The water is shallow, and waves are breaking close to shore.
There’s only a handful of people on the sand, which is illuminated in the soft morning light. Caves Beach car park slowly fills. A handful of women gather on the grass, behind a van filled with foam surfboards. There is a nervous energy as they introduce themselves. With boards under arms, the group follows two surf instructors to the beach. It’s 8 am on a Friday, and day one of a five-week learn-to-surf program by Women Soulful Surf.
Women teach surfing differently to men. Female instructors understand our intimidation when surrounded by masculine energy in a line-up; they understand our bodies change after pregnancy; and that it’s not helpful when boyfriends yell ‘just go’ on waves beyond our skill level.
Helena Richardson is the founder of Women Soulful Surf, which started with lessons in the tiny Caves Beach community of LakeMacquarie and has grown to now host surf retreats around the world.
Driven by her own desire to return to the waves after giving birth to her son, Helena created a school for all women, no matter their age or surf experience. Passionate about increasing diversity in the water,Helena understands there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning to surf, and this is obvious when we start practising pop-ups on day one
Gently, our instructors encourage us to pick a style that suits our bodies. If we have aches, we’re allowed to take it slow and kneel. If we want to jump up swiftly, that’s great too. It’s this support that creates the perfect learning environment.
Committing to five lessons over five weeks means we can work on a new skill each session and solidify what we’ve previously learnt.
The consistency of turning up at Caves also builds confidence in the water, as does our posse of cheerleaders – an important asset when you inevitably get smashed by the waves. Having two instructors in the water is also invaluable. They point out when you’re too far forward on your board, or you’re not pushing up early enough.
That said, coach Mikayla Atkins wants us to claim our spot in the line-up. We have a right to be there, she says. It’s a mantra we take with us to our home breaks. We have a right to be there.
WOMEN SOULFUL SURF offers a range of lessons, from five-week beginner programs to private lessons, and surf retreats.
