Surfing has long been seen as the sport of fearless adventurers, tackling powerful waves with strength and skill. For many years, the image of a surfer was almost always male. But look at the beaches of Cornwall today and you’ll see a very different picture. Women are stepping confidently into the line-up, discovering the joy of riding waves, and creating a thriving community of their own. At Big Blue Surf School, we’re proud to be part of this positive change and to support women at every stage of their journey.
Across the UK, the number of women taking up surfing has grown significantly in the past decade. Cornwall, with its golden beaches and reliable surf, is at the centre of this movement. Surfing women are no longer a rare sight – they’re a vibrant and essential part of the surf culture here. From first-time beginners to experienced riders chasing bigger waves, women are proving every day that surfing is a sport for all.
This growth is about more than just numbers. Surfing women are challenging outdated stereotypes, showing strength, balance, and resilience on the water. They’re also bringing new voices and perspectives into the surfing community, inspiring the next generation of girls to grab a board and give it a go.
One of the most powerful things about surfing is the way it builds confidence. Standing up on a board for the first time, feeling the energy of the wave carry you forward, is an unforgettable experience. For many surfing women, that moment marks a shift – a realisation that they are capable of more than they thought.
At Big Blue Surf School, we see this transformation every day. Our experienced instructors break down each step, from paddling out to finding your balance, in a way that feels safe and supportive. Women who might have arrived nervous or unsure often leave the water beaming, already eager for the next session. Surfing has a unique way of replacing doubt with determination.
Surfing can look like a solo sport, but in reality, it thrives on community. For surfing women, having a group of like-minded people to learn with, laugh with, and share progress with makes all the difference. That’s why Big Blue Surf School runs a women’s only surf club called Sirens.
The Sirens meet regularly, giving women of all abilities the chance to surf together in a supportive, encouraging environment. There’s something special about being in the water with a group of women who all understand the nerves, the stumbles, and the victories. The club isn’t just about catching waves – it’s about friendship, motivation, and celebrating progress together.
Many of our Sirens started as beginners, unsure if surfing was really for them. Now they’re riding waves with confidence, cheering each other on, and proving that surfing women belong at the heart of Cornwall’s surf culture.
For many surfing women, the sport becomes much more than a hobby – it’s a lifestyle. Early mornings at the beach, salty hair, wetsuits drying in the sun, and the rhythm of tides shaping your week. Surfing brings women closer to nature, encouraging mindfulness and resilience. The ocean doesn’t always behave as expected, and learning to work with it rather than against it is a powerful lesson that extends beyond the beach.
The friendships formed through surfing also spill over into everyday life. The Sirens often gather after sessions for coffee, beach walks, or simply to watch the sunset. The community grows stronger both in and out of the water.
At Big Blue Surf School, we believe surfing should be open to everyone, and we know that representation matters. When women see other women out on the waves, they feel encouraged to give it a try themselves. By running women-focused sessions like Sirens, and by celebrating the achievements of surfing women, we hope to make surfing more inclusive and welcoming.
We also understand that the journey looks different for everyone. Some women want to surf casually, enjoying the relaxation and fun of a few hours in the sea. Others set themselves goals, from riding bigger waves to improving their technique each week. Whatever your aims, Big Blue Surf School provides the guidance, encouragement, and safe environment to get you there.
The growth of surfing women is one of the most exciting changes in modern surf culture. It’s about empowerment, community, and joy. It’s about seeing the sea not as something intimidating but as a place of freedom and adventure.
If you’ve ever thought about trying surfing, there has never been a better time. Whether you want to dip your toes in for a single lesson, join a group of new friends, or become part of the Sirens women’s surf club, Big Blue Surf School is here to help you take that first step.
So why wait? The waves are waiting for you – and the community of surfing women will be there to welcome you with open arms and big smiles.
