SurfGirl Magazine

Rip Curl GromSearch European Final

James Wilkinson — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:03:13 +0000

Following five events across some of Europe’s most iconic surf spots, the Rip Curl GromSearch European Final, presented by Citroën, is set to bring the continent’s best young surfers together at O2 SURFTOWN MUC in Munich on September 19.

For the first time, the European Final will take place at the world-class wave pool in Munich, where the winners of the 2026 European GromSearch events will battle it out for the title of Rip Curl GromSearch European Champion.

The competition will bring together the most promising young surfers from across Europe in three age categories: Under 16, Under 14 and Under 12. They will compete in a day of high-performance surfing and exciting heats, with the European Under 16 champions earning their place at the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final in Narrabeen, Australia, from November 7 to 10, where they will face the best young surfers from each region around the world.

Rip Curl GromSearch European Final

• Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

• Start: From 1:00 pm

• Location: O2 SURFTOWN MUC, Munich, Germany

• Entry: Free

Previous winners Eden Walla and Lukas Skinner at the international final in 2024.

The 2026 European series featured five events in Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal and France, giving young surfers across the continent the opportunity to compete at some of Europe’s most renowned surf destinations.

The circuit kicked off in Tonfano, Italy, before heading to Somo in Spain, Newquay in the UK, Ericeira in Portugal and finally Lacanau, France. The five events have paved the way for the European Final in Munich, where the season’s best performers will meet for one final battle.

Last year, the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final took place in France, in the Landes region. Australian surfers Ocean Lancaster and Eliza Richardson claimed victory in the Under 16 categories at the Santocha break in Capbreton.
The winners of the 2026 European Final will then have the opportunity to represent Europe at the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final, joining the best young surfers from around the world.

Since its creation in 1999, the Rip Curl GromSearch has played a key role in identifying and supporting the next generation of surfing talent. Over the years, the competition has helped launch the careers of many surfers who have gone on to become leading figures on the world stage, including multiple WSL World Champions and Olympic medallists such as Gabriel Medina, three-time World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, eight-time World Champion, as well as Kauli Vaast and Caroline Marks, Olympic Champions in 2024.

The 2026 European Final in Munich marks another step in the development of the European GromSearch, bringing together the continent’s young talent in a new competition environment and giving them the opportunity to compete on one of Europe’s most innovative surf waves.

Thank you to the European Rip Curl GromSearch sponsors for their support: Citroën, SunBum, Fatboy, I Sea and FCS, as well as O2 SURFTOWN MUC who help make this event possible.

The best young surfers in Europe head to Munich for the Rip Curl GromSearch European Final

The post Rip Curl GromSearch European Final appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

One Day at Home with Laura Coviella

fyn caudery — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:18:44 +0000

Ever wondered what life is like as a pro surfer, chasing swells across the globe? Find out with a day in the life of Spanish surfer Laura Coviella.

Take a look at Laura Coviella’s surf vlog showcasing her lifestyle and surf regime in Tenerife, Canary Islands — a full day of surf training, recovery, daily routine and Tenerife surfing culture.

ONE DAY AT HOME captures a full day in the life of a surfer, detailing Laura’s morning routine, surf training and dedication to surfing. It is a visual journey through everything behind a surf session: gym work, movement, food, time in the ocean, stretching, recovery and life by the sea.

If you enjoyed this, you can watch Laura’s other video here:

Watch Here

The post One Day at Home with Laura Coviella appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

How to Read a Surf Forecast

fyn caudery — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:51:12 +0000

How To Read A Surf Forecast

Swell height always gets the spotlight, but swell period, direction, and wind are what actually decide whether your weekend surf trip is a dream or a waste of petrol.

Picture this: you check your favourite surf app on Thursday evening. Three feet, a cheerful green bar, sunny skies—looks ideal. You text the girls, pack the van with board bags and warm flasks, hit the road early, and arrive to find a messy, lumpy ocean with endless whitewater stacked to the horizon. What went wrong? The app didn't lie, but the real secret to a good session was hiding in the numbers you scrolled right past.

Most of us start out reading a forecast the simplest way: glance at the wave height, skip the rest, and hope for the best. It works just often enough to feel reliable, until a string of blown-out sessions ruins a weekend road trip. Here is your friendly, simple guide to decoding the rest of the forecast—so you can stop guessing and start catching the best waves of the day.

What a surf forecast actually is

First things first: a forecast isn't a direct live measurement—it's a digital weather model. It's essentially a supercomputer's best prediction of what the ocean will look like a few days down the line.

Global weather computers map out wind and atmospheric pressure across the globe. Specialized wave models take that wind data and calculate how much power it transfers into the ocean surface, tracking those energy waves as they travel across thousands of miles. No matter which surf app you open, that exact process sits under the hood. The small differences between apps usually come down to which weather model they prefer and how often they update.

Real-time observations are different. Wave buoys moored off our coasts measure the ocean in real time. If a buoy reading disagrees with your forecast app, always trust the buoy!

Swell height: why looks can be deceiving

The height number on your chart is almost always 'Significant Wave Height' (written as Hs). This is the average height of the highest one-third of the waves passing a buoy. That detail is key because it means there's a wide variety of wave sizes coming through. If Hs says 3ft, plenty of waves will be smaller, but set waves can easily be double that size.

The second trick? That number measures swell in deep, open water offshore. As waves move toward the beach into shallower water, they slow down at the bottom, steepen up, and grow in height before breaking. How much taller they get depends on the sea bed and the swell period. A long, powerful swell will stand up tall and impressive over a sandbank, whereas a short, choppy swell will barely change.

Think of swell height as a helpful starting point, but never the whole story!

Swell period: the magic number

Swell period is the gap (in seconds) between one wave crest and the next as they pass a single point. If you only start paying attention to one new number today, make it this one!

Why is it so important? Because longer gaps between waves mean vastly more energy. Doubling the swell period roughly doubles the wave's power delivered to the beach. That is why a 3ft swell at 16 seconds breaks much cleaner, faster, and bigger than a 3ft swell at 8 seconds. Same height column, totally different surf session.

Period also tells you where your waves were born:

Long Period (14s+): Known as groundswell. Created by intense storms thousands of miles away. They arrive clean, organized, and powerful.
Short Period (6-8s): Known as windswell. Created by local winds blowing close to coastlines. They tend to be weaker, bumpier, and closer together.

Swell period, side by side

Same wave height, totally different shape. Longer seconds between waves mean more power and cleaner lines.

Short period6–8s · windswell

Mid period10–12s · mixed swell

Long period15s+ · groundswell

Golden Rule: If the period is 13 seconds or higher, expect the waves to feel bigger than the forecast height. If it's 8 seconds or less, expect them to feel smaller and softer.

Swell direction: is the energy hitting your beach?

Swell direction is shown in compass degrees (e.g., 270°) or cardinal points (like W or NW). It tells you where the swell is coming from.

To know if a swell will work, compare its direction to the angle of your beach. For example, a beach facing West will soak up West and Northwest swells beautifully. But if a South swell rolls in, big headlands might block the wave energy completely, leaving your beach flat while a spot around the corner is pumping.

Swell can also bend around points and headlands (a process called refraction), softening as it wraps into protected coves—often making sheltered spots the best choice on big, stormy days!

Wind: clean waves vs. bumpy mush

You can have a perfect swell heading straight for your favourite bay, but wind is what decides whether the surface looks like smooth glass or a choppy mess.

Offshore Wind (Land → Sea): The gold standard! Offshore wind blows gently from the shore out toward the ocean. It holds up the wave face, grooms the water smooth, and gives you clean, open walls to ride. It's why early morning dawn patrols are so magical!

Onshore Wind (Sea → Land): Onshore wind blows from the sea onto the beach. It pushes waves over before they can form nicely, crumbling the tops and creating a bumpy surface. Strong onshore winds usually mean a good day for a cozy coffee chat instead.

Cross-shore Wind (Along the coast): Blows sideways across the lineup. If it's light, it's totally manageable. If it gets strong, it creates drift and tricky chop.

Offshore

Land to sea. Clean, smooth faces and peelers.

Onshore

Sea to land. Bumpy, choppy, and crumbling.

Cross-shore

Along shore. Fun if light, tricky if strong.

Wind Speeds at a Glance: Under 8 knots is light enough that direction barely matters. 8–15 knots is where wind direction makes or breaks the session. Above 15 knots onshore? It's probably time for a beach walk instead!

Tide: finding the sweet spot

Tide controls water depth over sandbars and reefs. Because the seabed gives a wave its shape, the state of the tide makes all the difference.

Some beach breaks only work on a rising mid-tide. Other spots might close out completely at high tide, then turn into fun, peeling peaks two hours later as the water drops. Keep a little note on your phone of what your local beach looks like at different tides—it's the fastest way to learn your local spot's sweet spot!

Quick Forecast Cheat Sheet

Term	What it means
Hs / Wave Height	Average size of the top third of waves. Expect set waves to be larger!
Period (s)	Seconds between waves. 12s+ means clean power; under 8s means short, soft chop.
Groundswell	Clean, organized swell generated by distant ocean storms.
Windswell	Local, short-period choppy swell created by nearby winds.
Offshore Wind	Wind blowing land-to-sea. Holds wave faces up and keeps them smooth.
Sets & Lulls	Waves arrive in groups (sets) followed by quieter rest periods (lulls).
Glassy	Zero wind conditions, leaving the ocean surface smooth as glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good swell period for beginner or intermediate surfers?

A period between 9 and 12 seconds is fantastic! It provides well-formed, manageable waves without the heavy, intense push of a massive 16-second groundswell.

Is 2ft at 15 seconds better than 4ft at 7 seconds?

Almost always, yes! The 2ft long-period swell will hold its shape, feel surprisingly punchy when it hits shallow sand, and peel smoothly. The 4ft short-period windswell will likely feel soft, weak, and disorganized.

Why does the forecast say 3ft but set waves look much bigger?

Forecast height (Hs) averages the top third of waves, meaning bigger sets naturally roll through above that average. Long-period swells also gain extra height as they push up over shallow sandbars.

How far ahead should I check the forecast for a weekend trip?

Keep an eye out 3–4 days ahead for general swell trends, but re-check the night before! Wind predictions can change quickly within 24 hours.

At the end of the day, no app replaces checking the beach with your own eyes. A forecast helps you pick the right coastline and hour; your intuition decides when to pull on your wetsuit. Trust the process, enjoy the learning curve, and we'll see you in the lineup!

The post How to Read a Surf Forecast appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

Rip Curl Unveils Search Series

fyn caudery — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:44:15 +0000

Rip Curl Search Series — SurfGirl

Born from culture. Built for purpose.

Search Series

Rip Curl's most technical range to date.

Rip Curl has launched Search Series, and its 2025 World Champion Molly Picklum helped get it ready.

She tested the collection in the water before it went live worldwide on 1 September. Search Series is the most technical range Rip Curl has put out, made for surfing and for the travel that comes with chasing waves. There are water pieces built to perform, plus everyday layers that hold up when the weather turns and still look right once you're off the beach.

The women's line covers a lot of ground, from swimwear and boardshorts through to apparel, travel luggage and warmer mountainwear, so one kit bag can more or less see you through a whole trip.

The pull to get out there and see where the surf takes you.

A lot of the technical side comes from the fabrics. Rip Curl worked with specialist mills and used materials from CORDURA, Polartec and Pertex across the range.

The name comes from The Search, the idea Rip Curl was built on when it started in Torquay, Australia, in 1969. It began as a hunt for waves and grew into something bigger.

Rip Curl is running the launch under the line "Born From Culture. Built For Purpose.", surf roots paired with gear that works well beyond the water.

In and out of the water

Made to take you there.

Bikini In the water On a wave

Designed to bring you back.

Jacket Fleece On the road

Built for surfing

Search Series One Piece

Quick dry

Lightweight.

Stitch free

Fully welded seams.

Compression

Second skin feeling. Full support.

Ready for long sessions

Welded seams and no hardware give the One Piece a smooth, second-skin feel. Lightweight, single-layer Sea Suede fabric keeps you free in the water, while a flattering cut and reliable coverage keep you feeling confident in the surf.

View product

Sea Suede fabricSingle layer, soft, quick to dry

Welded seamsNo stitching, no rub

Full compressionHolds you through the wipeouts

Molly Picklum tested it from tropical heat to freezing water, then Rip Curl reworked it from what she sent back.

Shop Search Series

Shop the women's range

The post Rip Curl Unveils Search Series appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

Patagonia Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026

James Wilkinson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:28:53 +0000

This autumn, Patagonia’s Worn Wear repair team is back on the road for the Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026. The rolling repair stations will travel from cities to surf breaks in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Switzerland, offering surfers and ocean enthusiasts free repairs on wetsuits and clothing from any brand.

The Wetsuit Repair Tour will be calling at 14 destinations, with four longer stops featuring full weekends of workshops, film screenings, and surf stoke. Expect clinics and surf sessions with Patagonia surf ambassadors, meet and greets with local NGOs, alongside plenty of talks to attend. Upcycling workshops to give used neoprene a new life will be taking place at selected weekend events, and dedicated recycling drop-off points will be in place for old suits that have seen their last set.

Over the last year, Worn Wear events around Europe have repaired more than 3,000 items no matter the brand in more than 50 events, including festivals, snow and climbing tours. The fleet of repair trailers has been built to travel to the toughest locations around Europe, bringing technical repair equipment and good vibes to sport communities where they are. The repair team will also educate people on how to keep wetsuits and clothing in good condition for multiple seasons and teach skills such as patching, re-waterproofing shells, fixing zippers, and upcycling through workshops at selected stops.

“You can keep your suit going for longer just by doing these simple things: Freshwater rinses after every use. Don’t let it bake in the sun for days—and definitely don’t leave it balled up in the back of your truck for weeks on end. These little things will help your suit go the distance. All it takes is a commitment to having a bit more of a game plan when it comes to taking care of your gear.” Buddy Pendergast, Wetsuit Repair Technician

To get surfers back out into the water while their wetsuit is being fixed, Patagonia will offer its latest Regulator wetsuits to test ride during the tour. Made from natural rubber, the new wetsuits come with upgrades on materials and performance and are built with insights from years of fixing wetsuits in Patagonia’s repair centres.

“Not only can we facilitate this incredible repair resource for the surf community and get lots of wetsuits back in the lineup—we’re also directly able to drive the design and performance of new suits based on all the feedback and data that we’re getting.” Buddy Pendergast

Click Here For More Info

Why repair?

Patagonia’s Worn Wear programme was created in 2013 to encourage people to take good care of their gear, washing and repairing as needed.

Extending the life of our garments, through proper care and repair, is the single most important thing we can do to lower our impact on the planet and reduces the need to buy more over time — thereby avoiding the CO2 emissions, waste output, and water usage required to build it.

By keeping our clothing in use just nine extra months, we can reduce related carbon, waste and water footprints by 20-30 percent each, according to the UK-based group WRAP – simply because we’re making and throwing away less.

To scale repairs across Europe, Patagonia has partnered with the United Repair Centre and opened repair facilities in Amsterdam and London with the goal of repairing 100,000 pieces of clothing per year by 2028.

Repairs in numbers

• Over 50 repair events were hosted throughout Europe last year

• Patagonia was able to repair more than 35,000 pieces of clothing in Europe in 2025

• Globally, more than 110 repair locations fix Patagonia clothing for free, or for a nominal charge

• 15 repair partners across Europe are fixing Patagonia garments for our customers

Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026

9-10 September: Antwerpen, Belgium

12-13 September: Scheveningen, Netherlands

12-13 September: Shore, East Wittering, UK

12-14 September: La Torche, Plomeur, France

15-16 September: Marktplatz, Lübeck, Germany

17-19 September: Les Estagnots, Seignosse, France

18-19 September: Hafenpromenade, Münster, Germany

19-20 September: Newquay, UK

21-23 September: Plage Centrale, Lacanau Océan, France

25-26 September: Bahnwärter Thiel, München, Germany

26-27 September: Cayton Bay, Yorkshire, UK

26-28 September: Coraza de Orzán, Spain

1-3 October: Baleal Surf Ranch, Ferrel, Portugal

2-3 October: Zürich, Switzerland

Click Here For More Info

The post Patagonia Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026 appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

Erin Brooks Wins Fiji Pro

James Wilkinson — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:36:12 +0000

Erin Brooks Claims Second Fiji Win as Nichols Forced to Withdraw

Erin Brooks (CAN) has been crowned the 2026 Fiji Pro winner after Isabella Nichols (AUS) was forced to withdraw from the Final due to the ankle injury sustained in her Semifinal win over Brisa Hennessy (CRC). The result marks a full-circle moment for Brooks at a venue that holds special significance in her career. It was here in 2024 that she claimed her maiden CT win as a wildcard, becoming the first Canadian to win a CT event. Since joining the Tour full-time, Brooks endured a slower start to her CT career, but the tide has turned in dramatic fashion over the past month, with this result following her win at the Outerknown Tahiti Pro to give her back-to-back victories heading into the back half of the season. Brooks now sits at World No. 8, making a leap from 19th in the last two events.

“I feel so amazing, I’ve just been having the best time these last two events,” Brooks said. “I can’t believe that I got two back-to-back wins. That just seemed impossible at the beginning of the year, but now I’m just insanely happy. At the same time, I’m honestly so bummed for Isabella [Nichols]. I love her like a sister, and I really wanted to share a Final with her. I hope she rests up really quickly, and I’m praying for her. She’s definitely impressed me in the last two events; she stepped up in such a big way and has been charging, so it would have been such a great Final.”

“I’ve just been having so much fun. That win in Tahiti took so much pressure off and allowed me to go out there and surf the way I wanted to, and in the first heat of this event, I had the best heat of my life, scoring a Perfect 10, and I feel like that’s just grown with me throughout the event,” Brooks continued. “I’ve just been smiling and having fun, and I just love this place. I actually saw Occy (Mark Occhilupo, 1999 World Champion, Tahiti and Fiji winner in 1999). When I got here, he congratulated me on Tahiti and was telling me about the ‘dime-a-double,’ where you win both Fiji and Tahiti back-to-back. It’s been in my head, and the closer I’ve been getting, I’ve been getting so excited, and finally doing it is insane. In the back half of the year, I still need to step up, as I have a lot of last places, but I’m so excited to go to Lowers. I love it there and have a lot of friends and family there, so it’s going to be great.”

Nichols’ Best Result of the Season Comes with Bittersweet Ending

Despite being unable to compete in the Final, Isabella Nichols’ (AUS) runner-up finish is her best result of the season, a significant turnaround in a year defined by inconsistency. Nichols opened 2026 with a strong third-place finish at Bells Beach, but was dealt a string of early-round eliminations through the middle of the season before finding her footing again in Tahiti last month. The momentum carried into Fiji, where she pushed all the way to the Final before her ankle injury forced her out of the jersey today. The result is bittersweet for Nichols, who is close friends with Brooks and spends much of her time with her on Tour. It was Nichols’ toughness, drawing on her Viking heritage, that saw her battle through the injury to see out her Semifinal win before ultimately having to step aside.

“It’s unfortunate, but I’m still so stoked to have made the Final here and to see Erin [Brooks] take the win,” Nichols said. “A big congrats to Erin, she has been the most dominant surfer all week, so I was excited to share the Final with her, but to see her get back-to-back wins, I’m so happy for her; she’s like a little sister to me. Yesterday, I went to the hospital for scans and an X-ray, which showed I have no broken bones but a high ankle sprain. It will be one of those things where I just wait and see, but at the moment, I can barely stand on this foot. So to surf a heat with the size of the waves right now would be smart, especially smart for me, especially if I want to be back and strong for the next few events. It’s all still looking very up in the air for me at the moment, so I will just take it day by day and get home for some much-needed rest. After Brazil, I was in a pretty dark place after not banking a result at a lot of my pet events. I was getting really pessimistic when looking at places like Fiji and Tahiti, as I’ve never made it to the Quarterfinals at either one. I’ve put in some time at these places now, and to see it pay off is amazing.”

The women’s Top 10 stayed much the same after the Fiji Pro Presented by Corona Cero, apart from Brooks and Nichols both moving inside, pushing Caroline Marks (USA) and Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) into 10th and 11th, respectively.

2026 Fiji Pro Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Final Results:
1 – Erin Brooks (CAN)
2 – Isabella Nichols (AUS) INJ

The post Erin Brooks Wins Fiji Pro appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

Win a Surf & Yoga Holiday in Morocco with Blue Mind

fyn caudery — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:28:18 +0000

Win a trip for two

Win a 7-Night Surf & Yoga Holiday for Two in Morocco

Some holidays are all about ticking off places. This one is about slowing down.

We’ve teamed up with Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe to give one lucky reader and a friend the chance to spend a week in Tamraght, Morocco. Bring your favourite travel buddy and experience seven days shaped by the ocean, home-cooked meals, rooftop sunsets and the easy rhythm of life on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

Blue Mind is a family-run surf and yoga retreat created by Sandra and Khalid. Together with their local team, they’ve built a place where guests quickly become part of everyday life in the village. Surf in the mornings, practise yoga at sunrise or sunset, share long dinners around the table and discover a side of Morocco that goes far beyond the typical holiday.

What you’ll win

Seven nights for two at Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe in Tamraght, including:

Seven nights’ accommodation for two in a double or twin room
Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
Daily surf coaching at Level 1 or 2, apart from arrival and departure days
Surf equipment throughout every session
Daily transfers out to the surf spots
Daily yoga at sunrise or sunset

A day in Tamraght

Every day begins with a look at the ocean. Khalid and his surf team choose the best waves for the group, whether you’re standing on a board for the first time or already building confidence in the water.

The rest of the day is yours. Wander through the village, drink mint tea, watch the sun drop from the rooftop or do nothing at all. Yoga runs at sunrise and again at sunset, so you can shape the week around whichever suits you better. Meals come out of the kitchen and onto a shared table, served on ceramics made by local potters, and by about day three Tamraght stops feeling like somewhere you are only visiting.

Ready to enter? Head to Instagram now.

Enter on Instagram

In their own words: Blue Mind co-founder Sandra Tissal

Tell us a little about Blue Mind, how did it all begin and what made you want to create a surf camp together?

“Blue Mind grew out of something that was already there. Khalid had been working in surf and tourism in Morocco for years, running Banana Surf Morocco since 2014. When I moved to Morocco in 2018, my background was mainly in yoga, communication and creating experiences around wellbeing. Over time, we started combining what we each brought to the table, and the idea of creating a place of our own began to take shape. In 2019, we opened Blue Mind.”

“We wanted to create something a little different from a traditional surf camp: a place where you can enjoy the social side of a surf camp but with more comfort, beautifully designed spaces, high-quality surf equipment, daily yoga and really good Moroccan food, all in a relaxed, personal atmosphere. We also never wanted Blue Mind to feel like a strict retreat with a fixed schedule. Surfing and yoga are at the heart of what we do, but there’s plenty of space to explore, relax, meet people and simply go with the flow.”

What’s special about your part of Morocco, both for surfing and for life away from the waves?

“What makes this part of Morocco special is the sheer variety of surf spots. From Agadir all the way up to Imsouane, there are waves for different levels and conditions, including world-famous Anchor Point in Taghazout. Having so many spots within reach means there’s almost always somewhere to surf, whatever the conditions.”

“We’re also right in the heart of Tamraght, a popular and increasingly lively surf village just north of Agadir. You can walk to local restaurants, cafés and small shops, so you’re not tucked away in an isolated surf camp. And beyond surfing, there’s plenty to explore: local markets, coastal walks, day trips into the Atlas foothills and, of course, the Moroccan food and culture that make this region so special.”

What does a typical day at Blue Mind look like, from waking up to going to bed?

“There’s no strict schedule at Blue Mind, the ocean usually has the final say. Mornings often start with a slow breakfast before heading out for a surf session. Afternoons are for taking it easy, exploring Tamraght, enjoying the rooftop or simply doing nothing for a while. You might book a traditional Hammam or massage, or head out for a little Moroccan adventure, perhaps a trip to Paradise Valley.”

“Later in the day, we come together for yoga in our ocean-view yoga studio, often followed by dinner around the big shared tables. Our kitchen team serves fresh, homemade Moroccan food, and evenings tend to stretch into long conversations, cards, games and plenty of mint tea.”

For someone at home thinking “I’d love to go to Morocco, but I’m nervous about travelling there,” what would you say to them?

“Go for it. It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about travelling somewhere new. Once you arrive, you’ll quickly realise that you’re not on your own. We’re there to help with everything from getting around to choosing the right surf spot for the conditions, and our professional drivers take care of all our transfers. You don’t need to be an experienced surfer either. Our surf coaching is adapted to your level, whether you’re standing on a board for the first time or looking to improve your surfing.”

What will the lucky SurfGirl giveaway winner experience during their stay with you?

“The winner and a friend will get seven nights of the full Blue Mind experience, a mix of surfing, yoga, good food, Moroccan culture and plenty of time to simply enjoy being here. They’ll stay in one of our private rooms in the Blue Mind Surf House, with their own bathroom and access to our shared community spaces, from the rooftop terrace and lounge to our ocean-view yoga studio.”

“They’ll get to discover different surf spots along the coast, and experience the little things that make Blue Mind what it is: shared meals around the big tables, mint tea, sunsets, games, conversations and the people who make up our team. They’ll leave with a week full of good waves, new experiences and memories they’ll want to take home with them.”

Enter the giveaway

Tag the person you’d take with you and you could both be heading to Morocco.

Follow @surfgirlmag and @bluemindmorocco on Instagram
Like the giveaway post
Tag the person you’d bring with you

Enter on Instagram

Bonus entry: share the post to your Instagram story

Competition closes at midnight on 14 September 2026. The winner will be contacted by Instagram DM on 15 September 2026.

Find out more about Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe →

Terms & conditions

Your Art. Our Back Cover.

fyn caudery — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:30:34 +0000

SurfGirl Art Competition 2026

Your art.
Our back
cover.

Your artwork could land on the back cover of the next SurfGirl.

Enter the competition Free to enter · Any medium

Entries close: Wed 9 Sept, midnight
Entry fee: None
Open to: Everyone

this bit is yours

SurfGirl Back cover

Your art here210 × 275mm

Next print issue
Winner announced after judging

The call

Artists of every style, we want to see it

We are calling artists of all styles and backgrounds to enter the SurfGirl Art Competition 2026, with one very special prize up for grabs. Your artwork could be the final thing readers see when they pick up our next print issue.

Paint, pencil, photography, resin, collage, digital art, illustration, pop art, or something completely your own. Whatever you work in, we want to see it.

One requirement, and that is all.

You and your work need a connection to the surf. It could be a favourite wave, life by the sea, marine life, coastal landscapes, surf culture, or the feeling you get when you are in the ocean.

Photo: Fabio Sasso / Unsplash

Photo: Karly Santiago / Unsplash

Pop art counts. So does a pencil sketch on the back of a tide table.

Photo: Fyn Caudery

What you win

Print, an interview, and a room full of people

The back cover
Your artwork runs full size on the back cover of a forthcoming SurfGirl print issue.
An artist feature
We interview you for the magazine, so you can talk about your work, your creative journey and what inspires you.
The wider audience
Your artwork and your name go out across SurfGirl's social channels, in front of our global community of surfers, ocean lovers and creatives.

How to enter

Three steps, one email

Create

Choose an existing piece or make something new, inspired by surfing, the ocean or the beach.

Submit

Email a low-resolution image of your artwork to hello@surfgirlmag.com before midnight on 9 September 2026.

Get involved

We select a shortlist and share the work across the SurfGirl Instagram, so the community gets to find the artists behind it.

Put this in your email

Your full name
Your contact details
A low-resolution image of your artwork
A short description of what inspired the piece

Last time out

Over 200 entries came in. Five made the wall.

Pick a name to drop that piece into the cover slot.

SurfGirl Back cover

SurfGirl Art Competition
Class of 2024

Winner

Erika Bradberry

Based in Laguna Hills, California. Two friends waiting for a wave together, the water left abstract so the figures carry the moment.

Shortlist

Taisila Kordiukova

Based in Bali. Drawn from a trip to the Mentawai Islands with no electricity and no phones, only surfing and wild nature.

Shortlist

Jula Osten

Born in northern Germany, living in an old RV. She walks a place, talks to the people who live there, then draws it in pencil and ink.

Shortlist

Maria Delgado

From Nicaragua, living in Playa Maderas. She cuts and scans vintage magazines to build collages about life in her surf community.

Shortlist

Taylor Trbo

A colourful collection of the beauty around her, from the ocean to the earth to the people she loves.

Erika Bradberry Taisila Kordiukova Jula Osten Maria Delgado Taylor Trbo

Photo: Reka Roman / Unsplash

Who can enter

Established, studying, or painting at the kitchen table

We are looking for artists with a passion for the ocean and for creativity. If you have a piece you are proud of, we want to see it.

There are no rules about medium or style. We care about the story, the creativity and the connection behind your work.

Entries close at midnight

Wed 9 Sept

Send a low-resolution image, your name, your contact details and a line about what inspired the piece.

Email your entry Questions? Message @surfgirlmag

Competition terms & conditions

Make A Wave Returns After Raising Over $1 Million

James Wilkinson — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 10:12:06 +0000

SurfAid and Rip Curl are excited to announce the launch of the sixth annual Make A Wave challenge. Surfers worldwide are encouraged to surf every day in September to raise funds for SurfAid’s vital programs, improving access to healthcare, clean water, and food security in remote surf communities.

Since its inception in 2021, Make A Wave has united surfers from 28 countries, raising over $3.6 million for SurfAid — including a record-breaking $1.1 million raised last year alone. This remarkable effort has allowed SurfAid to positively impact tens of thousands of people in remote surf communities such as in Rote and the Mentawai islands, where access to basic services is limited.

Rip Curl continues to be a driving force behind this initiative, championing the challenge with their commitment to exploring and protecting the remote surf locations cherished by surfers. Notable Rip Curl team athletes joining in this year include Owen Wright, Stephanie Gilmore and Erin Brooks.

Reflecting on his previous experience, Make A Wave Ambassador Owen Wright said: “Participating in the Make A Wave challenge was an incredible experience. Knowing that each wave I caught helped families gain access to the things we take for granted like clean water made every session even more meaningful. I can’t wait to do it again this September.”

Participants in the Make A Wave challenge will receive fundraising tips, coaching, and opportunities to share their daily surf adventures on social media with the hashtag #MakeAWave. By sharing their journeys, surfers will become part of a global community dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the places they love to surf.

Freely Travel Insurance has returned as a Community Partner and are bringing back their beloved Freely Legends Club. Make A Wave participants in Australia and the United States who fundraise $120 in their local currency will have their fundraising matched with another $120 donated to their page thanks to Freely’s partner the Z Zurich Foundation. Freely will also reward these surfers with an exclusive 2026 Make A Wave x Freely rashie.

SurfAid CEO Anna Bowden expressed her excitement about this year’s challenge: “The generosity surfers showed last year by raising over $1 million was extraordinary. It proves that this community doesn’t just love the ocean and surfing, they love the people who call these remote coastlines home. That’s the spirit we’re taking into September, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve this year.”

Surfers of all ages and skill levels are invited to join the Make A Wave challenge, whether individually or as part of a team with friends, family, schoolmates, colleagues or surf clubs. This year also sees a return of the Surf School Showdown and Boardriders Bash, with custom leaderboards for these teams to compete with one another. Participants will also have the chance to win prizes from top surf and adventure brands, including Rip Curl, Boost Mobile, YETI, Creatures of Leisure, Perfect Wave Travel, Firewire and URBNSURF.

Sign up now at makeawave.co and challenge yourself to surf every day in September. Together, we can create a wave of impact for families in the heartlands of surfing.

Click Here For More

The post Make A Wave Returns After Raising Over $1 Million appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

Win a Week at The Surf Experience

James Wilkinson — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:48:52 +0000

Win a week’s stay at one of Europe’s premier surf camps, The Surf Experience in Lagos, Portugal for you and a friend. Lagos is a beautiful, lively town and one of Europe’s best surf towns. We asked co-found Toby M what to expect for a week’s stay at The Surf Experience.

“The Surf Experience kicked off in 1992 for the pure love for surfing and meeting new best friends – the same ethos continues today. We’re constantly evolving to provide the very best service for every level of surfer; our location, the team, the amazing surf, great food, plus lots of fun and laughter, and lastly but not least giving back to the local community,” explained Toby.

“For the best waves we head to the best spots that combine ability levels with the conditions. Being based in Lagos we have the best access to the south coast , Sagres and northern beaches in the Aljezur area. A combination of beach breaks, reefs and point breaks.

The best part of being so central in Lagos is the easy access to everything from outside your door. From restaurants, bars , cliff walks, beaches and the ocean. It´s all there to do in your own time.”

So what does the prize consist of?

“A week with us will contain breakfast and the legendary homemade beach lunches. Dinner time we host and reserve the best local hotspots and of course don´t forget the wonderful rooftop BBQs with our inhouse chef. We have shared rooms in main house to private ensuite rooms close by for peace and quiet.” Toby adds, “We also run yoga weeks, Surf Safari weeks for independent surfers , wine tasting and dance events – if any of these takes your fancy then we can get you to combine your winning week on these specific dates.”

As Toby says, “Being the first surf camp in Portugal doesn´t make you the best but we´ve been determined the first remains the best!”

The Surf Experience prize includes;

A week’s holiday with Surf Experience (subject to date availability)
7 nights accommodation
Breakfast and lunch.
7 days of surf lessons and analysis.
A complimentary rooftop dinner.
At least one yoga / ice bath / sauna session.
You can pick your dates to combine with their Surf Safaris, Yoga Weeks or their world class event dates to make it the complete Surf Experience.
To enter the competition, click here

The prize is for one person and the stay must be redeemed by 6th December 2026. Flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included in the prize. SurfGirl Magazine is hosting this competition but the prize will be arranged by The Surf Experience. The competition ends on 1st September.

For the full list of T&C’s go here

To find out more about The Surf Experience surfing holidays plus lots more – such as the New Year Bonanza – hit the link below.

Surf Experience Info Here

The post Win a Week at The Surf Experience appeared first on SurfGirl Magazine.

SurfGirl Magazine

Rip Curl GromSearch European Final

One Day at Home with Laura Coviella

How to Read a Surf Forecast

How To Read A Surf Forecast

What a surf forecast actually is

Swell height: why looks can be deceiving

Swell period: the magic number

Swell period, side by side

Swell direction: is the energy hitting your beach?

Wind: clean waves vs. bumpy mush

Tide: finding the sweet spot

Quick Forecast Cheat Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Rip Curl Unveils Search Series

In and out of the water

Search Series One Piece

Ready for long sessions

Shop Search Series

Patagonia Wetsuit Repair Tour 2026

Erin Brooks Wins Fiji Pro

Win a Surf & Yoga Holiday in Morocco with Blue Mind

What you’ll win

A day in Tamraght

In their own words: Blue Mind co-founder Sandra Tissal

Enter the giveaway

Your Art. Our Back Cover.

Your art.Our backcover.

Artists of every style, we want to see it

Print, an interview, and a room full of people

The back cover

An artist feature

The wider audience

Three steps, one email

Create

Submit

Get involved

Put this in your email

Over 200 entries came in. Five made the wall.

Erika Bradberry

Taisila Kordiukova

Jula Osten

Maria Delgado

Taylor Trbo

Established, studying, or painting at the kitchen table

Make A Wave Returns After Raising Over $1 Million

Win a Week at The Surf Experience

Win a week’s stay at one of Europe’s premier surf camps, The Surf Experience in Lagos, Portugal for you and a friend. Lagos is a beautiful, lively town and one of Europe’s best surf towns. We asked co-found Toby M what to expect for a week’s stay at The Surf Experience.

Your art.
Our back
cover.