A free local surf program has helped women and girls across the south-west overcome hesitation, build confidence and find their place in the surf.
Surf Sisters 101, delivered through a partnership between Brophy’s Stoked Surf Therapy program and Port Fairy Surf School, supported 34 women and girls through a six-week program designed to make surfing feel safer, more inclusive and more accessible.
Held across November and December, the program created a welcoming space for participants to build practical surf skills, connect with others and develop the confidence to continue their surfing journey.
For many, getting started was the hardest part.
One participant shared that she had purchased a surfboard nine years ago but had never felt confident enough to take it out.
“I filled out the forms of interest three times before I got up the courage to press send,” she said.
“But you have given me the self-belief to go out and experience our amazing surf — thank you.”
Breaking down barriers
Surf Sisters 101 was created in response to the barriers that often prevent women and girls from entering or continuing in surfing.
Before the program, applicants identified fear, lack of confidence, not having friends to surf with, limited knowledge and uncertainty about where to surf safely as some of the biggest challenges.
More than half of applicants said they felt scared or intimidated to surf, while 45.5 per cent said they struggled with confidence or worried they would not be able to do it. The same percentage said they did not have friends to surf with.
The program was designed to respond directly to those barriers.
Each session followed Stoked Surf Therapy’s evidence-based YARN, SURF, EAT framework.
Participants began with a pre-surf yarn covering topics such as choosing the right board, navigating wetsuits, surf etiquette, water safety, reading waves, gender barriers and building confidence.
They then took part in an all-abilities surf lesson led by a female coaching team, with a focus on fun, confidence and feeling good in the water rather than performance.
Each session finished with food, coffee and time to connect, giving participants the chance to reflect, build friendships and create a sense of surf sisterhood.
Confidence in and out of the water
The impact of the program was clear.
After completing Surf Sisters 101, 95 per cent of participants reported feeling more confident to surf, while 91 per cent said they believed they were capable of becoming surfers.
More than three quarters felt safer in the water when surfing, and 73 per cent said they had met other women they could surf with.
Participants also reported feeling more connected to the wider local surf community, more connected to nature and more able to take time for themselves away from household responsibilities or childcare.
For some, the program also changed the way they saw themselves.
“My mindset has completely changed,” one participant said.
“I used to think you had to already be good at surfing, now I see it’s okay to just have a go.”
Another said the program had helped her become more comfortable paddling out on her own.
“I feel so much more confident in the water and reading waves,” she said.
“I’ve bought a surfboard and now go out surfing as often as I can.”
A safe and supportive space
A strong theme throughout participant feedback was the importance of feeling welcomed, supported and free from judgement.
Many participants said the female-led, inclusive environment made a significant difference, particularly for those who had felt intimidated by surfing or unsure about entering male-dominated line-ups.
“The coaches made me feel like I am worth their time,” one participant said.
Another said she felt more comfortable learning alongside women with a range of different skill levels.
“I felt so safe and supported, even when I was really nervous,” one participant said.
For others, the sense of connection was just as important as the surfing itself.
“Meeting other women to surf with has made such a difference,” one participant said.
“I made new friends and feel like I belong in the surf.”
More than a sport
Participants described surfing as something that made them feel happy, energised, refreshed, calm, present and connected to nature.
One participant said surfing helped her feel “happy and healthy”, while another described feeling connected to sea country.
For many, the program provided more than a new skill. It created space for wellbeing, identity and confidence.
“I loved how my confidence and overall mental health has improved,” one participant said.
Another described the program as life-changing.
“Surfing really did change my life,” she said.
“It’s more than a sport or a hobby. It’s a lifestyle.”
Demand continues to grow
The program received 112 applications for 34 available places, showing strong demand for inclusive, community-based surfing opportunities for women and girls.
Participants travelled from across the region to take part, including from Portland, while one person travelled from Melbourne to attend.
Feedback also highlighted opportunities to grow the program in future, including smaller group options, teen-specific classes, one-on-one support and more sessions to meet demand.
Surf Sisters 101 has shown the power of creating safe, inclusive and supportive pathways into sport.
By combining practical skill-building, peer support and consistent access to the ocean, the program helped women and girls not only learn to surf, but feel like they belonged in the water.
As one participant put it:
“My favourite part was the comfort I felt showing up knowing nothing, but being welcomed into an amazing community and feeling like I can actually do this.”