Surfing has always carried a sense of freedom – the salt air, the rolling waves, and the thrill of standing up on a board as the ocean carries you forward. For a long time, surfing was seen as a male-dominated sport, but that’s changing fast. Across Cornwall and the UK, more and more women are discovering the joy of the waves. At OA Surf Club in Widemouth Bay, we’ve seen first-hand how surfing women are reshaping surf culture, bringing with them confidence, community, and an energy that’s truly inspiring.
The rise of surfing women
In recent years, the number of women taking up surfing in the UK has soared. Nowhere is this more evident than on the beaches of North Cornwall. Widemouth Bay, with its long sandy beach and consistent waves, has become a welcoming spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Surfing women are no longer a small minority; they’re an essential part of the line-up. Whether they’re catching their very first whitewater wave or carving confidently down the face of a set, women are proving daily that the ocean is for everyone. They’re also inspiring younger girls to get involved, creating a ripple effect that continues to grow.
Building confidence in the sea
One of the most powerful things about surfing is the way it builds self-belief. The first time you stand on a board and ride a wave towards the shore, you feel unstoppable. It’s a moment of pure joy, and for many surfing women, it sparks a lasting confidence both in and out of the water.
At OA Surf Club, our instructors specialise in making surfing approachable. We break things down step by step, offering encouragement and support at every stage. Many women come to their first session nervous, unsure if surfing is really for them – but they leave with smiles, salt-tousled hair, and the knowledge that they can do more than they thought possible.
The Widemouth Wahines
Community is what makes surfing stick. Having a group of like-minded people to share the journey with transforms surfing from a one-off experience into a lifelong passion. That’s why we created the Widemouth Wahines, our women’s surf club here at OA Surf Club.
The Widemouth Wahines is more than just a weekly session – it’s a supportive community of women who surf together, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s progress. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills, the Wahines provide a safe, fun, and uplifting environment.
Over time, many Wahines members have gone from tentative first steps in the shallows to confidently paddling out and tackling unbroken waves. The transformation is incredible to watch, and it’s made possible because of the support and camaraderie that comes from being part of the group.
Surfing as a lifestyle
For surfing women, the sport often becomes much more than a hobby. It’s a lifestyle shaped by tides, weather forecasts, and the joy of being close to nature. Early mornings at Widemouth Bay, wetsuits hanging to dry, and long evenings watching the sunset over the sea become part of everyday life.
The Widemouth Wahines often carry their community spirit beyond the surf. From post-session coffees to beach clean-ups and social gatherings, the friendships formed in the water grow stronger on land. Surfing women are not only building confidence for themselves but also creating positive change in the wider community.
Why OA Surf Club supports surfing women
At OA Surf Club, we’re passionate about making surfing accessible and inclusive. We believe that seeing women on boards, laughing, learning, and leading, inspires others to follow. By running women-focused initiatives like the Widemouth Wahines, we’re helping to make surfing more welcoming and more diverse.
Every woman’s surf journey is different. Some want to enjoy relaxed sessions, focusing on fun and fitness. Others set themselves challenges – to paddle out further, to master turning, or to ride a clean green wave. Whatever the goal, we’re here to provide the guidance and encouragement needed to make it happen.
Catch the wave with us
The growing presence of surfing women is one of the most exciting shifts in modern surf culture. It’s about empowerment, connection, and joy. It’s about finding freedom in the sea, and friendship on the sand.
If you’ve ever thought about learning to surf, there’s never been a better time. Whether you’re curious about taking your very first lesson, want to meet like-minded people, or are ready to join the Widemouth Wahines, OA Surf Club at Widemouth Bay is here to welcome you.
The waves are waiting, the boards are ready, and the Wahines will be there to cheer you on. Come and discover why so many women are finding confidence, community, and happiness in surfing.
