I experienced a vision today.
Not a psychic one.
Not an intuitive one.
A surfing one.
The kind of vision surfers talk about when they describe being deep inside a barrel.
The funny thing is, I didn’t get a barrel.
I got swallowed by a wave.
I completely misjudged the timing and positioning. Instead of carrying me forward, the wave broke right over me.
But just before it did, I saw something I’ll never forget.
I watched the lip of the wave fold over the nose of my board.
For a split second, everything slowed down.
It was pure magic.
Then I got absolutely devoured.
The Unexpected Gift of Wiping Out
When I surfaced, my friends were looking at me and all I could say was:
“Wow.”
I was shocked.
Not because I had wiped out.
Because I hadn’t been held down.
I hadn’t been dragged along with the wave.
I hadn’t experienced any of the things my mind had imagined.
The experience that could have reinforced my fear actually expanded my confidence.
And I couldn’t stop thinking about that image.
Even now, it feels like it has become part of me.
How Surfing Builds Confidence
One of the biggest misconceptions about confidence is that it comes before the experience.
Most people think confidence arrives first, and then we take action.
Surfing has taught me the opposite.
Confidence is built through experience.
It’s built by paddling for waves you’re unsure about.
& wiping out.
It’s built by discovering that you’re capable of handling more than you thought.
That session changed something for me.
Instead of becoming more afraid after getting caught inside, I became more playful.
The ocean felt lighter.
The mistakes felt less serious.
The whole experience felt like an invitation to enjoy the process rather than control it.
The Joy of Playground Days
For the rest of the session, there were only a handful of us in the water.
A few of my girlfriends,
& couple of other surfers.
Plenty of waves.
Lots of laughter,
& many wipeouts.
Days like these feel like a playground.
They’re some of the most rewarding experiences surfing has to offer.
But what many people don’t see is what makes those days possible.
They come from building trust in yourself,
& from understanding the ocean.
They come from developing confidence around other surfers,
& from learning how to regulate your nervous system when conditions feel challenging.
Most of all, they come from showing up consistently.
Learning to Trust Yourself Through Surfing
One of the reasons I love introducing women to surfing is that the lessons extend far beyond the water.
Learning to surf isn’t just about standing on a board.
It’s about learning how to navigate uncertainty.
Discovering resilience.
Building trust in yourself.
It’s about experiencing joy, playfulness, and freedom in a way many adults rarely allow themselves to.
That growth doesn’t happen overnight.
But if you keep showing up, it happens.
I’ve seen it in my own journey.
And I’ve seen it in the women I’ve had the privilege of surfing alongside.
Recently, I worked with a woman who had never surfed before. After the retreat, she shared this:
“This entire experience was so special. I have been wanting to learn to surf since I was a kid. Not only did I accomplish that surfing goal, but I tapped into a joy that was pure magic.
This retreat was a connection, reconnection and reset that was so welcomed. The entire experience has helped me trust myself more. And the cherry on top—new lifelong friends. I will absolutely be back.”
Reading those words reminded me why I do this work.
Surfing changes people.
Not because every session is perfect.
But because every session offers an opportunity to discover something new about yourself.
If You’re Wondering…
Can surfing help build confidence?
Yes. Surfing regularly places you outside your comfort zone while providing opportunities to develop resilience, self-trust, and problem-solving skills.
Is it too late to learn to surf as an adult?
Absolutely not. Many people learn to surf in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Progress may look different than it does for children, but the rewards can be just as meaningful.
Why does surfing feel so transformative?
Surfing combines physical challenge, presence, nature, and personal growth. Many surfers find that the lessons they learn in the ocean translate directly into everyday life.
How long does it take to feel confident surfing?
Confidence develops gradually through experience. The more time you spend in the water learning how to read waves, manage fear, and trust yourself, the more confidence tends to grow.
