide.
Surfing is more than a sport. It is a relationship with the ocean, a personal challenge, and for many women, a powerful source of connection.
Research and lived experience both show that women progress faster, feel safer, and stay engaged longer when learning in supportive, female-focused environments. That understanding is at the core of the Aotearoa Surf Sistas program.
Surf Sistas goes beyond traditional surf lessons. It is a structured, progressive program built around confidence, community, and consistent time in the water.
Key Features of Surf Sistas
1. Empowering Surf Sessions
Surf Sistas is designed to help women feel capable and confident in the ocean.
Sessions are tailored to individual ability, from complete beginners to progressing surfers.
Qualified Aotearoa Surf instructors adapt coaching to each participant’s needs, ensuring real progression rather than one-size-fits-all instruction.
This approach leads to better skill development, stronger confidence, and more meaningful time in the water.
2. A Strong Focus on Sisterhood
Connection is central to the program.
Surf Sistas creates a space where women support each other, share experiences, and grow together.
The environment is inclusive, encouraging, and free from pressure or comparison.
Many participants join to learn to surf, but stay for the friendships and sense of belonging that develops both in and out of the water.
3. Progressive Weekly Structure
Surf Sistas runs as a weekly program with options to join for 4, 8, or 12 weeks.
This structure creates consistency, accountability, and momentum.
Regular time in the ocean is one of the most effective ways to improve surfing, and the weekly format allows skills to build naturally over time.
Sessions run on Saturday or Sunday mornings at Te Arai Beach, offering flexibility around busy lifestyles.
4. Holistic Approach to Surfing and Wellbeing
The program recognises that surfing is not only physical.
Surf Sistas integrates conversations and education around wellbeing, sustainability, environmental awareness, and ocean safety.
This holistic approach supports both mental and physical health, helping participants feel more connected to the ocean and confident in their place within it.
5. Inclusive and Accessible for All Women
Surf Sistas welcomes women of all ages and backgrounds. No prior experience is required, and experienced surfers are equally supported. Every participant’s journey is different, and the program is designed to meet women where they are, offering guidance, encouragement, and progression at every stage.
More Than a Surf Program
Aotearoa Surf Sistas is a celebration of women in surfing. It combines expert coaching, a supportive community, and a deeper connection to the ocean. The result is not just improved surfing, but increased confidence, stronger friendships, and a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond the beach.
Surfing is for the girls. And Surf Sistas is where that belief comes to life.
References
World Surf League – Women’s Surfing
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/pages/womens-surfing
International Surfing Association – Women in Surf
https://isasurf.org/programs/women-in-surf/
Surfing and Mental Health (peer reviewed, PubMed Central)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130989/
British Journal of Sports Medicine – Physical Activity and Women’s Health
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/11/675
Frontiers in Psychology – Women, Sport, and Confidence
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01949/full
Surf Life Saving New Zealand – Ocean Safety Education
https://www.surflifesaving.org.nz/learn-to-surf-safely
The Inertia – Women’s Surfing Coverage
https://www.theinertia.com/surf/womens-surfing/
World Health Organization – Physical Activity and Mental Wellbeing
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
Sport and Development – Women-Only Spaces in Sport
https://www.sportanddev.org/en/article/news/women-only-spaces-sport
