"Some days don't go to plan, particularly when you're chasing waves in Cornwall."
Follow Surf Sistas' account of a day spent by the water, captured on film, as they embrace the inevitability of being a surfer...
Some days don't go to plan, particularly when you're chasing waves in Cornwall.
Our latest Surf Sistas Community Day began early on a forecasted promise. We got to the beach early doors, flasks of coffee in hand, clad in changing robes as some classic British summer weather shrouded us in mizzle.
The surf forecast had promised us cruisey waves in a sheltered bay in our hometown of Newquay, which we watched peel perfectly as we got into our suits. Despite our optimism amidst the rain, Mother Nature had other plans.
The wind speed picked up earlier than expected, and the spring high tide rushed in quickly, giving us only a short grace period of waves before we were floating amidst a stormy backwash.
Instead of falling into surf frustration, we ditched the surfboards, headed back into the water for a bodysurf with the girls, and embraced the inevitability of being a surfer: you really do have to flow with what the ocean is doing and not force anything.
For us, surfing has always been about more than just the waves. It's those moments in between too; conversations we have while changing in car parks, the laughs we share over a post-surf coffee, the group chat filling up with hilarious photos from our surf sessions, and simply being able to connect with a like-minded group of women.
Over coffee and brunch at our favourite café, there was plenty of laughter about the morning, and we were already planning our next surf together.
As if the universe decided to reward our patience, everything changed. Blue skies, sunshine and mellow waves were forecast for the whole following week. El Niño had arrived.
We got the girls together again for a sundowner session, and with golden hour lighting up the sea, we paddled out together for a playful surf. It wasn't about perfect conditions; we were just stoked for some easy peelers and sunshine!
As the sun dropped, we brought out the fire pit and blankets, fired up the BBQ and settled in for burgers and a proper catch-up in the last of the evening light. Never short of conversation with this lot.
Moments like these remind us why we started Surf Sistas in the first place: to create an inclusive, supportive space where women can connect through surfing, enjoy the outdoors and have fun without pressure or judgement.
A huge thank you to Passenger for supporting this Community Day and helping us create opportunities for women to spend time together in the places we love most.
We surfed through the rain and the sunshine and enjoyed every moment in between.
About Surf Sistas
Founded in 2003 by a pair of landlocked Londoners, Surf Sistas began as a weekend surf escape to the coast.
Noticing a lack of women in the line-up and that more and more women were booking onto their surf bus; Surf Sistas was born. A women-led surf group offering a welcoming space for women to learn to surf and enjoy the ocean in a fun, accessible community.
More than 20 years later, Surf Sistas has helped thousands of women learn to surf, build confidence, and become part of a global community connected by adventure and a love of the ocean.
Today, they run women-only coaching, retreats, and surf trips in destinations across the world from Cornwall to Morocco, Spain, Portugal and Sri Lanka. Empowering women of all levels to develop their skills, push beyond their comfort zones, and form lasting friendships both in and out of the water.
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