Women & surfing 🧜🏼‍♀️

Water is a feminine element; however, surfing can be a very masculine environment. How to find the balance between letting go and taking the reins?

A few years ago, a friend told me, “Toia, that power you exude doesn’t come from your masculine energy, it comes from your more feminine side.” Suddenly, I was speechless. In that instant, something shifted inside me. Although it immediately made sense, I had always believed that what propelled me forward in life -and in surfing- was my masculine energy. The wheels in my head stopped for a moment, and I realized I had it all backward. It was a revelation that softened me and, at the same time, made me feel more powerful.

Hideaways, Mentawai, Indonesia (2017). The most challenging break I know. That day I was the only woman out. I rode some huge waves and came out when the adrenaline turned to fear because the swell kept getting bigger.

Water and Our Own Energy

I love surfing with men. It challenges me, makes me feel more confident, and teaches me about them, about myself, and about the sport. But since they're generally the majority, I find it hard to maintain my own space in the water without over-adapting or becoming polarized. And then I think of the female executive who also has to navigate predominantly male environments. I feel that surfing is a constant learning process, not only physically but also energetically: the art of maintaining our center regardless of the environment, understanding that it's precisely in our differences that we complement each other.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/fe27dc_7ff1d1914d484e52ae3ab1b29ea2fdb6/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Party wave in Sumba, Indonesia (2023). Teaching at an Ecolodge, the best part of that trip was sharing waves with Charlotte (to my left) who was at a similar level, and enjoying the support and motivation of the men.

The Reality in the Water and Our Challenges

Harnessing our power in the sea is important, but our physical capabilities take center stage, especially when everything is challenging. After years of surfing and coaching women, I've identified three fundamental problems we face in the water:

1. A general lack of physical strength.

2. A lack of strength in the shoulders, arms, and back: crucial for paddling, getting through the break, and catching waves. This is particularly true if you started later in life. Those who have surfed since childhood have a natural technique; those of us who started later need to consciously train our strength to gain that same independence in the water.

3. The last and most debilitating: fear.

While physical strength is important for both men and women, our bodies are different. And in the world of surfing, training is often the same for everyone, with a distinctly masculine approach -in my opinion-. That's where specific training stops being suitable for women because it doesn't really adapt to our needs, and that can snowball, especially for women who start surfing after 30 or 35.

But the issue isn't just about training, although I struggle to put the other aspects of the matter into words. Is it all in my head, or do you feel it too? Meanwhile, surf brands try to "balance" it with floral prints and lots of pink. Oh my god! 😵‍💫

My current approach: Surfing from our own nature

This is the guide that defines my approach in and out of the water. These are pillars I've developed very intuitively over the years, and to be honest, it took a lot of time and frustration to realize their true importance. I don't always get it right, but these are the choices that allow me to honor my female body and experience surfing with complete freedom, leaving pressure behind. If you have anything to add to the list, let me know in the comments.

• Surfing alone: ​​Yes, I know, it sounds contradictory. When I started being more independent in the surf, I was afraid to go alone, but I was even more afraid of going to places my male friends or boyfriend chose and getting stuck in surf way beyond my skill level. I started going to beaches I liked and carefully watching the waves before going in. I decide where and when, and if I don't feel safe, I get out. (For my mom's peace of mind: going in alone doesn't mean Into the Wild style; there are always other surfers in the water, but I make my own decisions.)

• Moving my body consciously every day: Training strength and flexibility together is key.

• Warming up before and stretching after: Essential to avoid feeling stiff.

• Respecting my cycle: I used to take ibuprofen and go in the water; I don't do that anymore. Our cyclical nature affects our entire physical, mental, and emotional state. When we're low on energy, the solution isn't always to go out and exercise; sometimes, the answer is to rest. This is especially true during perimenopause and menopause.

• Don't train or surf on an empty stomach: I struggle with this because I don't get hungry in the morning, but if I don't eat, I run out of energy in no time. Intermittent fasting isn't for everyone or for every situation. Women need to be well-nourished, not only to perform well in sports but also to protect our hormonal health.

• Carbohydrates, yes please: Carbohydrates are the quick source of energy the body needs for the demands of the surf. If we don't provide them, we not only lack the strength, but we also force the body to stress itself out and break down muscle mass to survive.

• In winter, go out before you feel cold: This is common sense, but especially important for us, since we don't regulate our temperature the same way men do. I used to stay out until I "caught a good wave to go out on," and then it would take me hours to warm up again.

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I've been thinking for a while about creating a training program designed exclusively for female surfers. A space to get strong for the ocean, but also—and above all—to discover our most magnetic selves, sculpt our curves, and boost our self-confidence.

What do you think? Do you feel it's something that would help you? Would you sign up?

If your answer is YES, click the button below. You'll be the first to know about the launch (and receive an exclusive benefit).

Yes, I want this program!