Surfing Beyond the Mainstream: Towards More Inclusive Waves

Surfing is freedom. It’s the rush of catching a wave, the rhythm of the ocean, the joy of being present in your body. But for many women, queer folks, and gender-diverse surfers, that freedom can sometimes feel restricted — by uncomfortable wetsuits, unsolicited comments in the line-up, or just the quiet feeling of being watched or judged.

This article blends scientific background, community voices, and personal experience to spark reflection and offer pathways to a more inclusive, empowering surf culture — especially for women, queer folks, and gender-diverse people.

At the end, you’ll find a questionnaire you can fill out — anonymously — to help shape surf instruction for all bodies and identities.

Surf Instruction Isn’t Neutral — It’s Gendered

Many surf schools still rely on outdated teaching models that overlook physical diversity and social context. Often, the "standard student" they picture is:

• Cis-male

• Physically fit

• Unaffected by hormonal cycles

• Socially confident in male-dominated spaces

But that's not most people.

Scientific perspective:

• A 2010 study found that men demonstrated significantly more explosive power in the pop-up movement — even relative to body weight.

• Elite male surfers show 28% more maximal strength, 27% higher jump height, and paddle up to 12% faster.

• These are facts — not value judgments.

  
  

Personal note from Almar:

"As a surf instructor, I’ve often felt tat women lean more forward during the pop-up — maybe because of upper body structure. It’s a different movement pattern, not a weaker one."

Menstruation, Energy & Coordination: Still a Taboo?

Almar’s insight:

“I surf worse during my period. I feel heavier, slower, and unsure. I genuinely feel like I carry extra weight on the board during that time. It affects my balance and confidence — and I wish that was talked about more.”

Many menstruating surfers notice their performance fluctuates across the cycle — but this is rarely acknowledged in surf instruction.

During the luteal and menstrual phases, estrogen and progesterone can cause:

• Water retention (up to +1–2 kg)

• Bloating and body tension

• Lower reaction time, coordination, and stability

That can make the pop-up harder, change your balance on the board, or make paddling more exhausting. Reflecting on your cycle can help you surf more mindfully — and be gentler with yourself when things feel off.

Performance Pressure & Microaggressions in the Line-up

Online reports and forums show that many women feel watched, judged, or even corrected by men in the water — regardless of skill level.

Reddit threads are full of statements like:

“I feel like I have to catch ‘good’ waves just to prove I belong.”“I got unsolicited advice from someone less experienced than me — just because I’m a woman.”

Almar reflects:

“Friends who surf confidently still get comments or corrections — not for their benefit, but to assert dominance.”

The Push-Culture: Where’s the Autonomy?

In some surf lessons, especially beginner ones, students are often pushed into waves without learning how to read, paddle, or choose them. Of course, it's completely normal — and often necessary — that instructors help students catch their first waves this way. But we sometimes forget to explain that we’re doing it, and why.

This creates:

• A false sense of independence

• An emotional crash when surfing solo doesn’t work

• A dependence on instructors

Almar’s experience:

“Many students — of all genders — come into lessons thinking they’re ready, because they told me they’ve had several lessons before, not realizing they’ve never actually paddled into a wave themselves. Later, they tell me they might have always been pushed by the instructor."

This isn’t empowerment — it’s choreography.

As a result, students might assume they’re already surfing independently, when in reality, they haven’t yet learned the foundational skills of paddling into waves on their own. That’s why it’s so important that future lessons focus more on reading the ocean, building paddle strength, and timing — to truly empower students to catch waves by themselves.

What You Wear Shapes How You Move

A wetsuit or bikini that doesn’t fit right can ruin a session. Whether it’s compressing your chest, riding up, or simply not aligning with your gender identity — what you wear in the water matters.

Most bikinis on the market are designed for the beach or pool, not for duck dives or wipeouts. Many surfers — especially women — report that their bikini tops move around, need constant adjustment, or even come off completely during a session.

That’s why surf-specific and inclusive brands are crucial. They prioritize fit, function, body diversity, and gender expression.

Recommended surfwear brands (inclusive & functional):

• The Ocean is Female – advocacy + gear made by and for women surfers

• Salt Gypsy – surfwear designed specifically for women, made with recycled fabrics

• TomboyX – gender-inclusive swimwear with strong hold and performance fit

• Seea – functional surf bikinis and suits with modest, playful cuts

• Jolyn – performance swimwear originally designed for water athletes, now surf-adapted

• Sensi Graves – designed by a pro kiteboarder, made for staying put in strong surf

• Carve Designs – women-led brand with inclusive sizing and real surfwear

• NU SWIM – slow-fashion swimwear with clean cuts for all genders and sizes
  

These brands go beyond fashion — they support real surfing, real movement, and real bodies.

Almar adds:

“I always wanted to wear those looser surf shorts men wear — but they didn’t exist in the women’s section.”

Queer Belonging in a Macho Culture

Queer surf communities — like Gay Surf Brazil, Queer Surf Club, or Textured Waves — offer safer, joyful alternatives to mainstream surf culture, which often remains silent on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

GQ Magazine reports that such spaces allow people to surf free from "macho codes" and judgment.

Almar’s take:

“There’s a lack of open dialogue about gender and queerness in surf schools. I created the survey because I want to help start that conversation.”

Why Inclusive Language Matters

Using gender-inclusive language isn’t "political correctness" — it’s a form of respect and recognition. And it creates space for everyone to be seen.

But Isn’t Pro Surfing Equal Now?

Yes — and no.

In 2018, the World Surf League (WSL) introduced equal prize money for men and women. In 2022, they launched a unified world tour.But inequality remains in:

• Sponsorship deals

• Media representation

• Field sizes and visibility

  
  

Gender equity isn’t just about numbers — it’s about narratives.

Let’s Make It Better — Together

To truly understand what people need from surf schools, we created a survey — for women, queer people, and all gender-diverse surfers.

It’s:

• Anonymous

• For all levels (from beginner to pro)

• Designed to collect real, embodied experience

Your voice helps create the kind of surf culture we deserve.

📎 Take the survey in English

📎 Responde en español

The Ocean Is Wide Enough for All of Us

If you’ve ever felt out of place in a surf lesson, uncomfortable in your wetsuit, misunderstood by an instructor, or just off in your body — you’re not alone.

We can build a surf culture where:

• You don’t have to shrink to belong

• Your cycle, body, or identity are part of the process — not barriers to it

• Empowerment replaces control

• Every wave can be yours to take

You don’t have to surf harder, faster, stronger to belong. You already do. The ocean doesn't care what your body looks like or how you identify. It welcomes you as you are.

Let’s make the surf schools, line-ups, and gear reflect that too.

See you in the water

— Almar Team