Question 1

What level should I be?

Accepted Answer

These trips are for experienced beginners to advanced surfers, depending on the trip. Not suitable for full beginners. 
Each trip has its own level requirements, depending on location and conditions.  You can check the exact level needed on the trip page.

We know it’s not always easy to classify your own level. Accuracy matters here. It helps us keep everyone safe, supported, and progressing. You can check your surf level using our online tool: 
{CHECK MY SURF LEVEL} 
Or contact us :)

Question 2

What do we do during our surf trips?

Accepted Answer

We surf. A lot.
Days are built around time in the ocean, with sessions planned around conditions, tides, and energy levels. The goal is always the right waves at the right time.
During the trip you can expect:
 • Daily surf sessions with in water coaching and guiding
 • Video analysis and surf theory sessions
 • Land based training depending on the destination
 • Mindset & Confidence workshops
 • Time to rest, recover, and reset between surfs
 • Shared meals, surf chats, and a solid crew vibe

Everything is designed to help you surf better and smarter, during the trip and once you’re back home.
Check out our Home page for more detailed info :)

Question 3

What’s included in the trips?

Accepted Answer

What’s generally included:
 • Accommodation for the duration of the trip
 • Daily surfs with in water guiding
 • Video analysis and surf theory sessions
 • Land based simulations - technique breakdown
 • Transport during the trip between surf spots and activities
 • Most meals, depending on the destination
 • Professional photos & videos of your waves
 • A small group setup focused on progression

What's generally not included:
 •  Flights
 • Travel insurance & Visas
 • Surf equipment

Each destination is a bit different, so full inclusions are always listed on the individual trip page.

Question 4

What makes SW different from other surf retreats?

Accepted Answer

First of all, we’re not a retreat.
We run performance/progression surf  trips for women ready to put in the work and invest in their surfing.

Our goal is not just to help you surf better during the trip, but to give you the tools to keep progressing when you get back home. We support you before, during, and after the trip, building a collective of women who want real coaching and long term progression.
Coaching doesn’t stop at the ocean. We work with video analysis,  on land based simulations, surf skate, surf survival training, surf theory, and other tools that help you surf smarter and progress faster.

There’s no pushing into waves and no hand holding.
These trips aren’t about being pampered. They’re about improving.

Question 5

Is there a minimum or maximum age to join?

Accepted Answer

Many of our first-timers are concerned about this, so you are not the only one asking this question!

Most women who join our trips are usually between their late 20s and mid 40s, but ages often vary.

What matters most isn’t age, but being comfortable in the ocean, open to coaching, and keen to put the work in.

As long as you’re over 18 and fit enough to handle active surf days, you’ll fit right in.

Question 6

How many people are on each trip?

Accepted Answer

Most trips run with 6 to 12 surfers. This keeps the group small enough for proper coaching, while still creating a good crew vibe.

When needed, we split the group by level and work with two coaches in the water, so everyone gets attention and surfs the right waves.
We don’t run big groups.

Question 7

Can beginners join?

Accepted Answer

These trips are not suitable for full beginners.
You need to already surf independently, paddle out on your own, and catch your own waves. We don’t do pushing into waves or basic beginner instruction.

We encourage you to have at least a few surf lessons before joining, so you’re comfortable paddling out, catching your own waves, and surfing independently.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, use our Check Your Surf Level tool or reach out and we’ll help you figure it out.

Question 8

Who are these surf trips for?

Accepted Answer

These trips are for women who already surf and want to progress with proper guidance.
They’re a good fit if you:
 • Surf independently and feel comfortable paddling out
 • Want structured coaching
 • Are ready to put time and effort into your surfing
 • Care about improving technique, confidence, and ocean awareness

They’re not for full beginners or for anyone looking for a relaxed beach holiday.

If you’re motivated, open to feedback, and excited to train with a small group of like minded surfers, you’ll fit right in.

Question 9

Is this trip for shortboarders or longboarders?

Accepted Answer

Either! Whether you're into shortboarding or longboarding, you're totally welcome here! We've got a crew ready to help you level up your surfing game on, no matter your board preference. We will divide the group depending on surfing modality.

Question 10

What happens if there are no waves during the trip?

Accepted Answer

We carefully select spots that are highly consistent with waves, making it highly unlikely that we won't find any waves during our trips.

However, since we can't control Mother Nature, we've got you covered with a backup plan. If by any chance we encounter a few days with less-than-ideal surf conditions, we've lined up plenty of workshops and activities to keep you engaged and progressing. These non-surfing days can become the perfect opportunity for focused training, contributing just as much, if not more, to your surfing progress.

If you have specific concerns or questions about surf conditions, please reach out to info@samewavecollective.com

Question 11

How do I book my spot?

Accepted Answer

Navigate to our 'Surf Trips' section on our menu, choose the trip that piques your interest, and click the 'Book Your Spot' button. 
 
To confirm and secure your spot, we require only a small deposit. 
The balance payment is due 30 days before the trip for Byron Bay retreats and 60 days before departure for overseas trips. 
If you book within these timeframes, full payment will be required at the time of booking.

You can cancel for free up to 3 months before the surf trip's departure date (excluding the deposit)!
  
Please contact us at info@samewavecollective.com if you have any questions or check out T&C's here:

Question 12

Can I book but for just less days?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, this is not possible. We're dedicated to offering a comprehensive surfing progression experience, which is why we don't accommodate bookings for fewer days. Each spot is reserved to ensure every participant enjoys the full experience, and booking for fewer days may limit availability for others seeking the complete trip.

Question 13

Can I join without the accomodation?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately our surf trips include accommodation. By reserving a spot without accommodation, it affects the availability for others who are expecting the full experience. We've carefully planned and pre-booked accommodation for all participants to ensure a cohesive and enjoyable retreat for everyone involved. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your understanding.

Question 14

What happens if I have to cancel?

Accepted Answer

We get it. Life happens, and plans can change. We try to be as fair and flexible as possible, while still protecting the trip and the crew.

Here’s how it works:
If you cancel 90 days or more before departure, you’ll get a full refund of your balance payment.
The deposit is non refundable unless a replacement is found.
If you cancel between 60 and 90 days before departure, we can offer a 50 percent refund of the balance payment.
If you cancel within 60 days of departure, we’re unable to offer a refund, as accommodation and services have already been paid.
If you find someone to take your spot, you’ll receive a full refund including the deposit, minus a 250 AUD administration fee, once your replacement has booked and paid.

Full cancellation terms are available in our Terms and Conditions 
For further assistance or specific concerns, please reach out to us at info@samewavecollective.com.

Question 15

How likely is the trip to be cancelled?

Accepted Answer

While we strive to ensure smooth operations for all our surf trips, there are instances where cancellations or rescheduling may occur. We continuously monitor events that may impact the safety or execution of your upcoming trip. In the rare case of a cancellation by SAMEWAVE due to safety or operational reasons, occurring 60 days or more before the trip begins, you will be promptly notified via email. In such instances, you will have the option to transfer your deposit to any available alternate surf trip or receive a full refund.

Please note the following: SAMEWAVE is not liable for any costs incurred for travel arrangements beyond our surf trip booking in the event of cancellations or rescheduling. To ensure seamless planning, we recommend awaiting our trip confirmation or 60 days before your surf trip begins before finalising your travel arrangements

Frequently asked questions