Women’s Surfing: Gear, Mindset & Inspiring Stories

Surfing Is Not Just for Men

A few decades ago, surfing was seen as a man’s sport — powerful, risky, and aggressive. But that’s changing. Today, women’s surfing isn’t a trend — it’s a movement. Thousands of women around the world are picking up boards to conquer fear, build strength, and live freely.

If you think surfing isn’t for you because:

• You’re not super fit

• You’re afraid of waves

• You’re insecure about your body

• You’ve never tried extreme sports

— then you’re exactly who should try.

What Surfing Gives to Women

• Confidence — learning to work with the ocean.

• Strength — physical and mental.

• Body awareness — intentional movement.

• Self-acceptance — no filters, no angles, just you.

• Community — sisterhood, support, energy.

At JOYS BRAND, we’ve seen how surfing transforms our customers — that’s why we make gear that empowers: stylish, functional swimsuits and apparel designed to move with you.

Female Surfing: Physiology, Psychology, and Approach

Physiology: Strength, Balance, Endurance

In general, women:

• Have less upper body strength (paddling is harder)

• Have better balance (great for pop-ups and stance)

• Develop flexibility and coordination faster

In practice:

• It may be harder to handle the board early on

• But women often learn technique faster

Psychology: Caution Is a Superpower

Women:

• Tend to take fewer risks (fewer injuries!)

• May feel more fear in chaotic conditions

• Can be more affected by outside opinions

Reframe it:

• You listen to your body

• You progress at your own pace

• You feel deeply — every wave becomes a victory

The Female Approach: Soft Power on Waves

It’s not about fighting. It’s about rhythm, awareness, joy, and presence. You don’t surf to prove — you surf to feel.

JOYS BRAND supports that with gear that moves with you: comfortable one-pieces, soft yet supportive fabrics, and surfwear that lets you be you.

Women’s Surf Gear: Swimsuits, Rashguards, Shorts

One-Piece Swimsuits: Best for Active Surfing

They stay in place, prevent chafing, and protect from sun and wax. JOYS BRAND picks:

• Imsouane Ribbed Khaki — high back, open shoulders, ideal for mid-sized waves

• Imsouane Violet — snug fit and stylish, holds up in heavy sets

Bikinis: Choose Secure Styles

Look for wide straps and fixed fits. Our faves:

• La Punta Silver — reversible, secure on hips, stays in place

• La Punta Praline — anatomical cut, soft material, no rubbing

Rashguards: Sun Protection Must-Have

Essential for tropical mid-day sessions. Pair with matching bottoms or create your own set. JOYS BRAND offers both long-sleeve and cropped options.

Shorts: Confidence + Coverage

Perfect for foam training, artificial waves, or surf-skating. Try: Casablanca Tiger — tough, minimalist, stylish in and out of water

Tip from JOYS BRAND: Choose your suit like your board — it should support you, not distract you.

Choosing Your First Surfboard as a Woman

Soft Top = Easy Start

Soft tops are foam-covered boards that:

• Are safer during falls

• Have great buoyancy

• Catch whitewater easily

• Forgive mistakes

Ideal size: 8'0–9'0 depending on your height and weight.

Board Fit Tips:

• Height: Go 15–20 cm above your height

• Weight: Impacts volume — more volume = easier ride

• Shape: Go for round nose + wide tail for more stability

Moving On: Funboards & Mini Mals

When you’re ready for green waves:

• Easier to maneuver

• Great for learning turns

• Still beginner-friendly

Pro Tip: Rent or test before you buy. The "perfect board" on paper may not feel right in water.

Common Fears That Hold Women Back — and How to Overcome Them

"I’m scared of waves."

• Lessons start on foam and shallow spots

• You’ll never be alone — instructors are right there

• Fear turns into respect with practice

"I’m insecure about my body."

• No one’s looking at you — everyone’s focused on the wave

• Confidence is felt, not seen

"I’m not athletic."

• Surfing doesn’t need superpowers

• It needs patience and presence

"I’m too old / too late."

• Many women start in their 30s, 40s, 50s

• It grounds you, heals you, and reawakens joy

5 Inspiring Female Surfers

1. Carissa Moore

• 5× World Champ

• Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020)

• Kind, fierce, and graceful

2. Stephanie Gilmore

• 8× WSL Champ

• Known for elegant style and power

3. Bethany Hamilton

• Lost arm at 13 in shark attack

• Returned to pro surfing

• Author, speaker, warrior

4. Lakey Peterson

• WSL pro, Nike athlete

• Learned to surf as a teen

5. Local Women Around the World

• Bali, Mexico, Iceland, Russia

• No fame. No filters. Just love for surfing

These are the women who inspire JOYS BRAND. Not just the pros — the real ones who ride every day.

Women’s Surf Camps: Find Your People

What is a Women’s Surf Camp?

• Oceanfront stays

• Daily lessons with pros

• Yoga, workshops, connection

• Real friendships — no judgment

Why it Matters:

• Safe space to fail

• Encouragement, not pressure

• Honest conversations, real growth

Where to Find Camps:

• Bali (Canggu, Bukit)

• Portugal (Ericeira, Algarve)

• Sri Lanka (Weligama, Ahangama)

• Mexico, Costa Rica, Canary Islands

• Russia (Sochi, DonSurf indoor spots)

JOYS BRAND is proud to be part of this community — we make the gear women wear in these camps, and on their first real waves.

Surfing as a Practice: Body, Confidence, Freedom

Feel Don’t Judge

Surfing makes you feel your body — not judge it.

• Feel your muscles, your reactions

• Balance and adjust

• No mirrors. Just presence

Surfing = Meditation

• Long pauses between waves

• Floating, breathing, staring at the horizon

• You’re not on your phone — you’re in your body

Real Freedom

On the wave, you owe no one anything. You’re not a role. You’re just a woman catching a wave. And that feeling stays with you.

Checklist from JOYS BRAND: What to Pack

Swimsuit:

• No ties or frills — just secure, supportive cuts

• Imsouane Ribbed Black, Casablanca Praline = top choices

Sun protection:

• Cap or bucket hat

• Zinc sunscreen

• Rashguard or cotton tee (Garment Dye Pink Tee)

Shorts:

• Wear over suit for confidence

• La Punta Black = sleek, secure, reversible

Other must-haves:

• Towel or poncho

• Dry bag for wet stuff

• Hair tie (silicone = best)

• Water bottle

• Smile (non-negotiable)

Everything you need is in the JOYS BRAND shop — made by surfers, tested in real waves.

Final Note: Be Yourself on the Wave

Surfing isn’t just about gear and boards. It’s a feeling. It’s the moment after a wipeout when you smile with saltwater in your mouth — and paddle back out.

For women, it’s also a statement:

• You can do this

• You don’t have to be stronger than everyone — just strong in your own way

• Your body is not for approval — it’s for joy

• Waves aren’t obstacles — they’re dance partners

Style Isn’t About Trends. It’s About Choice

Choose to show up. Choose to ride. Choose to wear what supports and celebrates you. JOYS BRAND makes surfwear for women who want it all: style, function, and the freedom to move.

Surfing Doesn’t Change You. It Reveals You

You won’t become someone else. You’ll just drop what’s not real.

Doubt. Comparison. Pressure. What’s left is you. Real. Wet. Free.

So? Ready to paddle out? We’re with you. And the wave is already on its way.