If you enjoyed Laura Mayer’s People of Surfing films from Brazil and South Africa, here’s her episode featuring New Zealand.
If you missed the first episode from Laura Meyer here she is exploring New Zealand’s beautiful coastline and meeting the local Kiwi surf community.
“This is a surf series about the People. I want to highlight the culture of the destinations I visit through the voices of a few locals I will be meeting and surfing with” says Laura. This series is about human connections, travels and adventure in search of waves.
You can watch the other videos in the series here:
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/people-of-surfing-new-zealand/feed/0One Day at Home with Laura Coviella
https://surfgirlmag.com/one-day-at-home-with-laura-coviella/
https://surfgirlmag.com/one-day-at-home-with-laura-coviella/#respondWed, 09 Sep 2026 08:18:44 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283900Ever wondered what life is like as a pro surfer, chasing swells across the globe?
Ever wondered what life is like as a pro surfer, chasing swells across the globe? Find out with a day in the life of Spanish surfer Laura Coviella.
Take a look at Laura Coviella’s surf vlog showcasing her lifestyle and surf regime in Tenerife, Canary Islands — a full day of surf training, recovery, daily routine and Tenerife surfing culture.
ONE DAY AT HOME captures a full day in the life of a surfer, detailing Laura’s morning routine, surf training and dedication to surfing. It is a visual journey through everything behind a surf session: gym work, movement, food, time in the ocean, stretching, recovery and life by the sea.
If you enjoyed this, you can watch Laura’s other video here:
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/one-day-at-home-with-laura-coviella/feed/0How to Read a Surf Forecast
https://surfgirlmag.com/how-to-read-a-surf-forecast/
https://surfgirlmag.com/how-to-read-a-surf-forecast/#respondTue, 08 Sep 2026 13:51:12 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283876Swell height lies without period and wind. Here's what the other forecast numbers actually do.
Swell height always gets the spotlight, but swell period, direction, and wind are what actually decide whether your weekend surf trip is a dream or a waste of petrol.
Picture this: you check your favourite surf app on Thursday evening. Three feet, a cheerful green bar, sunny skies—looks ideal. You text the girls, pack the van with board bags and warm flasks, hit the road early, and arrive to find a messy, lumpy ocean with endless whitewater stacked to the horizon. What went wrong? The app didn't lie, but the real secret to a good session was hiding in the numbers you scrolled right past.
Most of us start out reading a forecast the simplest way: glance at the wave height, skip the rest, and hope for the best. It works just often enough to feel reliable, until a string of blown-out sessions ruins a weekend road trip. Here is your friendly, simple guide to decoding the rest of the forecast—so you can stop guessing and start catching the best waves of the day.
Live conditions — Fistral Beach
What a surf forecast actually is
First things first: a forecast isn't a direct live measurement—it's a digital weather model. It's essentially a supercomputer's best prediction of what the ocean will look like a few days down the line.
Global weather computers map out wind and atmospheric pressure across the globe. Specialized wave models take that wind data and calculate how much power it transfers into the ocean surface, tracking those energy waves as they travel across thousands of miles. No matter which surf app you open, that exact process sits under the hood. The small differences between apps usually come down to which weather model they prefer and how often they update.
Real-time observations are different. Wave buoys moored off our coasts measure the ocean in real time. If a buoy reading disagrees with your forecast app, always trust the buoy!
Swell height: why looks can be deceiving
The height number on your chart is almost always 'Significant Wave Height' (written as Hs). This is the average height of the highest one-third of the waves passing a buoy. That detail is key because it means there's a wide variety of wave sizes coming through. If Hs says 3ft, plenty of waves will be smaller, but set waves can easily be double that size.
The second trick? That number measures swell in deep, open water offshore. As waves move toward the beach into shallower water, they slow down at the bottom, steepen up, and grow in height before breaking. How much taller they get depends on the sea bed and the swell period. A long, powerful swell will stand up tall and impressive over a sandbank, whereas a short, choppy swell will barely change.
Think of swell height as a helpful starting point, but never the whole story!
Photo 2
Swell period: the magic number
Swell period is the gap (in seconds) between one wave crest and the next as they pass a single point. If you only start paying attention to one new number today, make it this one!
Why is it so important? Because longer gaps between waves mean vastly more energy. Doubling the swell period roughly doubles the wave's power delivered to the beach. That is why a 3ft swell at 16 seconds breaks much cleaner, faster, and bigger than a 3ft swell at 8 seconds. Same height column, totally different surf session.
Period also tells you where your waves were born:
Long Period (14s+): Known as groundswell. Created by intense storms thousands of miles away. They arrive clean, organized, and powerful.
Short Period (6-8s): Known as windswell. Created by local winds blowing close to coastlines. They tend to be weaker, bumpier, and closer together.
Swell period, side by side
Same wave height, totally different shape. Longer seconds between waves mean more power and cleaner lines.
Short period6–8s · windswell
Mid period10–12s · mixed swell
Long period15s+ · groundswell
Golden Rule: If the period is 13 seconds or higher, expect the waves to feel bigger than the forecast height. If it's 8 seconds or less, expect them to feel smaller and softer.
Swell direction: is the energy hitting your beach?
Swell direction is shown in compass degrees (e.g., 270°) or cardinal points (like W or NW). It tells you where the swell is coming from.
To know if a swell will work, compare its direction to the angle of your beach. For example, a beach facing West will soak up West and Northwest swells beautifully. But if a South swell rolls in, big headlands might block the wave energy completely, leaving your beach flat while a spot around the corner is pumping.
Swell can also bend around points and headlands (a process called refraction), softening as it wraps into protected coves—often making sheltered spots the best choice on big, stormy days!
Wind: clean waves vs. bumpy mush
You can have a perfect swell heading straight for your favourite bay, but wind is what decides whether the surface looks like smooth glass or a choppy mess.
Offshore Wind (Land → Sea): The gold standard! Offshore wind blows gently from the shore out toward the ocean. It holds up the wave face, grooms the water smooth, and gives you clean, open walls to ride. It's why early morning dawn patrols are so magical!
Onshore Wind (Sea → Land): Onshore wind blows from the sea onto the beach. It pushes waves over before they can form nicely, crumbling the tops and creating a bumpy surface. Strong onshore winds usually mean a good day for a cozy coffee chat instead.
Cross-shore Wind (Along the coast): Blows sideways across the lineup. If it's light, it's totally manageable. If it gets strong, it creates drift and tricky chop.
Offshore
Land to sea. Clean, smooth faces and peelers.
Onshore
Sea to land. Bumpy, choppy, and crumbling.
Cross-shore
Along shore. Fun if light, tricky if strong.
Wind Speeds at a Glance: Under 8 knots is light enough that direction barely matters. 8–15 knots is where wind direction makes or breaks the session. Above 15 knots onshore? It's probably time for a beach walk instead!
Tide: finding the sweet spot
Tide controls water depth over sandbars and reefs. Because the seabed gives a wave its shape, the state of the tide makes all the difference.
Some beach breaks only work on a rising mid-tide. Other spots might close out completely at high tide, then turn into fun, peeling peaks two hours later as the water drops. Keep a little note on your phone of what your local beach looks like at different tides—it's the fastest way to learn your local spot's sweet spot!
Quick Forecast Cheat Sheet
Term
What it means
Hs / Wave Height
Average size of the top third of waves. Expect set waves to be larger!
Period (s)
Seconds between waves. 12s+ means clean power; under 8s means short, soft chop.
Groundswell
Clean, organized swell generated by distant ocean storms.
Windswell
Local, short-period choppy swell created by nearby winds.
Offshore Wind
Wind blowing land-to-sea. Holds wave faces up and keeps them smooth.
Sets & Lulls
Waves arrive in groups (sets) followed by quieter rest periods (lulls).
Glassy
Zero wind conditions, leaving the ocean surface smooth as glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good swell period for beginner or intermediate surfers?
A period between 9 and 12 seconds is fantastic! It provides well-formed, manageable waves without the heavy, intense push of a massive 16-second groundswell.
Is 2ft at 15 seconds better than 4ft at 7 seconds?
Almost always, yes! The 2ft long-period swell will hold its shape, feel surprisingly punchy when it hits shallow sand, and peel smoothly. The 4ft short-period windswell will likely feel soft, weak, and disorganized.
Why does the forecast say 3ft but set waves look much bigger?
Forecast height (Hs) averages the top third of waves, meaning bigger sets naturally roll through above that average. Long-period swells also gain extra height as they push up over shallow sandbars.
How far ahead should I check the forecast for a weekend trip?
Keep an eye out 3–4 days ahead for general swell trends, but re-check the night before! Wind predictions can change quickly within 24 hours.
At the end of the day, no app replaces checking the beach with your own eyes. A forecast helps you pick the right coastline and hour; your intuition decides when to pull on your wetsuit. Trust the process, enjoy the learning curve, and we'll see you in the lineup!
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/how-to-read-a-surf-forecast/feed/0Rip Curl Unveils Search Series
https://surfgirlmag.com/rip-curl-unveils-search-series/
https://surfgirlmag.com/rip-curl-unveils-search-series/#respondTue, 08 Sep 2026 09:44:15 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283833Combining advanced technical performance with more than five decades of experience chasing waves around the world.
Rip Curl has launched Search Series, and its 2025 World Champion Molly Picklum helped get it ready.
She tested the collection in the water before it went live worldwide on 1 September. Search Series is the most technical range Rip Curl has put out, made for surfing and for the travel that comes with chasing waves. There are water pieces built to perform, plus everyday layers that hold up when the weather turns and still look right once you're off the beach.
The women's line covers a lot of ground, from swimwear and boardshorts through to apparel, travel luggage and warmer mountainwear, so one kit bag can more or less see you through a whole trip.
The pull to get out there and see where the surf takes you.
A lot of the technical side comes from the fabrics. Rip Curl worked with specialist mills and used materials from CORDURA, Polartec and Pertex across the range.
The name comes from The Search, the idea Rip Curl was built on when it started in Torquay, Australia, in 1969. It began as a hunt for waves and grew into something bigger.
Rip Curl is running the launch under the line "Born From Culture. Built For Purpose.", surf roots paired with gear that works well beyond the water.
Welded seams and no hardware give the One Piece a smooth, second-skin feel. Lightweight, single-layer Sea Suede fabric keeps you free in the water, while a flattering cut and reliable coverage keep you feeling confident in the surf.
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/rip-curl-unveils-search-series/feed/0Patagonia Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026
https://surfgirlmag.com/patagonia-wetsuit-repair-tour-2026/
https://surfgirlmag.com/patagonia-wetsuit-repair-tour-2026/#respondFri, 04 Sep 2026 09:28:53 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283598Patagonia repairs wetsuits and outdoor gear as the wetsuit repair tour travels to surf communities across Europe.
This autumn, Patagonia’s Worn Wear repair team is back on the road for the Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026. The rolling repair stations will travel from cities to surf breaks in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Switzerland, offering surfers and ocean enthusiasts free repairs on wetsuits and clothing from any brand.
The Wetsuit Repair Tour will be calling at 14 destinations, with four longer stops featuring full weekends of workshops, film screenings, and surf stoke. Expect clinics and surf sessions with Patagonia surf ambassadors, meet and greets with local NGOs, alongside plenty of talks to attend. Upcycling workshops to give used neoprene a new life will be taking place at selected weekend events, and dedicated recycling drop-off points will be in place for old suits that have seen their last set.
Over the last year, Worn Wear events around Europe have repaired more than 3,000 items no matter the brand in more than 50 events, including festivals, snow and climbing tours. The fleet of repair trailers has been built to travel to the toughest locations around Europe, bringing technical repair equipment and good vibes to sport communities where they are. The repair team will also educate people on how to keep wetsuits and clothing in good condition for multiple seasons and teach skills such as patching, re-waterproofing shells, fixing zippers, and upcycling through workshops at selected stops.
“You can keep your suit going for longer just by doing these simple things: Freshwater rinses after every use. Don’t let it bake in the sun for days—and definitely don’t leave it balled up in the back of your truck for weeks on end. These little things will help your suit go the distance. All it takes is a commitment to having a bit more of a game plan when it comes to taking care of your gear.” Buddy Pendergast, Wetsuit Repair Technician
To get surfers back out into the water while their wetsuit is being fixed, Patagonia will offer its latest Regulator wetsuits to test ride during the tour. Made from natural rubber, the new wetsuits come with upgrades on materials and performance and are built with insights from years of fixing wetsuits in Patagonia’s repair centres.
“Not only can we facilitate this incredible repair resource for the surf community and get lots of wetsuits back in the lineup—we’re also directly able to drive the design and performance of new suits based on all the feedback and data that we’re getting.” Buddy Pendergast
Patagonia’s Worn Wear programme was created in 2013 to encourage people to take good care of their gear, washing and repairing as needed.
Extending the life of our garments, through proper care and repair, is the single most important thing we can do to lower our impact on the planet and reduces the need to buy more over time — thereby avoiding the CO2 emissions, waste output, and water usage required to build it.
By keeping our clothing in use just nine extra months, we can reduce related carbon, waste and water footprints by 20-30 percent each, according to the UK-based group WRAP – simply because we’re making and throwing away less.
To scale repairs across Europe, Patagonia has partnered with the United Repair Centre and opened repair facilities in Amsterdam and London with the goal of repairing 100,000 pieces of clothing per year by 2028.
Repairs in numbers
• Over 50 repair events were hosted throughout Europe last year
• Patagonia was able to repair more than 35,000 pieces of clothing in Europe in 2025
• Globally, more than 110 repair locations fix Patagonia clothing for free, or for a nominal charge
• 15 repair partners across Europe are fixing Patagonia garments for our customers
Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026
9-10 September: Antwerpen, Belgium
12-13 September: Scheveningen, Netherlands
12-13 September: Shore, East Wittering, UK
12-14 September: La Torche, Plomeur, France
15-16 September: Marktplatz, Lübeck, Germany
17-19 September: Les Estagnots, Seignosse, France
18-19 September: Hafenpromenade, Münster, Germany
19-20 September: Newquay, UK
21-23 September: Plage Centrale, Lacanau Océan, France
Erin Brooks Claims Second Fiji Win as Nichols Forced to Withdraw
Erin Brooks (CAN) has been crowned the 2026 Fiji Pro winner after Isabella Nichols (AUS) was forced to withdraw from the Final due to the ankle injury sustained in her Semifinal win over Brisa Hennessy (CRC). The result marks a full-circle moment for Brooks at a venue that holds special significance in her career. It was here in 2024 that she claimed her maiden CT win as a wildcard, becoming the first Canadian to win a CT event. Since joining the Tour full-time, Brooks endured a slower start to her CT career, but the tide has turned in dramatic fashion over the past month, with this result following her win at the Outerknown Tahiti Pro to give her back-to-back victories heading into the back half of the season. Brooks now sits at World No. 8, making a leap from 19th in the last two events.
“I feel so amazing, I’ve just been having the best time these last two events,” Brooks said. “I can’t believe that I got two back-to-back wins. That just seemed impossible at the beginning of the year, but now I’m just insanely happy. At the same time, I’m honestly so bummed for Isabella [Nichols]. I love her like a sister, and I really wanted to share a Final with her. I hope she rests up really quickly, and I’m praying for her. She’s definitely impressed me in the last two events; she stepped up in such a big way and has been charging, so it would have been such a great Final.”
“I’ve just been having so much fun. That win in Tahiti took so much pressure off and allowed me to go out there and surf the way I wanted to, and in the first heat of this event, I had the best heat of my life, scoring a Perfect 10, and I feel like that’s just grown with me throughout the event,” Brooks continued. “I’ve just been smiling and having fun, and I just love this place. I actually saw Occy (Mark Occhilupo, 1999 World Champion, Tahiti and Fiji winner in 1999). When I got here, he congratulated me on Tahiti and was telling me about the ‘dime-a-double,’ where you win both Fiji and Tahiti back-to-back. It’s been in my head, and the closer I’ve been getting, I’ve been getting so excited, and finally doing it is insane. In the back half of the year, I still need to step up, as I have a lot of last places, but I’m so excited to go to Lowers. I love it there and have a lot of friends and family there, so it’s going to be great.”
Nichols’ Best Result of the Season Comes with Bittersweet Ending
Despite being unable to compete in the Final, Isabella Nichols’ (AUS) runner-up finish is her best result of the season, a significant turnaround in a year defined by inconsistency. Nichols opened 2026 with a strong third-place finish at Bells Beach, but was dealt a string of early-round eliminations through the middle of the season before finding her footing again in Tahiti last month. The momentum carried into Fiji, where she pushed all the way to the Final before her ankle injury forced her out of the jersey today. The result is bittersweet for Nichols, who is close friends with Brooks and spends much of her time with her on Tour. It was Nichols’ toughness, drawing on her Viking heritage, that saw her battle through the injury to see out her Semifinal win before ultimately having to step aside.
“It’s unfortunate, but I’m still so stoked to have made the Final here and to see Erin [Brooks] take the win,” Nichols said. “A big congrats to Erin, she has been the most dominant surfer all week, so I was excited to share the Final with her, but to see her get back-to-back wins, I’m so happy for her; she’s like a little sister to me. Yesterday, I went to the hospital for scans and an X-ray, which showed I have no broken bones but a high ankle sprain. It will be one of those things where I just wait and see, but at the moment, I can barely stand on this foot. So to surf a heat with the size of the waves right now would be smart, especially smart for me, especially if I want to be back and strong for the next few events. It’s all still looking very up in the air for me at the moment, so I will just take it day by day and get home for some much-needed rest. After Brazil, I was in a pretty dark place after not banking a result at a lot of my pet events. I was getting really pessimistic when looking at places like Fiji and Tahiti, as I’ve never made it to the Quarterfinals at either one. I’ve put in some time at these places now, and to see it pay off is amazing.”
The women’s Top 10 stayed much the same after the Fiji Pro Presented by Corona Cero, apart from Brooks and Nichols both moving inside, pushing Caroline Marks (USA) and Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) into 10th and 11th, respectively.
2026 Fiji Pro Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Final Results: 1 – Erin Brooks (CAN) 2 – Isabella Nichols (AUS) INJ
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/erin-brooks-wins-fiji-pro/feed/0Win a Surf & Yoga Holiday in Morocco with Blue Mind
https://surfgirlmag.com/win-a-surf-and-yoga-holiday-in-morocco/
https://surfgirlmag.com/win-a-surf-and-yoga-holiday-in-morocco/#respondThu, 03 Sep 2026 10:28:18 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283706Enter to win a 7-night surf and yoga holiday for two in Morocco.
Win a 7-Night Surf & Yoga Holiday for Two in Morocco
Some holidays are all about ticking off places. This one is about slowing down.
We’ve teamed up with Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe to give one lucky reader and a friend the chance to spend a week in Tamraght, Morocco. Bring your favourite travel buddy and experience seven days shaped by the ocean, home-cooked meals, rooftop sunsets and the easy rhythm of life on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Blue Mind is a family-run surf and yoga retreat created by Sandra and Khalid. Together with their local team, they’ve built a place where guests quickly become part of everyday life in the village. Surf in the mornings, practise yoga at sunrise or sunset, share long dinners around the table and discover a side of Morocco that goes far beyond the typical holiday.
What you’ll win
Seven nights for two at Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe in Tamraght, including:
Seven nights’ accommodation for two in a double or twin room
Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
Daily surf coaching at Level 1 or 2, apart from arrival and departure days
Surf equipment throughout every session
Daily transfers out to the surf spots
Daily yoga at sunrise or sunset
A day in Tamraght
Every day begins with a look at the ocean. Khalid and his surf team choose the best waves for the group, whether you’re standing on a board for the first time or already building confidence in the water.
The rest of the day is yours. Wander through the village, drink mint tea, watch the sun drop from the rooftop or do nothing at all. Yoga runs at sunrise and again at sunset, so you can shape the week around whichever suits you better. Meals come out of the kitchen and onto a shared table, served on ceramics made by local potters, and by about day three Tamraght stops feeling like somewhere you are only visiting.
In their own words: Blue Mind co-founder Sandra Tissal
Tell us a little about Blue Mind, how did it all begin and what made you want to create a surf camp together?
“Blue Mind grew out of something that was already there. Khalid had been working in surf and tourism in Morocco for years, running Banana Surf Morocco since 2014. When I moved to Morocco in 2018, my background was mainly in yoga, communication and creating experiences around wellbeing. Over time, we started combining what we each brought to the table, and the idea of creating a place of our own began to take shape. In 2019, we opened Blue Mind.”
“We wanted to create something a little different from a traditional surf camp: a place where you can enjoy the social side of a surf camp but with more comfort, beautifully designed spaces, high-quality surf equipment, daily yoga and really good Moroccan food, all in a relaxed, personal atmosphere. We also never wanted Blue Mind to feel like a strict retreat with a fixed schedule. Surfing and yoga are at the heart of what we do, but there’s plenty of space to explore, relax, meet people and simply go with the flow.”
What’s special about your part of Morocco, both for surfing and for life away from the waves?
“What makes this part of Morocco special is the sheer variety of surf spots. From Agadir all the way up to Imsouane, there are waves for different levels and conditions, including world-famous Anchor Point in Taghazout. Having so many spots within reach means there’s almost always somewhere to surf, whatever the conditions.”
“We’re also right in the heart of Tamraght, a popular and increasingly lively surf village just north of Agadir. You can walk to local restaurants, cafés and small shops, so you’re not tucked away in an isolated surf camp. And beyond surfing, there’s plenty to explore: local markets, coastal walks, day trips into the Atlas foothills and, of course, the Moroccan food and culture that make this region so special.”
What does a typical day at Blue Mind look like, from waking up to going to bed?
“There’s no strict schedule at Blue Mind, the ocean usually has the final say. Mornings often start with a slow breakfast before heading out for a surf session. Afternoons are for taking it easy, exploring Tamraght, enjoying the rooftop or simply doing nothing for a while. You might book a traditional Hammam or massage, or head out for a little Moroccan adventure, perhaps a trip to Paradise Valley.”
“Later in the day, we come together for yoga in our ocean-view yoga studio, often followed by dinner around the big shared tables. Our kitchen team serves fresh, homemade Moroccan food, and evenings tend to stretch into long conversations, cards, games and plenty of mint tea.”
For someone at home thinking “I’d love to go to Morocco, but I’m nervous about travelling there,” what would you say to them?
“Go for it. It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about travelling somewhere new. Once you arrive, you’ll quickly realise that you’re not on your own. We’re there to help with everything from getting around to choosing the right surf spot for the conditions, and our professional drivers take care of all our transfers. You don’t need to be an experienced surfer either. Our surf coaching is adapted to your level, whether you’re standing on a board for the first time or looking to improve your surfing.”
What will the lucky SurfGirl giveaway winner experience during their stay with you?
“The winner and a friend will get seven nights of the full Blue Mind experience, a mix of surfing, yoga, good food, Moroccan culture and plenty of time to simply enjoy being here. They’ll stay in one of our private rooms in the Blue Mind Surf House, with their own bathroom and access to our shared community spaces, from the rooftop terrace and lounge to our ocean-view yoga studio.”
“They’ll get to discover different surf spots along the coast, and experience the little things that make Blue Mind what it is: shared meals around the big tables, mint tea, sunsets, games, conversations and the people who make up our team. They’ll leave with a week full of good waves, new experiences and memories they’ll want to take home with them.”
Enter the giveaway
Tag the person you’d take with you and you could both be heading to Morocco.
Follow @surfgirlmag and @bluemindmorocco on Instagram
The competition is open to entrants aged 18 and over.
The competition is hosted by SurfGirl Magazine. The stay is arranged, operated and managed by Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe.
Enter via Instagram by following @surfgirlmag and @bluemindmorocco, liking the competition post and tagging a friend.
The competition closes at midnight on 14 September 2026.
The winner will be drawn at random and contacted by Instagram DM on 15 September 2026.
The winner must respond within 7 days of being contacted, otherwise another winner will be drawn.
The prize is a 7-night Surf & Yoga Holiday for two people at Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe in Tamraght, Morocco, including accommodation in a double or twin room, breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily surf coaching at Level 1 or 2 (excluding arrival and departure days), surf equipment during surf sessions, daily transfers to the surf spots, and daily sunrise or sunset yoga.
The prize is valid until 30 August 2027.
The stay is subject to availability and must be booked in advance. The winner is responsible for submitting a booking request in good time. Early booking is recommended, particularly in peak season.
Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, optional surf insurance, the Moroccan tourist tax (€1 per person, per night), personal expenses and any additional activities or excursions outside the package are not included.
The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
SurfGirl Magazine accepts no responsibility for any aspect of the stay, including accommodation, activities, travel or any incident occurring during the trip.
The winner agrees to provide SurfGirl Magazine and Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe with images or a testimonial from the stay for promotional use.
By entering, participants accept these terms and conditions.
This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/win-a-surf-and-yoga-holiday-in-morocco/feed/0Your Art. Our Back Cover.
https://surfgirlmag.com/your-art-our-back-cover/
https://surfgirlmag.com/your-art-our-back-cover/#respondThu, 27 Aug 2026 09:30:34 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283726Is your art inspired by the ocean the surf? Enter the SurfGirl Art Competition 2026
We are calling artists of all styles and backgrounds to enter the SurfGirl Art Competition 2026, with one very special prize up for grabs. Your artwork could be the final thing readers see when they pick up our next print issue.
Paint, pencil, photography, resin, collage, digital art, illustration, pop art, or something completely your own. Whatever you work in, we want to see it.
One requirement, and that is all.
You and your work need a connection to the surf. It could be a favourite wave, life by the sea, marine life, coastal landscapes, surf culture, or the feeling you get when you are in the ocean.
Photo: Fabio Sasso / Unsplash
Photo: Karly Santiago / Unsplash
Pop art counts. So does a pencil sketch on the back of a tide table.
Photo: Fyn Caudery
What you win
Print, an interview, and a room full of people
The back cover
Your artwork runs full size on the back cover of a forthcoming SurfGirl print issue.
An artist feature
We interview you for the magazine, so you can talk about your work, your creative journey and what inspires you.
The wider audience
Your artwork and your name go out across SurfGirl's social channels, in front of our global community of surfers, ocean lovers and creatives.
How to enter
Three steps, one email
01
Create
Choose an existing piece or make something new, inspired by surfing, the ocean or the beach.
02
Submit
Email a low-resolution image of your artwork to hello@surfgirlmag.com before midnight on 9 September 2026.
03
Get involved
We select a shortlist and share the work across the SurfGirl Instagram, so the community gets to find the artists behind it.
Put this in your email
Your full name
Your contact details
A low-resolution image of your artwork
A short description of what inspired the piece
Last time out
Over 200 entries came in. Five made the wall.
Pick a name to drop that piece into the cover slot.
SurfGirlBack cover
SurfGirl Art Competition Class of 2024
Winner
Erika Bradberry
Based in Laguna Hills, California. Two friends waiting for a wave together, the water left abstract so the figures carry the moment.
Shortlist
Taisila Kordiukova
Based in Bali. Drawn from a trip to the Mentawai Islands with no electricity and no phones, only surfing and wild nature.
Shortlist
Jula Osten
Born in northern Germany, living in an old RV. She walks a place, talks to the people who live there, then draws it in pencil and ink.
Shortlist
Maria Delgado
From Nicaragua, living in Playa Maderas. She cuts and scans vintage magazines to build collages about life in her surf community.
Shortlist
Taylor Trbo
A colourful collection of the beauty around her, from the ocean to the earth to the people she loves.
The artwork submitted is your own original work and you have the right to enter it into the competition.
Your artwork must be inspired by or connected to surfing.
You must submit a low-resolution image of your artwork to hello@surfgirlmag.com before midnight on 9 September 2026.
Your submission must include your full name, contact details and a short description of what inspired your artwork.
By entering, you give SurfGirl permission to share your submitted artwork and your name across SurfGirl's website, social media and editorial channels, for the purposes of promoting the competition and featuring the artists.
The winning artist agrees to provide a suitable high-resolution file of their artwork if selected for the magazine's back cover.
The winning artist will be contacted directly by SurfGirl.
The winner will receive the opportunity to have their artwork featured on the back cover of a forthcoming SurfGirl print issue, as well as an artist feature and interview in the magazine.
The judging decision is final.
For any questions about entering, email hello@surfgirlmag.com or contact @surfgirlmag on Instagram.
Your art. Your story. Our back cover.
We cannot wait to see what you have made. SurfGirl Team x
Photography: Fabio Sasso, Reka Roman, Jennie Razumnaya and Karly Santiago via Unsplash. Artwork by Erika Bradberry, Taisila Kordiukova, Jula Osten, Maria Delgado and Taylor Trbo, first published in the SurfGirl Art Competition 2024.
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/your-art-our-back-cover/feed/0Make A Wave Returns After Raising Over $1 Million
https://surfgirlmag.com/make-a-wave-returns-after-raising-over-1-million/
https://surfgirlmag.com/make-a-wave-returns-after-raising-over-1-million/#respondWed, 26 Aug 2026 10:12:06 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283047SurfAid and the Rip Curl team will hit the waves every day this September to support isolated surf regions.
SurfAid and Rip Curl are excited to announce the launch of the sixth annual Make A Wave challenge. Surfers worldwide are encouraged to surf every day in September to raise funds for SurfAid’s vital programs, improving access to healthcare, clean water, and food security in remote surf communities.
Since its inception in 2021, Make A Wave has united surfers from 28 countries, raising over $3.6 million for SurfAid — including a record-breaking $1.1 million raised last year alone. This remarkable effort has allowed SurfAid to positively impact tens of thousands of people in remote surf communities such as in Rote and the Mentawai islands, where access to basic services is limited.
Rip Curl continues to be a driving force behind this initiative, championing the challenge with their commitment to exploring and protecting the remote surf locations cherished by surfers. Notable Rip Curl team athletes joining in this year include Owen Wright, Stephanie Gilmore and Erin Brooks.
Reflecting on his previous experience, Make A Wave Ambassador Owen Wright said: “Participating in the Make A Wave challenge was an incredible experience. Knowing that each wave I caught helped families gain access to the things we take for granted like clean water made every session even more meaningful. I can’t wait to do it again this September.”
Participants in the Make A Wave challenge will receive fundraising tips, coaching, and opportunities to share their daily surf adventures on social media with the hashtag #MakeAWave. By sharing their journeys, surfers will become part of a global community dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the places they love to surf.
Freely Travel Insurance has returned as a Community Partner and are bringing back their beloved Freely Legends Club. Make A Wave participants in Australia and the United States who fundraise $120 in their local currency will have their fundraising matched with another $120 donated to their page thanks to Freely’s partner the Z Zurich Foundation. Freely will also reward these surfers with an exclusive 2026 Make A Wave x Freely rashie.
SurfAid CEO Anna Bowden expressed her excitement about this year’s challenge: “The generosity surfers showed last year by raising over $1 million was extraordinary. It proves that this community doesn’t just love the ocean and surfing, they love the people who call these remote coastlines home. That’s the spirit we’re taking into September, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve this year.”
Surfers of all ages and skill levels are invited to join the Make A Wave challenge, whether individually or as part of a team with friends, family, schoolmates, colleagues or surf clubs. This year also sees a return of the Surf School Showdown and Boardriders Bash, with custom leaderboards for these teams to compete with one another. Participants will also have the chance to win prizes from top surf and adventure brands, including Rip Curl, Boost Mobile, YETI, Creatures of Leisure, Perfect Wave Travel, Firewire and URBNSURF.
Sign up now at makeawave.co and challenge yourself to surf every day in September. Together, we can create a wave of impact for families in the heartlands of surfing.
]]>https://surfgirlmag.com/make-a-wave-returns-after-raising-over-1-million/feed/0Win a Week at The Surf Experience
https://surfgirlmag.com/win-a-week-at-the-surf-experience/
https://surfgirlmag.com/win-a-week-at-the-surf-experience/#respondTue, 25 Aug 2026 08:48:52 +0000https://surfgirlmag.com/?p=283674A week’s surf and stay is up for grabs at one of Europe’s best surf towns, Lagos, Portugal.
Win a week’s stay at one of Europe’s premier surf camps, The Surf Experience in Lagos, Portugal for you and a friend. Lagos is a beautiful, lively town and one of Europe’s best surf towns. We asked co-found Toby M what to expect for a week’s stay at The Surf Experience.
“The Surf Experience kicked off in 1992 for the pure love for surfing and meeting new best friends – the same ethos continues today. We’re constantly evolving to provide the very best service for every level of surfer; our location, the team, the amazing surf, great food, plus lots of fun and laughter, and lastly but not least giving back to the local community,” explained Toby.
“For the best waves we head to the best spots that combine ability levels with the conditions. Being based in Lagos we have the best access to the south coast , Sagres and northern beaches in the Aljezur area. A combination of beach breaks, reefs and point breaks.
The best part of being so central in Lagos is the easy access to everything from outside your door. From restaurants, bars , cliff walks, beaches and the ocean. It´s all there to do in your own time.”
So what does the prize consist of?
“A week with us will contain breakfast and the legendary homemade beach lunches. Dinner time we host and reserve the best local hotspots and of course don´t forget the wonderful rooftop BBQs with our inhouse chef. We have shared rooms in main house to private ensuite rooms close by for peace and quiet.”Toby adds, “We also run yoga weeks, Surf Safari weeks for independent surfers , wine tasting and dance events – if any of these takes your fancy then we can get you to combine your winning week on these specific dates.”
As Toby says, “Being the first surf camp in Portugal doesn´t make you the best but we´ve been determined the first remains the best!”
The Surf Experience prize includes;
A week’s holiday with Surf Experience (subject to date availability)
7 nights accommodation
Breakfast and lunch.
7 days of surf lessons and analysis.
A complimentary rooftop dinner.
At least one yoga / ice bath / sauna session.
You can pick your dates to combine with their Surf Safaris, Yoga Weeks or their world class event dates to make it the complete Surf Experience.
The prize is for one person and the stay must be redeemed by 6th December 2026. Flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included in the prize. SurfGirl Magazine is hosting this competition but the prize will be arranged by The Surf Experience. The competition ends on 1st September.
