Why Surf Retreats Are So Special

(and why so many of us are drawn to them)

Welcome 🤍

A new year often comes with new plans — and I’ve noticed that for many of my friends, those plans include surf trips and surf retreats. Over the past few years, I’ve done nine surf retreats myself, and I’m often asked the same questions: where to go, what to expect, whether it’s “worth it”, and whether you need to be a certain level to even consider booking one.

I’ve always been drawn to active holidays. As a kid, I spent my school breaks at sports camps — tennis camps, swimming camps — and later, travel became a way to train. I planned trips around marathon training, fitness camps, and during my CrossFit era, I somehow always ended up in places like Bali and Thailand doing exactly that. Surf retreats felt like a natural continuation of this rhythm: travelling with intention, movement built into each day, and learning something new alongside other people.

If you’re sitting on the fence, feeling curious but unsure, or quietly wondering whether a surf retreat might be for you, this series is for you. I want to share what I’ve learned along the way — honestly and without hype — including the things that surprised me, challenged me, and ultimately kept me coming back.

Why surf retreats feel different

There’s something very special about being fully absorbed in one thing.

On a surf retreat, you don’t have to plan much at all. Your days tend to follow a simple rhythm: surf, eat, rest, reflect, repeat — and laugh. A lot. The kind of belly laughs you share with new friends, who very often turn into friends for life.

That’s also why surf retreats usually come at a premium. Most things are organised for you. You book the retreat and your flights, and someone else handles the rest — which means your brain can finally take a break.

That said, this isn’t an all-inclusive beach holiday where your biggest concern is which cocktail to order next (although you might find yourself hunting for snacks between surfs — very normal behaviour). The simplicity of a surf retreat exists for a reason. It creates space. Space for you to be present, both mentally and physically, without distractions pulling you in different directions.

Unlike a standard holiday where surfing is often squeezed in between sightseeing or social plans, retreats give you permission to focus. You’re surrounded by other women who are there for the same reason, often at similar stages in their surfing journey. That shared intention creates the vibe and completely changes the energy.

You might be surprised by how many women share similar experiences, fears, and doubts. Surf retreats usually create a safe space where you can focus on your surfing alongside like-minded women — without pressure, comparison, or expectations.

For many women, surf retreats are also the first time they’ve truly prioritised their own experience — without guilt, without needing to justify it, and without constantly measuring themselves against others.

A familiar thread: active travel (and learning to let go)

Looking back, surf retreats make a lot of sense in the context of my life. I’ve always gravitated toward trips that had some structure, some movement, and a sense of progression. I like being organised. I like plans. I like knowing what’s happening and when.

But I’ve also experienced surf retreats where I didn’t take anything too seriously — where I allowed myself to relax, go with the flow, and just enjoy being there. And that was just as valuable.

Surf retreats give you permission to do both. You can go deep — reflect, learn, challenge yourself, and figure things out. Or you can keep it light — enjoy the ocean, spend time with other women, laugh a lot, and soak up the experience. Sometimes you get both in the same day.

That balance is one of the reasons surf retreats are so popular. They meet you where you’re at.

Surf retreats sit beautifully at the intersection of adventure and care. You’re pushed outside your comfort zone, but you’re also supported. There’s effort, but there’s also rest. That combination is what makes them so powerful — and, honestly, a little addictive (in the best way).

The nerves are part of it (really)

Almost everyone I’ve met on a surf retreat has been nervous beforehand. A new country, new people, unfamiliar waves, and a sport that already asks a lot of you — physically and mentally — can feel overwhelming. Especially if, like me, you lean more toward the introverted side and your social battery needs regular recharging.

If you’ve had surf lessons before, particularly as a beginner, you probably already know how much mental energy surfing can take. Add travel and new people into the mix, and it’s completely normal to question whether you’re “ready”.

Let me tell you this: you are ready for the retreat that suits your surfing level. Surf retreats are designed to offer some of the best conditions for learning and progression — no work or family distractions, like-minded women supporting each other, (usually beautiful weather), great surf conditions, a new culture and very good food, unlimited naps if needed, and surf coaches available for land training or video analysis.

In other words — it’s a pretty perfect environment to learn and progress, regardless of where you’re at.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that nerves are completely normal (and very common). They absolutely don’t mean you shouldn’t go. More often than not, they mean you care. They mean you’re about to step into something new and exciting. As many people say, the magic often happens just outside our comfort zone.

And let me tell you a secret — it’s VERY rare that you’re the only one feeling that way.

Community, connection, and shared growth

One of the most unexpected parts of surf retreats is how quickly real connections form. Sharing early mornings, wipeouts, small wins, tired legs, long dinners, and constant surf chats creates bonds that feel genuine and easy.

You show up as you are — salty, messy hair, sunburnt noses, odd tan lines, sore arms — and that shared vulnerability is incredibly grounding. Over the last few years, I’ve met so many incredible people through surf retreats, and I’m proud to call many of them friends.

Surfing has a way of humbling everyone equally, and there’s something very comforting in that.

Not everything goes to plan — and that’s okay

No retreat is perfect. Conditions change. Some days are tougher than others. Energy levels fluctuate. Expectations don’t always match reality.

But that’s part of the experience.

Learning to adapt, to let go of rigid plans, and to find enjoyment even when things don’t look how you imagined is one of the quieter lessons surf retreats offer. It’s something that often stays with you long after you’re home.

There’s a reason we so often use the ocean and surfing as an analogy for life. You can’t control everything — and that’s exactly why we’re so drawn to it. Sometimes all you need is the courage to catch the right wave and enjoy the ride.

If you’re curious, that’s enough

If surf retreats have been on your mind — even quietly — that curiosity is worth listening to. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be fearless or “good enough”.

In the next post, I’ll go into the practical side of choosing the right surf retreat, what questions to ask, and what to look out for before booking.

For now, know this: feeling unsure is part of the process. And for many of us, surf retreats become some of the most meaningful trips we ever take.

Mags x