reef break tips - Surf With Amigas

Starting a surf journey can be both exhilarating and intimidating, especially if you don’t fit the traditional surfer image often portrayed in the media. However, the ocean is for everyone, and embracing your unique self is part of the adventure.

Here, we’ll discuss some fantastic size-inclusive bikini and wetsuit options, along with a few essential beginner surf tips from an Amiga who’s joined us on many Surf With Amigas retreats, Maddie Stone.

Bikinis

Left on Friday: Left on Fridays goes up to a size XXL, and have comfortable, cute and supportive tops!

Carve Designs: Carve Designs offers XL sizing in rash guards and their leggings and are great quality.

Swimsuits For All: Known for its wide range of sizes and stylish designs, these suits are perfect for active water sports like surfing, providing both support and style.

Curvy Kate’s Swimwear: With a focus on fuller busts and a variety of trendy designs, Curvy Kate offers supportive and flattering options for plus-size surfers.

Wetsuits

Finisterre: This European company is our top wetsuit recommendation from our Amiga Maddie Stone. They have sizes that go up to a US women’s 22. This is one of the largest size ranges for wetsuits we’ve found! They also offer custom wetsuits, and have great neoprene jackets and tops.

Xcel Axis Long Sleeve Front Zip Wetsuit: Available in extended sizes, this wetsuit provides flexibility and warmth, ideal for surfing in cooler waters!

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Plus-Size Wetsuit: Designed specifically for women with curves, this wetsuit combines comfort, performance, and durability.

What to Remember When Starting Your Surf Journey

Embarking on your surf journey is an exciting step. But it’s easy to feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or imposter syndrome, especially if you don’t feel like you identify with surfer stereotypes. On one of our latest episodes of Second Breakfast, Maddie Stone explains an her early experience that left her feeling disappointed:

“I went to Costa Rica and I signed up for a lesson and the guy brought a board and hadn’t asked height or weight or anything. And at that time, I didn’t know enough to know, I should put this out there proactively. And we show up, we’ve driven to a beach to meet and he pulls out a seven foot board, which, for me was not going to float me. I was not gonna catch any waves on that, especially at such a beginner level. It’s not only an inclusion type of thing, but it’s legitimately making the sport even harder to do. ”

Keeping that story in mind, here are some tips to help you get started on the right foot:

Finding the Right Instructor

Look for Experience and Patience: Choose an instructor who has experience teaching surfing at ALL LEVELS and demonstrates patience and understanding with years of experience underneath their belt. Personal recommendations or reviews can be very helpful in finding the right fit. Try finding a private lesson with a local instructor so you can get the attention and insight you deserve!

Self-Advocate and Choose the Right Waves

Advocate for Yourself: Do some research before your lesson, or go to a local surf shop and ask questions! (board and break recommendations, etc.). We always say, size matters when it comes to boards! Especially when you’re starting out, bigger is often better.

Start Small: Begin with smaller, gentler waves that are more forgiving for beginners. This helps build your confidence and skills without the intimidation of larger waves.

Stay True to Yourself and Positive: Remember that everyone’s surf journey is unique. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and avoid comparing yourself to others. Surfing can be challenging, and there will be ups and downs. Keep a positive mindset, and remind yourself that perseverance is key! Most importantly, stay true to who you are and what you enjoy. If certain aspects of surfing culture don’t resonate with you, allow yourself to focus on the parts that do.

Embarking on your surf journey, especially when you feel like you look different or don’t identify with different aspects of the industry, can be an incredibly challenging but rewarding process! Remember that perseverance can be a powerful statement of self-love and confidence. With the right gear, guidance, and mindset, you can ride the waves and experience the joy and freedom that surfing brings. Remember that the ocean is for everyone.

Hear Maddie’s surf journey about Busting Surf Stereotypes and Embracing Idenity on the Second Breakfast Podcast!

Surfing over a reef can offer some of the most thrilling and picturesque experiences in the ocean. Our retreat locations in both Indonesia and the Maldives are renowned for their incredible reef breaks, attracting surfers from around the globe. However, surfing over reefs also comes with its unique set of challenges and risks, not to mention intimidation factor! Here are three essential tips to help you navigate these stunning but potentially hazardous spots safely and with confidence.

1. get to Know the Breaks

Understanding the specifics of the break you’re heading to is crucial. Every break has its own characteristics and potentially problematic zones. For this reason alone, local knowledge is invaluable. Once you arrive at your destination, talk to local surfers or guides to learn about the best tides, swell directions, and any specific dangers such as sharp coral heads or strong currents so you can be well equipped when you paddle out.

Most importantly, research the destination and surf breaks you’ll be going to before arrival. Watch videos, check out swell forecasts, and look at wave guides or other resources on websites like Surfline. Understanding the conditions you may be dealing with in advance will better help you prepare, both mentally and physically!

Pro Tip: Utilize Local Knowledge

2. Equip Yourself Properly

Surfing over reefs may require some additional gear to ensure your safety, comfort, and confidence in the water! Everyone’s preferences are different, but you may want to invest in some gear listed below:

Reef Booties: These can be extremely helpful in protecting your feet from sharp coral or rocks. If you have to walk over reef to paddle out to the break, they’ll also help provide better grip when walking over slippery, uneven surfaces. Not to mention, if you do find yourself with a few party favors from the reef on your feet, booties will help secure your bandages and provide more protection for your next session.
Rash Guards and Wetsuits: Rash guards and neoprene will not only protect you from the sun but can also soften any blows you might have with the reef!
Surf Helmet: You might not wear a helmet every time you paddle out, but if you’re looking to get some tube time or take off steep and deep in powerful, hollow waves over shallow reef, it may be something you want to look into. Not to mention with tropical surf locations becoming more crowded, protecting yourself from potential collisions with other surfers might not be a bad idea, either.

Finally make sure all of your surf gear (especially things attached to your surfboard) are in good working order before your departure! Using damaged or well-loved items (like leashes!) in critical conditions can quickly turn a minor mishap into a dangerous situation on a reef break, where you need to stay close to your board to avoid injury.

Pro Tip: Use a Strong, High Quality Leash

3. Perfect Your Technique

Paddle and Positioning

Reef breaks often require precise positioning and strong paddling skills to ensure you catch the wave at the right spot and avoid being caught inside.

Take-Off Points: Learn the take-off points specific to each reef break. This is where local knowledge is again invaluable. Being in the right position can mean the difference between a thrilling ride and a dangerous wipeout.
Paddle Power: Reefs often create powerful, fast-breaking waves. Ensure your paddling technique is strong and efficient. Practice quick, explosive paddling to get into the wave early and establish control.

Wave Selection and Exit Strategy

Choosing the right wave is critical, especially over a shallow reef.

Wave Selection: Avoid waves that are too big for your skill level. Start with smaller, more manageable waves and gradually work your way up as you gain confidence and experience.
Exit Strategy: Always have a plan for how to safely exit the wave. Know the safest routes back to the lineup or to shore. If you do wipe out, protect your head with your arms and try to fall flat to distribute the impact.

Pro Tip: Practice Duck Diving (DEEP!) & Don’t Hesitate on The Takeoff

Being proficient at duck diving (pushing your board under an oncoming wave) can help you navigate the sometimes-treacherous waters above a reef. On a steep, powerful wave, hesitating on the takeoff can lead to a potentially dangerous situation (likely getting hung on the lip and going over the falls). Remember to commit! Even if you fall, you’ll be in a safer position on the wave than at the top.

Surfing over reefs in destinations like Indonesia and the Maldives can offer some of the most memorable sessions of your life. Although the first time surfing a reef break might be intimidating, trust yourself and remember to have fun! Often times when we’re nervous we tense up or forget to breathe in stressful situations, which can have negative impacts on our surfing and safety! Breathe and have fun! Happy surfing!

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