There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as learning how to travel solo as a female.
For those who are passionate about surfing, the feeling of being landlocked is all too frustrating. The longing to be in the ocean, riding the waves, is powerful and can evolve into an insatiable craving. Time to head to the coast! But what do you do if no one wants to join you for the ride? Finding like-minded surf buddies who share your enthusiasm can sometimes be a challenge. Schedules don’t always match up, work lives get in the way and people have different preferences. Talk about a reality check. The truth is, if you wait for others, you’ll probably end up waiting a long time – maybe even forever. Did someone say solo female surfing travel?
Surfing Solo as a First Choice
Whether it’s a one year surfing trip in San Diego funded by remote work, or a two week adventure to Costa Rica, a solo surf trip can sound not just appealing, but heavenly. Sure, some natural worries and concerns might creep up. But ultimately, making a decision to go alone has the potential to be nothing short of life-changing.
Repeat after us – surfing solo isn’t a last resort! Quite the contrary, it’s an empowering and liberating adventure born out of the choice to put yourself first.
In this article, we give you a solo-surfing confidence boost. We’ll provide some helpful tips, guide you in the right direction and help you to make your trip as comfortable and – most importantly – as enjoyable as possible.
Why You Should Go
Girls, we probably don’t have to persuade you to go on a once-in-a-lifetime surfing adventure. But just in case you’re on the fence, here’s what makes a solo trip triumph over all other trips.
Empowerment
Feeling empowered as a solo surfer is totally underrated. You wake up at the crack of dawn, watch the sunrise, and sit amongst the waves by yourself. No compromises needed. No need to fit into someone else’s plans. It’s just you, your board, and the vast expanse of open water. You’re self-sufficient – and it feels amazing!
Freedom
The true beauty of surfing alone lies in the freedom it offers. Without distractions or conversations, you can fully immerse yourself in the present moment. Let the soothing sound of the ocean and the sensation of effortlessly gliding across the water become your sole focus.
Personal Growth
Surfing solo pushes you to grow personally. It challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, rely on your instincts, and embrace independence. As you navigate the waves with confidence, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your capabilities (as a surfer and a human).
Choosing the Right Destination
As a woman surfing alone, the destination you choose for a trip is important. This is especially true for those wanting to head out solo for the first time. We’re not talking just about safety here, but more about matching your preferences to place.
The first step? Research destinations and find one where those similar to you surf. Join some Facebook groups, read some articles or speak to those in your local surfing community.
Some surfing destinations will be more welcoming than others, some will be more international, some will be more touristy, surf-camp focused or be renowned for lessons. Others will be known only amongst the pros. Depending on your preferences and your ability, there’s a destination out there perfect for you.
Safety Considerations
The very thought of solo surfing in a far-flung destination can bring to mind images of solitude, unsafe conditions and danger. Fortunately, these thoughts don’t reflect reality. Although a little caution is needed, many surf destinations around the world are totally safe and bustling with surfers. Feeling a little nervous? Here’s what you can do to gain a little more confidence:
Do Your Research
Before jumping on your flight, research your chosen destination. Look for places that have a reputation for being safe and welcoming to solo travelers, particularly female surfers.
Trust Your Instincts
As women, we tend to have a good sense of when something feels ‘off’. Always trust your gut instincts. If something feels uncomfortable, remove yourself. Your intuition is a powerful tool.
Choose Accommodation That Serves Your Purpose
Some accommodation will be better for solo female travelers than others. Look for reputable surf camps, hostels, or hotels that have positive reviews. If it makes you feel better, you could even consider booking female-only dorms.
Join Other Surfers in the Water
In a surfing destination, you’ll have access to a whole bunch of people at any time, ready to hit the waves. If you prefer, surf with a buddy or join group surf lessons.
Avoiding Loneliness
Let’s get one thing straight. Although at home you might feel as though you’re the only one wanting to surf all day, there are thousands of girls living it up out there, wanting to surf their way around the world. So before you start fretting about loneliness, forget it! Lot’s of travel souls are out there, waiting to meet people like you. The best thing you can do as a female solo traveler is to stay open to opportunities that come your way. Join local events, make new friends, speak to people at the beach and socialise at your hostel. You’ll soon realise how easy it really is.
Embracing Independence
One of the most important things to do during a solo surf trip is to live, to enjoy, to soak up the feeling of independence. Embrace the sun, surrender to the rhythmic flow of the waves, and let your heart be your compass!
Embarking on a solo journey is not just an adventure but a profound exploration of your inner self. Put your hesitation to the side, the world (and its oceans) are waiting for you!