Tag: surf coaching retreat for women

What to Expect on a Women’s Surf Retreat as a Solo Traveler

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Have you been thinking about booking a surf trip on your own, but are feeling a bit hesitant? You are definitely not alone. Going on a surf trip by yourself, let alone traveling to a different country to do so, can feel just as exciting as it can intimidating. Questions like “Will I fit in?”, “Is it safe?”, or “Will I be the only one showing up solo?” are completely normal to ask and ones we commonly hear from women planning to come on our surf coaching retreats.

Here’s the truth: no matter how intimidating it may feel at first, choosing to go solo on a women’s surf retreat is one of the most empowering, rewarding things you can do for yourself.

If you are showing up without a buddy, here are 3 things you can actually expect when you join a Surf With Amigas Women’s Surf Coaching Retreat:

1. Built-In Safety and Peace of Mind

For many of us, safety is the first concern when planning solo surf trips. Navigating new countries, handling airport transfers, and exploring unfamiliar waves solo can feel overwhelming.

If you join one of our upcoming retreats, all those logistical headaches (and travel nerves!) virtually disappear. You can expect:

  • Guided Ocean Safety: You are never surfing a new wave by yourself. You’ll be guided by our amazing team of women surf coaches to help you break down currents, tides, entry/exit points, and which salty locals to avoid before you even step foot in the water.
  • Seamless Logistics: From airport pickups to local transport, every detail is organized so you can relax, focus on catching waves, and most importantly, recharging! This trip is all for you.
  • Supportive Environment: On a retreat with Surf With Amigas, you always can expect to have a trusted local team by your side. Whether we’re in or out of the water, expect to have support and connection every step of the way!

2. An Immediate Community of Like-Minded Friends

One of the biggest misconceptions about traveling solo on a women’s surf coaching retreat is that you will actually be alone.

The reality is, from the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by a group of rad, inspiring women who share your exact passion for the sport and excitement for adventuring in a new place!
  • You Won’t Be the Only Solo Traveler: Believe it or not, the vast majority of women on our surf retreats show up on their own! Everyone arrives in the same boat, so it’s easy to connect.
  • Easy Community: Whether you are sharing a room, comparing surf bruises over meals, or cheering each other on from the lineup, bonds form quickly (without any weird clique energy!).

3. Inclusive Group Dynamics (in and out of the water)

Group dynamics on a women’s surf retreat with Surf With Amigas are specifically designed to be uplifting and *non-competitive.

  • Cheering Each Other On: Nothing bonds a group faster than watching a fellow Amiga catch her best wave of the trip, or battling wipeouts together and laughing about it later over dinner.
  • Shared Vulnerability: Surfing forces you to step outside your comfort zone. Experiencing that discomfort alongside women who are pushing their own boundaries leads to instant connection and even lifelong friendships!
  • Time for Rest: While the group energy is high, there is never any pressure to be “on” 24/7. All activities are completely optional! You will have plenty of downtime to read in a hammock, stretch out during yoga, or just recharge, all at your own pace.
Launching into your first solo surf trips doesn’t have to be about doing everything by yourself, but rather having the courage to show up for yourself and take the leap! Yes, you arrive on your own, and it’s normal to be nervous. But without a doubt you’ll leave with a group of friends from around the world, renewed confidence, and heaps of salt-encrusted memories.

Ready to embark on your solo travel surf adventure? Check out our Women’s Surf Coaching Retreat Schedule to pick your destination!

How to Read a Surf Forecast

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You’re ready to surf, open up a forecast, and… boom. You’re hit with a flood of numbers and arrows. Swell height, period, wind speed, direction, tides — it’s a lot. Unless you’re on a surf coaching retreat where your coaches will help explain it all, it can be really confusing. We get it!

But here’s the secret: you don’t need to overthink it.
To get a solid idea of what the waves will actually feel like, the most important numbers to look at are:

  • Wave Height
  • Swell Period

Let’s dig into why these matter most — and how to read them like a pro.

Wave Height: The Basic Snapshot

This is the one most people look at first — how big the waves are expected to be. But here’s the catch: forecasted wave height is just an estimate based on computer models. It gives a general idea, but not the full story.

Pro Tip: Use wave height to track overall trends — is it going up or down this week? But don’t rely on it alone to gauge surf conditions.

 

 

 

Swell Period: The Real Power Player

This is where things get juicy.

Swell period measures the time (in seconds) between waves in a set. It tells you how much energy is packed into each wave.

Different swell periods will look very different at different breaks and also may mean bigger/smaller waves for surfers in different parts of the globe. Take these ranges with a grain of salt!

  • Short period (5–8 sec): Smaller, slower, wind-driven waves.

  • Medium period (9–12 sec): Can often mean fun, more organized waves — often the sweet spot for many beach breaks.

  • Long period (13+ sec): Bigger, faster, and more powerful surf. Even a “3 ft” day can feel double that with a long period.

Longer period = stronger swell = bigger, more powerful waves.

It’s the difference between fun and manageable vs. surprise closeouts or sneaky power you weren’t expecting.

 

 

 

Other Factors

Once you’ve locked in the wave height + period, then look at:

  • Swell Direction: Is it aimed at your break? Some beaches only light up with a specific angle.

  • Wind: Offshore = clean & glassy. Onshore = choppy & chaotic.

  • Tides: Every break reacts differently. Start to notice how your home break behaves at high vs. low tide.

Don’t Just Trust the Forecast — Watch the Ocean

Like anything in surfing, reading a forecast takes practice. The best way to learn?

  • Check the forecast
  • Go surfing
  • Take notes on what conditions you experienced during your session
  • Repeat!

Over time, you’ll connect the dots between the numbers and the real-life waves under your board.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what the forecast says — it’s about how you enjoyed your surf experience that day!

Looking for more surf wisdom? Join an upcoming Surf With Amigas Surf Coaching Retreat or check out this video to learn more about reading surf forecasts!

how to read a surf report