Rebelle Surf

Women’s Surf

Women’s surf

when women reclaim their strength – the whole world wins

Our Story

Why I started the
Women’s Surf community

‘There were few female elders for me to learn from in my early surfing years in Ireland and I’m excited for the new generation to move into a more supported and grounded space to evolve their surfing with strong women and men around them.’

When I started surfing I wasn’t enamoured with surf culture environments in general. There were aspects I loved such as meeting fellow water humans that loved the wild as much as I do and witnessing moments of heart and greatness that people experience while surfing a wave. There was too much that felt out of balance however and I felt it didn’t honour the presence of women and those who don’t surf to hustle or compete. Some of the quietest people have the most grace and presence.

The women’s space began with my women’s intermediate surf coaching sessions and has evolved into something much bigger.

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Women’s surf

INCLUSIVITY

We create a space for you to reconnect with yourself and experience joy. The Ocean is a charged environment that energizes and uplifts us. Creating a space, visibility and coaching for women and girls to feel confident and connected to themselves and each other is something we are passionate about.

Currently the only female led surf school in the West of Ireland, we are actively creating spaces for girls and women to connect with and progress in surfing. It’s important to remember that these beautiful blue spaces that we surf in are gifts to all of us. Global surfing culture has historically excluded anyone that doesn’t fit into the competitive mainstream surf culture narrative. Surf line ups reflect this culture and can be pushy, competitive and male dominated and a lot of women are repelled by this environment. It can take time to build up the confidence to surf with lots of men which is why surfing with other women creates a space to progress, build experience and meet other women who surf. Then if they wish to they are confident to enter the line up.

There are more women surfing Ireland than ever before. Check out our She Surfs Ireland Instagram community page!

she surfs ireland

The main ethos of this community is to step away from the glamourised sex and competition driven surf culture and make space for a new more grounded and connected surf culture. Most women thrive in a supportive and fun learning environment with other women to connect with. Our motivations to surf as women often differ from most men. Focussing on just performance and goals doesn’t’ light our fire as much as going on the surf adventure with other women. Learning how to harness our strengths and build confidence leads to expression and presence in the water.

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OUR STORY

Space

Boundaries, confidence and ocean awareness are integral to most women’s surfing journey. Our coaching weaves in these elements. Surfing tends to spontaneously mirror back to us our dominant thought patterns and limiting beliefs. We are inseparable from nature.

There is a mindset that if we throw enough women at an unequal territory it will create balance. However if we never take a radically honest look at the undercurrents and programmes that run the lineups, we’ll keep recreating competition based environments in the water and on land. Competition is to be celebrated but when it dominates wild spaces it can push out those who are looking for connection and peace in the surf.

Throughout the year there are women’s surf camps and workshops where we team up with other amazing people to create unforgettable adventures. We run weekly drop in Womens surf series every Sunday from spring to Autumn. Join the WhatsApp group for weekly sessions.

What we offer

Women’s surf experiences & socials

Find out all the information you need to book an unforgettable surfing experience with like minded women in Strandhill.

Surf Experiences

Photo Gallery

TESTIMONIALS

What people are saying

Absolutely incredible experience…Melanie was so calm and a really great teacher…. any fear of surfing was completely eliminated, think she’s turned two novices into lifelong surfers

— Terry, January, Google Review —

Did a private lesson with Melanie and it was brilliant. She is so lovely and a great instructor. Best surf school in the West!

— Áine Charlton, Google Review —

The best surf lessons we have encountered from start to finish. A warm welcome, great equipment and facilities with hot showers.Amazing teaching style and incredibly well manage different levels of ability. A positive, fun and friendly atmosphere.

— David Sept 2024 —

It doesn’t get better than Melanie, Michael and the rest of the team. A great balance of safety and freedom to get on with it for all levels. Top notch for kids. Can’t recommend enough.

— Al, August 2024 Tripadvisor —

This is the best surf camp in Sligo. Both my kids have done the camp for many summers. Melanie, Michael and the team are exceptional. They are magic with the kids and the same staff each year indicates how happy the instructors are there.

— Aine July 2023, Tripadvisor —

This was our second year taking surf lessons with Rebelle Surf School and I cannot recommend them enough!! We could see they really enjoy their job and gave their all when teaching us. They wouldn’t let us give up until we caught a great wave . We will definitely be back next year and can’t wait!

— Hannah, August 2023, Tripadvisor —