Women and Waves

Have been wanting to learn to surf for so long but it had always been super intimidating Bit the bullet and headed to one of the Croyde weekends solo - was really nervous but had the most amazing time! Freddie was a brilliant coach - open, warm and funny - so encouraging and made us all feel completely at ease. Most of us had joined solo and it was epic to spend the weekend with a group of likeminded and inspiring women. Already booked my next weekend with them at the end of July!
Apr 27th, 2023

Had an amazing weekend on the Beginners surf course in Croyde with the Women + Waves crew. From the pre-weekend information (including pre-surf yoga and breathing routines), the warm welcome and expert coaching to the post-weekend follow-up emails. Our coach Freddie immediately put everyone at ease with her warmth and humour and paid attention to everyone on the course, giving tips and encouragement as well as taking us through the theory, safety & surf etiquette. It was great to see how invested the whole w+w team were in ensuring that we all had a fantastic experience - Freddie, Rachel, Sophie, Aline and Sarah. Thank you!
Apr 24th, 2023

Had the best weekend as a beginner in Croyde with the team. Freddy, our instructor was just a wonderful human; super encouraging, supportive and gave great guidance to everyone. The weekend was so well organised, I met some awesome people who I'll stay in touch with and have already booked onto their Portugal camp! Can't recommend them enough!
Apr 20th, 2023

Super fun weekend, met some really cool people, made meaningful progress with my surfing actually can stay on the board now - teachers are awesome, really professional experience too, pre and post surf tailored work out videos, video analysis, professional photos, advice on boards, even some local discounts. Oh and you dont have to carry the boards all the way because theyre stored in the van by the beach - nice touch.
Apr 20th, 2023

Book this course, you honestly wont regret it! From all the pre-weekend information, identifying surfing expectations and goals as well as reassuring emails and yoga tips, the Women+Waves Beginners Surfing Weekend, based in a fabulous central activity centre and on the sheltered Great Western Beach in Newquay is the way to start your surfing journey. The instruction is so professional and of such a high quality with small groups and almost individual attention and care whilst out surfing in the waves. So many helpful tips, and hints allowing you to focus on the surfing instruction, from help setting up your positions and how to manoeuvre your surfboard, without being conked on the head (previous Surf School lesson/introductory experience which completely lacked instruction of how to get the board out easily and really put me off). With Women+Waves I never felt in danger or scared, even when a few slightly bigger waves rolled in, and it just felt natural to accommodate any changing conditions following the guidance of the instructors who with a 1:3 or 4 ratio were watching, helping and instructing each of us the whole time. Freddie was amazing! enthusiastic, empathetic and great fun, offering positive support and tips the whole time, with an appreciation of what each of the group might be going through Piping hot vegan, hot-chocolate, or hot Ribena, and nibbles halfway through the surf session helped energy levels, and even though it was April, the warm wetsuits, kit and constant activity meant we never felt the cold - having too much fun! Hot showers afterwards before video analysis was superb and great fun to spend an evening with new friends and like-minded beginners all so enthusiastic about our introduction to surfing. The course is in no way anti-men, however it was wonderful to have the feminine energy and support throughout (as well as the lovely smelling rash tops and wetsuits) - just a few of the lovely little touches of a more feminine side to surfing as opposed to a 'hard-core surf dude' vibe, so intimidating to complete newbies I have already booked my next weekend as well as other courses offered by Women+Waves including Bodysurfing and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding. I also hope to join them on a surf holiday abroad later in the year and truly believe that with the guidance offered from Freddie as well as and Sophie, all under the superb direction of the owner, Rachel, I will progress and enjoy my surfing journey and newfound hobby. Thank you also to Sarah who took so many fabulous photographs and videos of us all to provide such great video analysis. This part of the course really helped identify specific areas to improve, supported by the constructive feedback and helpful tips from all members of the team focusing not only on improving but also enjoying the whole surfing experience Absolutely loved it - Thank you!
Apr 10th, 2023