Learning to Surf Around the World
In 2023, at the age of 32, I decided to finally cash in on my childhood dream and learn how to surf. It has since influenced my travel decisions, seeped into my work as a freelance writer, and taught me how to face myself, my fears, and my insecurities in the water and on land. On this page, I let you in on the journey from first pop-up in Costa Rica to the never-ending journey that is learning to surf as I continue it around the world.
The Surf Journey So Far
I’ve been surfing my goofy-footed way around the world from Costa Rica’s powerful Pacific swell to Sri Lanka’s best South Coast surf spots and everywhere in between since early 2023. Read all about it in my ever-evolving surf journey travelogue where I not only share tales, but share tips and recommendations for stays, camps, and instructors in each surf spot based on my own first-hand experience.
Surf Guides
Interviews with Surfers
Surfboard Shaper Ryan Lovelace
Meet Seattle-bred, now Santa Barbara- and Kauai-based hand shaper Ryan Lovelace in this interview I had with him for Surfers.
Surf Psychologist Lisa Davidsson
Meet Bali-based Swedish surf psychologist Lisa Davidsson in this Q&A-style piece for Surfers.
Surf Retreat Founder Lindsey Holland
Meet the London-based Lindsey Holland, Founder of Marnie Rays Surf & Wellness Retreats, in this 21 Questions series interview I conducted for Surfers.
GRLSWIRL Founder Lucy Osinski
Meet Lucy Osinski, ballerina-turned-surfer and co-founder of GRLSWIRL, one of the biggest women-founded skate collectives in the world.
Visual Artist & Surfer Archie Geotina
Meet Archie Geotina, a Siargao-based visual artist and the mind behind the viral surf photography series Pearls Project, in this 21 Questions interview I recently did for Surfers.
Surf Partners & Brands I’m Loving
Please note: Some, not all, of the links below are affiliate links. This just means that if you click and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is one of the ways I am able to continue populating this blog with useful content - thank you!
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Aventuras Surf Co.
Aventuras Surf Co. is a family-run surfboard company based on the Central Coast of California that specializes in affordable, high-quality soft tops. Every board sold removes 4 pounds of trash from the ocean via 4ocean and supports their mission to donate boards to AmpSurf, an organization working to help disabled veterans and first responders heal through adaptive surf therapy.
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Surf Psychology by Lisa
Lisa Davidsson is an avid Bali-based surfer, psychologist, and hypnotherapist. With more than two decades of experience in the field of psychology and mental health, she works specifically with surfers to ultimately catch more waves, but on a deeper level, to overcome the fears, mindsets, and unhealed past trauma hindering progress.
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BookSurfCamps by Tripaneer
BookSurfCamps by Tripaneer is a surf camp comparison site, where you can search, compare, and book your next surf vacation anywhere in the world. Search by continent, season, surf level, or specific interest, including surf & yoga retreats, digital nomad or family-friendly options, and longboarding-specific camps.
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Always Wet
Always Wet is a surf tee brand run by friend and fellow surfer Max Green. His edgy surf designs have gone viral for their witty way of capturing the essence of this surf addiction we all have. Always Wet ships for free worldwide from Germany, uses quality organic cotton, and works with Fairtrade-certified partners in India.
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Left on Friday
Left on Friday makes some of my favorite surf suits. They’re cute, durable, easy to care for, and stay on no matter what the ocean does with you. You’ll see me surfing in their tri-color Pool Days Top and Hi Hi Bottoms in Jet Mauve.
In 2023, I finally dusted off my long-lost childhood dream of learning to surf. In this post, I share that journey as it continues to evolve, dropping names of some of the surf camps, surf spots, and surf instructors I’ve appreciated along the way.