Manly Women’s Surf Society

Located by the ocean on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the Manly Women’s Surf Society is a vibrant community dedicated to surfing, inclusivity, and empowerment. Welcoming women of all abilities, body types, and backgrounds, we wanted to learn more about how it all began. To find out, we spoke with co-founder Luisa.

How did the Manly Women’s Surf Society start? 

After moving from São Paulo, Brazil, I was determined to finally live by the beach and surf regularly. That dream led me to the Northern Beaches in Sydney, where I found my new home. 

To celebrate my first month in Australia, I decided to book a surf lesson. I had a job, a nice place to live, and felt ready to start my journey as a surfer. As a teacher, I shared my weekend plans with the kids at school, and one of them told me, “Oh, my dad is a surfer and teaches people how to surf!” That felt like a sign—it was meant to be! That weekend, I took my first lesson with the kid’s dad, who still coaches me to this day. 

Surfing quickly became part of my routine. I joined the surf school every Saturday—and sometimes Sundays, Mondays, or any other day I could afford. I was also eager to make friends, so after every session, I’d grab a coffee or beer with the girls I met during lessons. It became such a regular part of my life that I created a WhatsApp group to keep in touch and organize surf meetups. 

During one of these women’s sessions, I met Alana, Libbi, and Raihana. Together, we decided to start the Society. For now, I’m the one actively organising activities and leading the group, but the WhatsApp community has grown to 256 women, and we now have an active Instagram page where you can stay up to date with our upcoming events. 

What is the ethos behind the Manly Women’s Surf Society? 

Our core goal is to encourage and support women in their surfing journeys. We aim to create a safe space where we can share surf goals, ideas, tips, and stories—both good and bad. It’s all about finding surf buddies, building confidence, and helping each other improve. 

What draws you to surfing? 

For me, surfing is a way to reconnect with myself, challenge myself, and make meaningful connections with others. It has truly transformed me. Being in the water feels like a gift—sharing this incredible, vibrant space full of life, mysteries, and beauty. Surfing brings me a sense of calm and balance. I feel like I’ve finally found what I was searching for when I moved to Australia. 

What advice would you give someone trying surfing for the first time? 

Start with good professionals—find a reputable surf school and choose a day with gentle conditions for a positive first experience. If you want to stick with it, join a surf group to meet people, learn about the spots you’ll surf, and build your confidence. Always respect others and yourself, and most importantly, have fun—fun is non-negotiable! Bring a friend to share the experience. It’s daunting at first, but so worth it! 

Do you set any surfing goals? 

When progressing, it’s important to feel comfortable surfing solo, work with a coach to tackle more challenging days, and surround yourself with a supportive crew that aligns with your vibe and style. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s what makes surfing so special—it fosters a deep connection between you and the ocean, your board, and your unique surf style. It’s about creating space for the person you’re becoming. Don’t compare yourself to others—it’s your journey. Go on surf trips or retreats to explore and grow.

Final thoughts... 

The lineup is becoming more inclusive, with more women joining in. There’s no wrong time to start—it doesn’t matter how old you are or what you look like. Your surf journey is yours and yours alone, and that’s what makes it so special. 

Want to go for a surf? Find more from Manly Women’s Surf Society via their socials @manlywomensurf.