Best Surf Camps for Women

Surf camps for women have exploded in popularity over the last decade, and for good reason.

Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to catch your first wave or an intermediate surfer wanting to improve your skills, a women’s surf retreat can fast-track your progress while connecting you with like-minded surfers.

Many women attending their first surf retreat are also learning to surf after 40 and discover they progress much faster when surrounded by supportive coaches and like-minded surfers.

In this guide, I’ll cover the benefits of women’s surf camps, what to look for when choosing one and some of my favourite destinations around the world.

Are you preparing for your next surf trip ? Don’t forget to get your mind and body ready for those waves.

Why Choose a Women’s Surf Camp?

One of the biggest advantages of a women’s surf camp is the supportive learning environment.

Many women feel more confident asking questions, trying new skills and pushing outside their comfort zone when surrounded by other female surfers on a similar journey.

Women’s surf retreats often focus on much more than surfing alone. Many include yoga, mobility training, breathwork, photography, wellness activities and community experiences that create a memorable surf trip both in and out of the water.

Benefits of Surf Camps for Women

Faster Progress

Surfing every day with experienced coaches often leads to significant improvements in a short period of time.

Increased Confidence

Many women attend surf camps to overcome fears, improve ocean confidence and feel more comfortable in the lineup.

Many women also attend surf camps to overcome fears around crowded lineups and build confidence in the ocean, which I discuss further in Why Women Feel Intimidated in the Surf Lineup.

Community and Connection

Surf camps provide an opportunity to meet like-minded women who share a love of surfing, travel and adventure.

A Complete Surf Experience

Many camps combine surf coaching with yoga, breathwork, mobility sessions and local cultural experiences.

Breathwork and surf apnea training can be particularly valuable for surfers looking to feel calmer in bigger surf or challenging ocean conditions.

What to Look for in a Women’s Surf Camp

Not all surf camps are the same. Before booking, it’s worth considering a few important factors.

Your Surfing Level

Some camps cater to complete beginners, while others are designed for intermediate surfers looking to improve their technique. Make sure the coaching matches your current ability.

Coaching Quality

Look for camps that provide experienced surf coaches, small group sizes and personalised feedback. Video analysis can be particularly helpful for accelerating your progress.

Group Size

Smaller groups often mean more individual coaching and more waves during each session.

Accommodation Style

Women’s surf camps range from budget-friendly surf houses to luxury surf and yoga retreats. Choose an option that matches both your budget and travel style.

Extra Activities

Many surf retreats include yoga, mobility sessions, breathwork, photography, wellness workshops and cultural experiences alongside surfing.

If you’re planning a surf retreat in the coming months, spending some time on these surf mobility exercises can make paddling, pop ups and recovery much easier.

Recommended Women’s Surf Camps and Surf Retreats

If you’re looking for a surf camp, I often recommend browsing options through BookSurfCamps. It makes it easy to compare surf retreats based on your skill level, travel style and budget.

Some options that stood out for beginner and intermediate women include:

Beginner-Friendly Surf Camps

• 7 Day Surf, Snorkeling, and Yoga Retreat in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
• 5 Day Beginner Surf Experience in Bali, Indonesia
• 7 Day Learn to Surf Camp in Medewi, Bali, Indonesia
• 8 Day Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
• 8 Day 40+ Never Too Late Surf and Culture Retreat in Ecuador

Surf and Yoga Retreats

For surfers looking to combine surfing with wellness and recovery:

• 6 Day Balance Surf and Yoga Holiday in Lombok, Indonesia
• 7 Day Surf, Breathwork and Yoga Holiday in Bali, Indonesia
• 5 Day Earth Connection Surf and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica
• 7 Day Wave and Flow Surf and Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua

Women’s Surf Retreats

If you’re specifically looking for an all-female experience:

• 8 Day Women’s Surf and Yoga Retreat in Portugal
• 8 Day Swell Sisters Women’s Surf Camp in Portugal
• 5 Day Women’s Surf and Yoga Escape in Morocco
• 8 Day Luxurious Women’s Surf Camp in Costa Rica
• 10 Day Private Island Women’s Surf and Yoga Retreat in the Mentawai Islands

You can browse the latest surf camps, read reviews and compare destinations through BookSurfCamps before choosing the retreat that best matches your goals.

My Favourite Destination for a Women’s Surf Retreat: Lombok

If I had to recommend one destination for beginner and intermediate surfers, Lombok would be near the top of my list.

Unlike some of the busier surf destinations in Bali, Lombok offers a more relaxed atmosphere, warm water year-round and a huge variety of waves suitable for different ability levels.

One of the things I love most about Lombok is the progression available. Beginners can find soft rolling waves perfect for building confidence, while intermediate surfers have access to fun reef breaks and longer rides as their skills improve.

Beyond the surfing, Lombok offers beautiful beaches, incredible sunsets, local culture and a slower pace of life that makes it easy to settle into the rhythm of a surf trip.

Many surf camps and retreats operate throughout Lombok, ranging from beginner-friendly surf holidays through to surf and yoga retreats designed specifically for women.

If you’re considering Indonesia for your next surf adventure, I highly recommend spending some time exploring Lombok.

It’s also one of the destinations I recommend most often to women looking for quality waves without some of the crowds found in other popular Indonesian surf destinations.

You can read my complete guide here:

Lombok Surf Guide

Finding the Right Surf Camp

If you’re looking for surf camps around the world, BookSurfCamps is one of the easiest places to compare destinations, accommodation styles and coaching options.

Whether you’re searching for a beginner-friendly surf retreat, a surf and yoga holiday or a women-only surf camp, it allows you to compare different options before booking your trip.

How to Get the Most Out of a Women’s Surf Camp

A surf retreat can be one of the fastest ways to improve your surfing, but a little preparation beforehand can make the experience even better.

Improving your paddle fitness, mobility, pop up technique and ocean confidence before your trip will help you spend more time catching waves and less time feeling exhausted.

If you’re planning a surf retreat, I’ve put together a complete guide on how to prepare for a women’s surf retreat, including fitness, mobility, surf confidence and packing tips.

Final Thoughts

A women’s surf camp can be one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to improve your surfing.

Whether you’re learning to catch your first green wave, building confidence in the lineup or simply looking to connect with other women who love the ocean, the right surf retreat can be a transformative experience.

The best surf camp for you will depend on your surfing level, travel style and personal goals. Take the time to find a retreat that feels aligned with where you are right now, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Some of the most memorable surf trips begin with a simple decision to book the ticket and paddle out.

Related Reading

• How Women Should Prepare for Their First Surf Trip
• Lombok Surf Guide: Best Waves, Seasons and Travel Tips
• How to Improve Your Pop Up Surfing
• Surf Apnea Training for Surfers
• Am I Too Old to Learn to Surf?
• Surfing After a Long Break

FAQ

Are women’s surf camps suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many women’s surf camps are specifically designed for beginners and include daily coaching, equipment hire and supportive instruction.

What should I bring to a women’s surf camp?

Most camps provide surfboards and coaching, but you’ll typically need swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a surf hat, comfortable clothing and any personal travel items.

Are women’s surf camps worth it?

For many surfers, yes. Surf camps provide concentrated coaching, daily water time and a supportive environment that can accelerate progression and confidence.

What is the best destination for a women’s surf retreat?

The best destination depends on your goals, but popular choices include Lombok, Bali, Costa Rica, Portugal and Morocco due to their warm water, beginner-friendly waves and established surf communities.

How long should a surf retreat be?

Most surf camps range from 4 to 10 days. A week-long retreat is often ideal as it allows enough time to build confidence, improve skills and settle into the rhythm of surfing each day.