And because this is one of the questions I receive the most, today I want to answer it from my own experience:

Is Ecuador a good destination for beginner women surfers?

Short answer: yes — absolutely.
Long answer: let me take you through it.

🌊 Why Ecuador Is Perfect for Your First Surf Experience

After more than 10 years living on the coast of Ecuador and guiding women in the ocean, I can confidently say this: you don’t need to be experienced or super sporty to start surfing. What you do need is curiosity, an open mind, and the desire to try something new.

I’m originally from Argentina, but Ecuador stole my heart — its beaches, its nature, and the community I’ve found here. Now I teach surfing in a relaxed, safe and empowering way with Sirenas del Surf, helping women discover the joy of catching their first waves.

One thing I love about surfing here is that we’re not limited to just one beach. Within a 30-minute radius we have several surf spots for all levels — from soft, rolling beginner waves to slightly more playful ones when you’re ready to level up.
We move around, searching for the conditions that feel perfect for you that day.

Most beaches have sandy bottoms (which is amazing when you’re learning), the water is beautifully warm, and the vibe is simple: calm ocean mornings, relaxed coastal towns, and that deep sense of connection that surfing gives you.

You don’t need a wetsuit most of the time.
No-need to be fearless.
You don’t need to know anything before arriving.

You just show up — and I’ll take care of the rest.

💛 A Safe and Supportive Environment for Solo Women

Whether you’re traveling through South America or taking a short vacation, Ecuador is an easy and welcoming place to land. The coastal towns are small, calm, and walkable, with a friendly local vibe and a mix of travelers, yogis, nature lovers, and women exploring on their own.

After more than 10 years living here, I can say that life by the ocean feels simple, grounding, and spacious — the perfect environment if you’re looking to reset, reconnect with yourself, or try surfing for the first time with full support.

✨ Easy Logistics = More Time in the Water

One of the things I appreciate the most about teaching here is how close everything is. You don’t need to travel hours between surf breaks or change cities constantly. In Ecuador, everything is compact:

You can wake up, walk to the beach, read the ocean, warm up, grab your board, and surf — all within a few minutes.

The rhythm is slow, calm, and perfect for beginners who want to learn without pressure.

🌺 A More Affordable Surf Destination

Compared to Costa Rica, Chile, or Brazil, Ecuador is still a very accessible place to learn how to surf. Food is fresh and local, accommodation is more affordable, and you can live well without spending too much. This gives you more freedom to stay longer, practice more, and enjoy the experience instead of rushing it.

🐚 The Emotional Side: Why Ecuador Helps Beginner Surfers Feel Safe

Learning to surf brings up a lot of emotions — excitement, yes, but also fear. Fear of the waves, fear of “not being good at it,” fear of being watched, fear of starting late.

I see it all the time.

But something special happens here.
The quiet beaches, the warm ocean, the wildlife, the sunsets, the slow pace… they soften you. They help you relax into the experience. You stop comparing yourself, you stop rushing, and you start connecting.

Surfing becomes less about performance and more about presence.

Many of my students tell me:

“I thought I was coming to surf, but I ended up reconnecting with myself.”

That’s the magic of Ecuador.

🌞 What You Really Need to Bring

Honestly? Not much.

A bikini or surf leggings, a rashguard, sunscreen, a reusable bottle, and an open heart. If you join a surf experience, I provide the board and everything else you need. What matters most is your mindset — letting go of pressure and allowing the ocean to guide you.

🧜‍♀️ A Quick Comparison With Other Surf Destinations

Costa Rica is beautiful, but it’s often more expensive and crowded.
Peru has great waves, but colder water and stronger swells.
Brazil is huge and can be harder to navigate if you’re short on time.

Ecuador sits in a very sweet spot: warm water, uncrowded beaches, accessible prices, and a relaxed vibe that makes it easier to learn. After living here for over a decade, I’ve simply gotten to know the coast well — the tides, the moods of each beach, and which spots feel safest for beginners. That local knowledge helps me choose the best place for you each day, so you can focus on enjoying the experience and feeling supported in the water.

🌊 Ready to Start Your Surf Journey?

If you’re feeling the pull to learn how to surf — to try something new, to feel stronger, to reconnect with yourself — I would love to guide you.

At Sirenas del Surf, I offer women-only surf experiences designed especially for beginners:

• gentle, personalized surf lessons
• a warm, supportive environment
• yoga and ocean connection
• slow mornings, nature, and adventure
• the safety of being guided by a woman who knows the ocean deeply

Whether you’re traveling solo through South America or dreaming of your first surf trip, Ecuador is one of the best places to begin — and I’d be honored to be part of your surf story.

If you’re ready, come join me in the water.

The post 🏄‍♀️ Is Ecuador a Good Destination for Beginner Women Surfers? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Women's Surf Trips.

First Step to Turtle-Roll Efficiently: Beat the Wave! But how?

Paddling with speed towards the oncoming wave is crucial to build momentum and give yourself enough power to dive under it. As you paddle, make sure your board is positioned perpendicular to the wave, forming a “T” shape. This perpendicular positioning minimizes resistance and makes it easier to slide under the wave smoothly.

How to do the Turtle Roll technique, actually? Flip your Surfboard!

Step 2 of the Turtle-Roll is crucial for mastering this technique like a pro. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Timing is Key: As you see the wave approaching and you’re about 2 meters (6 feet) away from it, it’s time to spring into action.
2. Flip Your Board: With precision and control, flip your board upside down. This action creates a smoother surface for the wave to pass over, reducing the chance of getting pushed back or losing your board.
3. Stay Underwater: Once your board is flipped, it’s time to dive underwater and stay submerged. This step is essential for allowing the wave to roll over you without knocking you off your board or dragging you back towards shore.

What to do when you are underwater? You are now a Turtle! 🐢

Step 3 Looks Scary in the turtle-roll process, but it’s not that bad!

Maintain Control: As you stay underwater, keep a firm grip on your board. This helps ensure that you stay connected to your board and maintain control throughout the Turtle-Roll maneuver.

Follow this 3 recommendations:

How I suppose to finish my turtle roll technique?

By mastering this final step of the Turtle-Roll technique, you’ll be able to seamlessly navigate through waves with confidence and ease, ready to take on whatever the ocean throws your way. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a Turtle-Roll expert!

Conclusion: the Turtle-Roll technique is a invaluable skill for surfers of all levels

Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your wave-riding skills or an experienced surfer seeking to conquer new challenges, mastering the Turtle-Roll technique will undoubtedly enhance your surfing experience and take your skills to new heights.

If you are planning your next Surf Trip to improve your surfing, surf for the first time or gain new tools to speed up your learning surfing curve, Book your Surf Vacations with us!

The post How to Surf Turtle Roll and Pass the Break Efficiently appeared first on Women's Surf Trips.

This Whale Season in Ecuador (July until November), join us as we delve into the enchanting realm where the sea meets the sky, where surfboards carve through waves and whales dance beneath the surface.

Surf with the Humpback Whales in Ecuador

Embrace the Surfing Spirit:

The journey begins with the exhilarating art of surfing. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a novice eager to learn, these tours cater to all skill levels. Imagine the rush of paddling out into the ocean, feeling the surge of the waves beneath your board, and riding them with the wind in your hair. With expert women instructors guiding you through the basics or helping you refine your technique, every moment on the board becomes an opportunity for growth and adventure.

Like the Whales are Social Beings, Join our Wave of Sisterhood

One of the most remarkable aspects of a surf and whale watching tour is the sense of camaraderie forged among fellow adventurers. Surrounded by like-minded women sharing the same passion for exploration and thrill-seeking, you’ll form bonds that transcend the boundaries of age, background, and experience. Together, you’ll encourage each other to conquer fears, celebrate successes, and create lasting memories against the backdrop of sun-kissed shores and rolling waves.

Connecting with Nature:

As the sun dips below the horizon, the adventure takes on a new dimension with whale watching. Picture yourself aboard our boats, cruising through the tranquil waters in search of these magnificent marine giants. From the playful breaches of humpback whales to the serene glides of funny blue foot boobies and pelicans, every sighting fills the heart with awe and wonder. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, you’ll learn about the behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting these remarkable creatures.

Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Surf and Whale Watching with other Women

Beyond the physical thrills and scenic wonders, a surf and whale watching tour offers a profound opportunity for empowerment and self-discovery. As you challenge yourself to conquer the waves and immerse yourself in the vastness of the ocean, you’ll tap into reservoirs of strength and resilience you never knew you possessed. With each wave conquered and each whale spotted, you’ll emerge from the experience with a newfound sense of confidence, courage, and appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Conclusion:

In a world brimming with adventures waiting to be embraced, a surf and whale watching tour stands out as a truly transformative experience for adventurous women. From the adrenaline-fueled rush of surfing to the serene beauty of whale watching, every moment offers a chance to connect with nature, forge lasting friendships, and discover the depths of your own courage and resilience. So, pack your sense of adventure and join us on a journey where the waves are calling and the whales are waiting to enchant you.

The post Riding the Waves: Surf and Whale Watching Tour for Adventurous Women appeared first on Women's Surf Trips.

Getting a Surfboard: The Complete Guide

Choosing your first surfboard properly will make a huge difference in your surfing process. It depends on many factors you will see in this post, but feeling confortable, in balance and connection with the board and the ocean is the main thing.

This post was written by me, Iva, and also in collaboration with Caro, a friend, beginner surfer and journalist. So you can have the perspective and advice from both, beginner and advanced surfers.

Buy a new or second hand Surfboard

This decision is quite personal, because depends on many factors.

In my case, when I was learning to surf, I was afraid of using large surfboards because a stupid incident, so I decided to buy a customized surfboard.

My first surfboard was a shortboard, 6.0, but pretty wide and thick. It floated as much as a funboard but was light and easy to handle outside and in the water. Was the perfect board for me.

Before talking about YOUR board, let’s see features, types and parts of a surfboard, because it is necessary to know to choose yours.

Ok, theory now, in the case you are thinking on your first surfboard, take in mind the following factors:

• Your height
• Your weight
• Your skills and/or fitness (how often do you train at the week)
• Your surf level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

Properties and features of a surfboard:

Surfboard dimensions

Lenght

The lenght of your board is measured from the nose to the tail.

If you are learning, It’s recommended that your board be at least 20 to 40 cm longer than your height.

That would be, approx:

• If your height is less than 170 cm, your board should be 6.8″ (203 cm),
• If your height is between 170 and 185 cm, your board should be 7.2″ (218 cm),
• and, If yoir height is more than 185 cm, your board should be 7.6″ (229 cm).

Also, you need to consider your weight, to determine the volume of the boards in litters. The volume in litters, for beginners, is recommended at least 36 litters.

That would be determined by the lenght, width and thickness.

Width

The width of the board is measured from rail to rail (edge to edge), and the wider your board is, more stable will be, thereby, will be easier to stand up and ride your waves.

For beginners the width recommended is 19 to 22 inches.

Thickness

The thickness determines the floatability. The thicker your board is, more will float and you’ll have more balance to stand up. And also, the waves pushed you more easily (you’ll have to paddle less).

I recommend the thickness of your board be of 2 to 3 inches.

Your surf level and fitness regarding the surfboard

As well, we said that we need to take in mind the fitness or skills. If you already are a sportsgirl or you are easy learner, you can be more flexible with the measures when choosing your first surfboard.

The important thing is that you feel confortable, and your board allows you to catch as many waves as possible. The more waves you catch, more you practice, faster you learn and the more you have fun!

Parts and Types of a Surfboard

This information is important to understand in what consist every part of a surfboard, is normal to not pay much attention to it, at first.

When I chose mine, I wanted to have the most beautiful board. But, most of the time, the coolest is not the right one for us. Personally, I wanted a fish, I loved the fish tail, and the different fish models that exist. At the end, I chose a board with nose and tail rounded, and that was what helped me to learn to surf faster.

Let’s see below why:

Parts of a Surfboard:

Nose

Is the part that faces forward (being belly on the board.) There are different shapes of nose, can be rounded or pointed.

Rounded have more surface, therefore, are more stable.

The hybrids are a mix between rounded and pointed, and are also stable. But if you are an intermediate or advanced surfer, this nose will complicate the manoeuvrability.

And the pointed are, in general, for advanced surfers. With this tip is easier to duck dive.

The nose also have a curvature or rocker, that depending on how steep are, plays a different role.

If the rocker is flat, will be a faster surfboard but harder to handle. If you are learning, I recommend you this one, because you don’t need to focus on turn or handle. For now!

If the rocker is sharp, in other words, the nose is pointing upward, will be a very manoeuvrable surfboard but slower.

Let’s continue with the middle, the soul or stringer.

Soul of the surfboard: also called stringer

It’s a line that passes through the middle of the board, from the nose all along to the tail. Sometimes is not visible, depending on the color or material of your board. But inside, is there, mainly made from wood, and makes the board more stiffness, avoiding it breaks or bend.

The soul or stringer define the center of the board and is where our feet should be to maintain the balance.

There are also surfboards without soul.

The rails

Are the edges of the board and run at the sides, from the nose to the tail. The rails help us to hold and provide direction to the board. Also the rails are in contact with the face of the wave.

So you can get barreled!

There are in different shapes and thickness.

But, basically, if the rails are higher the board will float more, if are curved, will be easier to carry, and if the rails are more rounded the board will be more stable.

Tail

Is at the back of the board.

There are squared, rounded or squash, totally rounded, fish, pintail, diamond.

In general, much wider is the tail, most suitable will be for small waves. Also, having more area on the back side, will float more and will be easier to paddle.

Fins

The fins are those pieces that look like a shark’s fin.

The role of the fins is guide the water that pass beneath the board, in other words, are like the helms of the board, will provide stability.

There are different types and materials, can be fixed or removable. And can be one large, two symmetrical or until five.

Leash and leash plug: your savior!

The leash is the cable that links the board to us. It has a velcro that goes on our leg and in the other tip it links to the board by a plug and a smaller rope.

Types of Surfboards

There are plenty of Surfboard’s types, and each one can have variations and become hybrids. But the most common are the following in the illustration:

How to choose your first rental surfboard

You’re ready: you already have your surf lessons scheduled, ready to dive into the water, and now you need to rent your first board.

Did you think about the board that you will use when surfing? Although the board does not make the surfer, it is our tool in the sea. Having a suitable board is key for those first days.

This part of the post was written by Caro, and hope it helps you to choosing your rental surfboard.

Tips to rent your first board, based on my experience as a beginner surfer

1. Experiment

The surfboard should feel comfortable for you. It is normal that the first days you experience difficulty when standing on the surfboard and you gotta be patient with yourself. Some people pop up on their board on the first class, on the first wave; others pop up at the end of their first class, others in their fifth class.

Focus on yourself and how you feel with the surfboard. Do you stay afloat on it? Do you feel safe? Can you keep a minimum balance when trying to stand up?

And most important… Are you having fun?

2. The more stability, the better

An ideal initial board to learn to surf is usually a longboard or a funboard – the material is thick and the foam of the funboard makes them an ideal option when you are taking your first jumps in the sea, since they are softer than the usual fiber of regular and lighter boards.

Longboards are larger, and give you more stability, which is key when you are learning. The board must be suitable for your height and weight. It’s easy to get frustrated seeing other surfers and wanting to ride a shortboard – the smaller boards with a narrower nose and lighter.

It is true, many of us were inspired to surf after seeing women in movies with their shortboards doing wonders when riding a wave… however, when you start you need stability and that is why you need a longboard. Which brings me to my next point:

3. Do not rush. Surfing is a sport that needs patience. 

Have in mind your possibilities and the time it will take you to learn. Surfing is a wonderful sport precisely because you never stop learning and perseverance pays off. This means that progress is seen little by little.

The thoughts that turn your head when you are the only beginner at sea are normal; it is common to start to get exasperated. Even if you don’t feel like Chloe Calmon or Anne Marie from Blue Crush in your first week or you still have a hard time standing up on the board in first class, believe me that even if you don’t feel it, progress is there, every time you go to classes surfing, every time you put on your leash and go into the water. Remember that.

Although the ideal to have a longboard or a funboard to start with, this is not the scenario in which some of the surfers got started. Many surfers started with the board that someone lent them – often a shortboard – and although it took more time and demanded more balance and frustration, it is possible.

But always remember the gift of surfing and be very patient with yourself.

4. Don´t be afraid to ask for another surfboard!

Boards are an investment and therefore many surf schools and instructors do not have a great variety. In general, they will give you a surfboard to learn close to what you need.

In my experience in several surf camps and surf schools, it is that if the board does not feel ideal or it feels more difficult  than usual to pop up on the board, don’t be afraid to change.

I recently had a group class and they gave me a board on which I had a hard time standing up and I started to despair. Switching to a wider funboard was the solution; I improved quickly and was able to return to the surfboard that was originally assigned to me on day two.

Choosing the proper surfboard and your surfing improvement

Now that you know more about the types and parts of a surfboard and how can influence your learning process, we encourage you to try all the boards as possible and experience which one is the right for you.

As we said before, the right board is important but also is the practice. The more you practice, the more you will improve.

Planning a Surf Trip or taking an intensive surf course is the best way to learn or improve your surfing, check out our Surf Trips for women in Ecuador!

If you still struggle with choosing your board, tell us on the comments and we’ll be happy to help you!

Hope this post helps you, and if you liked it, remember to share it!

Thank you for being here!
Iva and Caro.

The post How to Choose your First Surfboard appeared first on Women's Surf Trips.

That’s how Morocco found me.

I stayed at a surf camp on the Atlantic coast called Blue Waves, where I joined their community experience and got accommodation, meals and surf time as part of the stay.

In this post, I’ll share my honest experience surfing in Morocco as a solo woman — including what surf camp life feels like, tips for traveling safely, and what I wish I knew before going.

Surfing in Morocco: dreamy spot for women of all surf levels

Working in a Surf Camp in Morocco during the summer

I arrived to Anza in May, it was Ramadan. The warm weather of summer felt so nice in my skin, and was pretty empty because it was the end of high season.

My work didn’t feel, actually, like a job. For me it was living my dream life.

Some days I had to serve some hours at the reception, selling surf accessories from the shop, organizing the guests for the desert tours and other activities, telling everyone at what time was the surf lesson, etc. And I have plenty of time for surfing in between, after or before working hours.

Indeed, when I had my day off, I didn’t know what else to do.

Surfing extra hours? Reading more books? Sunbathing longer hours?

Everyday is day off if we do what we love.

From the idea to stay 1 month, I stayed 5 months!

Living and surfing in Morocco was one of the best experiences of my life.

Anza, the little town where this happened, is magical. Its sunsets are beautiful, the sun falls straight to the Atlantic Ocean, and you can hear by the speakers the prayers in Arabic. Maybe at first it can be strange, but I missed them already.

The sunset was my moment of meditation and gratitude.

Gratitude for life, for my travels, for being in front of the ocean and be able to surf everyday, for having such lovely Muslim ladies making jokes, and that cook so delicious, waiting for us smiling at the end of the prayer.

Anza’s surf spot is ideal whether if you are learning or you are advanced.

It has a reef point and a sandy beach break that is very friendly and easy to surf.

Especially, if you are beginner and would like to have a first surf experience in Morocco, I recommend you this spot.

Surfing in Morocco: leaving a family behind

It was mid-September and a month before I booked a flight to leave Morocco, to continue my journey over Turkey with my lovely dog, Rocco.

There were days of mixed feelings and many emotions.

I missed friends that I had met, though I continue meeting amazing people, I watched my Moroccan friends with nostalgic eyes, people from the town. When is a small town you know everyone. Arabic words that I don’t want to forget, songs that stay in my heart.

One day off while at the beach, with my feet on the sand, I wrote in my notebook:

“Today I found myself.

I found myself grateful.

I found my old self, but different. A better version.

Living day by day, the present, it feels so good.

Although sometimes, my mind keeps flying.

And I need to stop it, and tell myself it’s okey to plan a bit, but that I need to enjoy the Now.”

Morocco, Surfing and reading books: The Power of Now

At that time, I was reading a book called “The power of now”, and helped me a lot in those moments of mixed feelings and emotions, and anxiety for planning ahead the next stage of the journey.

Turkey was a country which I had no idea about.

From Anza and Bluewaves, I keep in my heart many memorable experiences and life lessons.

But above all, I have made friends, good friends, and the ones who I still talk to almost every day, in spite of that many months have passed since life introduced us.

And that’s one of the reason why I write this Blog.

Thus, you can find so good and funny friends such as I found, and on top of that, they are surfers!

And I look forward for many more to come. To me surfing between women, is the funniest thing that exists.

✨ Looking for a women-only surf trip (warm water + supportive coaching)?
Explore our Surf Vacation experiences in Ecuador or Join us on Instagram Community!

Hugs!

Iva.

The post Surfing in Morocco: Traveling solo as a woman appeared first on Women's Surf Trips.

At that time, I had been surfing for about one year. I could ride small waves already (especially left-handers, because I’m goofy and they felt more natural).

✅ Are you a goofy surfer who loves left-handed waves?
Drop a comment and add this surf spot to your list — because Galapagos lefts are something else.

Surfing San Cristobal, Galapagos (with fear in my suitcase)

I arrived in San Cristobal feeling fear. Literally.

I had this pressure in my head:

“You’re not here only to dive, see the wildlife and nature…
you’re here to surf at least ONE of the famous Galapagos surf spots.”

(Not sure why I needed to prove that to myself and others back then.
Now — after 8 years surfing — I mostly surf for fun and waves that don’t scare me 😂)

I knew the surf spots in Galapagos were more challenging than what I was used to.

And on top of that…

In Galapagos there are:

• sea lions everywhere
• big turtles
• massive fish
• and yes… sharks

Honestly?
I wasn’t worried about the sharks.

I’d rather swim with them than surf that big wave 😅

✨ (I’ll write about my experience swimming with sharks in Galapagos soon.)

Side note: Galapagos is way more than surfing — it’s a paradise of wildlife and nature.
It should be on your bucket list.

Galapagos Surf Spots: big swell coming 👀

That weekend there was a big swell in Hawaii, and everyone in Ecuador was going crazy about it.

(Well… the pros were. Not me.)

Because that meant:

✅ In 3 days, that swell would arrive to Ecuador.
(This happens with north swells, usually from December to April.)

And I was like:

• Beautiful…
• In addition to all the things that scare me in Galapagos… a big swell is coming.
• Just amazing! 🙃

The spot where I paddled out was called:

Cañon Point

And honestly… I don’t even want to know why it’s called that.

How to paddle out in big surf (rocky bottom edition)

This surf spot — like many in Galapagos — has a rocky bottom.

To paddle out, I had to:

• go down slippery rocks
• try not to break my little toe
• and also not destroy the rental surfboard 😭

With my heart beating like crazy, I walked over the rocks until there was enough water to paddle.

Then I waited for a safe moment between sets…

…and I jumped on my board and paddled like my life depended on it.

Because it did. 😂

Just writing this gives me that knot in my stomach again.

I remember thinking:

• What a stress.
• Mamma mia… why am I doing this?
• Why would I surf here in fear and danger, feeling like crying?

Have you ever asked yourself that?

Because that’s surfing sometimes:
we suffer, but we keep going.

Mindset shift: breathe and paddle

I shook my head and pushed those thoughts aside.

From that moment, belly on the board, I focused and changed my mindset:

✅ Breathe.
✅ Paddle.
✅ Stay calm.

I paddled with all my strength, inhaling and exhaling deeply to keep sending oxygen to my muscles and brain…

…before it turned off from fear 😅

Surfing the lineup (spoiler: I was the only woman)

When I reached the lineup, there were only 5–6 people.

All men, of course.
All advanced surfers.

I thought:

• No problem.
• Maybe one of them will rescue me. (?) 😭

The guy I rented the board from (also the owner of a surf school) helped me:

• stay in the right place
• not get destroyed
• paddle out even when I felt not ready

At that moment I completely forgot about animals, sea lions, everything.

I had no time to fear anymore.
Better to take action.

“And now… how do I get out of here?”

The waves were so big, I looked up and saw those walls of water.

I paddled hard and passed them to the safe side.

And then I regretted everything.

Because I realized:

I had no idea where the exit was.

They told me it was in another direction.

There was no way to go back the same way I entered without crashing into rocks…

…and it was already mid-high tide.

✅ Getting back to land was not an option.

Learning the rhythm: escape to the safety zone

I started observing how the spot worked.

Offshore there was a little island, and from the lineup we could see waves breaking against it.

That meant:

⏳ In less than a minute, the set would arrive to the peak.

Every time I saw white water far away, I started paddling to the safety zone.

The instructor told me:

“Paddle over there!”

And I went, escaping those walls of water.

He also told me to come back and catch a wave, but I said:

“No, not that one… it’s too big. I’m scared.”

The moment: “The next one is yours”

At some point, a “medium” wave came in.
(Compared to the monsters… it looked friendly.)

I tried to convince myself:

✅ Okay. One of these is for me.

I waited, got in position… and the instructor told me:

“The next one is yours.”

Surfing Galapagos: wipeout is inevitable 😅

He gave me a little push.

I paddled strongly.
Didn’t look back.
Almost stood up…

…and BOOM.

Wipeout.

But honestly? It wasn’t that terrible.

There was so much water it felt like a waterbed.

That calmed me down a bit.

✅ Okay… let’s go for the next one.

I surfed my first big wave (and I’ll never forget it)

I paddled back to the peak.

The wave was coming.

And the instructor said:

“This is the one.”

I said:

“Ok.”

He pushed me.

I paddled confidently.

…and I stood up.

WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Amaaazing. (Keyboard smash amazing.)

There I was, on my green giant wave, looking down through crystal clear water…

…full of fish and reef.

I looked to my left and the face of the wave was higher than me.

I rode it as long as I could until I was too close to the rocks.

So I finished it without wiping out.

Unbeaten.

Arms up.

Celebrating like a little mermaid warrior.

✨ It was incredible. I forgot all my fears.

The guys told me later they lost sight of me in the wave and thought I wiped out again…

…but I was just hidden in the shade of that huge wave.

Wonderful.

Paddling back to shore safely (through the sea lions bay)

Okay. Enough.

Everyone had a happy session and probably got tired of waiting for me to finally get my wave.

So we left.

To get back, we had to paddle to a bay — quite far.

We paddled for about 10 minutes.
My shoulders were burning.

We dodged rocks and reefs, and when we finally reached the bay…

we realized something:

✅ It was the sea lions bay.

And in Galapagos… sea lions are the kings.

This bay wasn’t just “a few” sea lions.

It was like the official headquarters.

How do you walk back through a beach inhabited by:

• mama sea lions
• baby sea lions
• dad sea lions with huge teeth
• territorial alpha males 😭

Many sea lions are friendly — especially the babies.
They’re like little puppies.

But never trust the males.
(Like everything in life.)

I genuinely thought we’d have to sleep on our boards 200 meters from shore.

The escape plan 😂

Then we saw two local guys coming with a kayak, super calm, walking through the sea lions like it was nothing.

I said:

NOW.

If they can pass between them… we go with them! LOL

So we paddled like crazy, reached the beach, carried our boards…

…and ran while looking behind our backs until the main street.

✅ Safe and sound.

Surfing in Galapagos Islands: What to expect

After that session… wow.

I felt so alive.

And more than that, I had surfed the best wave of my life (up to that moment).

When I came back to mainland Ecuador, I felt:

• more confident
• braver
• more connected to the ocean

That’s surfing. That’s life:

✨ overcoming fears to jump into adventures that fill your body and empower your soul.

Every fear I overcome, I feel more like a sea creature.

Like I belong to the ocean.

And honestly… I can’t live without it.

Sending you a big hug,
Iva 🤍

If you’re planning a surf journey in Ecuador…

If you loved this Galapagos story, you might also enjoy:

✅ Surfing in Ayampe (mainland Ecuador) – waves, season, vibe, and what to expect

✅ Curated Surf Experiences for Women
Small groups, soulful days, beginner-friendly support

The post Surfing in Galapagos Islands: My first Big wave appeared first on Women's Surf Trips.