What We Do
Monthly Meet Ups
We get together every month for coffee bagels and surf to meet new friends, paddle out together and find people to get our reps in with during the week
Surf Retreats
All level friendly surf retreats designed for cean time, adventure, and making lifelong surf friends—coming soon! Join the waitlist to hear when you can book your spot!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Meet Ups & Community Events
When & where is the next meetup?
Our monthly beginner meetups are often held at Mondo’s, but locations may change depending on conditions, safety, permitting, or the type of event. Upcoming events are shared through Instagram, our broadcast channel, community chat, email list, and event calendar. This is the best way to make sure you are staying updated.
I’ve never surfed before, can I still come?
Absolutely. The monthly meet ups were created specifically for true beginners, including girls who have never surfed, do not own gear, and do not know where to start. Most girls come to their first meetup with little to no surfing experience.
Do most girls already know each other? Can I come alone?
Our meetups are designed to help you meet women at a similar level so you have people to learn and paddle out with and most girls come alone! It can be difficult to meet friends as an adult, let alone those who want to surf! There are always brand-new girls attending, and the majority of women are meeting everyone for the first time.
Can I join if I don’t live in Ventura?
Yes. Girls from surrounding cities and other areas are welcome to join. We have had girls from LA and Santa Barbara counties come frequently!
Local members will naturally have more access to in-person events, but non-local girls can still follow updates, use educational resources, attend special events, and connect with the community when visiting Ventura.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You should have basic swimming ability and feel comfortable in the water before attempting to surf. The ocean includes waves, currents, cold water, and moving equipment. You are responsible for your abilities and safety.
Do I need my own surfboard/wetsuit/gear?
Absolutely not! This is the place to get familiar with the group and get your feet wet, even if you do so without actually getting your feet wet! Many girls come just to meet everyone and check it all out first.
Gear is not automatically provided at community meetups, but many girls bring extras.
You will need to bring, borrow or rent your own surfboard and wetsuit if you know you want to paddle out for sure. You need access to a board if you plan to surf, but it can be rented or borrowed.
Do I need a lesson before attending a meet up?
No. You can attend a meetup without taking a lesson, but professional instruction is helpful at the beginning of your journey!
You can learn about our surf lessons available and how to book here.
What is the difference between the monthly meetup and the Thursday sunset surf?
The monthly meetup is more structured and designed as the easiest entry point for brand-new girls. The Thursday sunset surf and dinner is a casual community paddle-out and may take place in more challenging conditions. Beginners are welcome, but it may not be ideal for your very first surf session. No instruction or guidance is typically given. It’s highly recommended you are comfortable paddling out on your own. You are also more than welcome to hang out on the beach and/or join dinner without surfing so you are still getting to know the group!
Can I come if I don’t want to surf? Are kids and dogs allowed?
Yes! You are welcome to hang out on the beach, meet everyone, watch, and join any post-surf food or social plans.
Kids and dogs are generally welcome at casual beach meetups as long as they are supervised and permitted at that location. Ventura Surf Girlies cannot provide childcare or pet supervision while you surf.
Is it open to all ages?
Women of all ages are welcome, and we have girls in the community ranging from their twenties to their fifties and beyond.
Is the monthly meet up a surf lesson? Will someone teach me?
No. The meetup is a community event, not a formal surf lesson or clinic, but more to be social and meet other women learning to surf. If you are interested in lessons, they begin August 17th, 2026. You can learn more about them and how to book here.
Attendees are responsible for their own safety and decisions in the water.
A typical meetup may include introductions, general tips, coffee or bagels, beginner safety and etiquette information, an on-land demonstration, small groups based on comfort level, time to surf, and post-surf socializing.
Do I need to RSVP?
All RSVPs are linked here. Please RSVP to any event you plan to attend listed under “Event Links”. This helps us estimate attendance and communicate location or weather updates.
What should I bring to a meet up?
Bring a surfboard, leash, wetsuit, surf wax, sunscreen, water, coffee mug, towel, and a warm layer for afterward. You may also want to bring a blanket or beach chair for hanging out.
Are the meet ups free?
Our monthly community meetups and general group chat are currently free unless the event listing says otherwise. Lessons, retreats, dinners, workshops, and special events may have a separate cost.
How Do I Join The Community?
The easiest way to get started is to follow Ventura Surf Girlies on Instagram, join the broadcast channel through the community link in our bio on Instagram or TikTok.
That will help you stay updated on beginner meetups, weekly surfs, dinners, lessons, retreats, changes, and other community events.
Is it free to join?
Yes. You can join the general Ventura Surf Girlies community for free.
Our free community includes access to event announcements, beginner meetups, casual surf coordination, and opportunities to meet other girls in the area.
Some lessons, dinners, retreats, workshops, special events, and future membership resources may have a separate cost.
How do I join the group chat?
First, add yourself to the broadcast channel to find the group chat link in the pinned messages.
What is the difference between the broadcast channel and the group chat?
The broadcast channel is where official Ventura Surf Girlies announcements are shared, including meetup dates, locations, lesson updates, events, retreats, and last-minute changes.
The group chat is where community members can introduce themselves, ask questions, coordinate surf sessions, and connect with other girls.
Because our chats can reach capacity, the platform and joining process may change as the community grows. The broadcast channel is the best place to receive the most current instructions.
Surf Lessons
Lessons begin August 17th!
What kind of surf lessons do you have available?
We have various lessons available. Please review here.
Can I sign up now?
Absolutely. Review our offers, then please call 805.856.3989 or email VenturaSurfGirlies@gmail.com for availability and booking.
Are boards and wetsuits included?
Gear inclusion is still being finalized. You are welcome to use your own surfboard if you would like to practice with the gear you plan to use.
Who teaches the lessons?
A fully licensed and certified, professional surf instructor.
What will I learn during a lesson?
Lesson content may include ocean safety, board handling, paddling, positioning, popping up, wave selection, falling safely, and basic surf etiquette.
Will lessons teach surf etiquette?
Yes. Understanding right of way, board control, paddling routes, and how to safely share the water should be part of any beginner surf education.
Surf Retreats
Are there surf trips available to join?
We are planning a retreat for early 2027! Join the waitlist here to be notified as soon as sign ups open! *Our community is growing rapidly, and there will be limited spots available.
Are the trips beginner friendly?
Absolutely. We design the trips so that all levels will leave fulfilled and catered to. Often times, instructors will split the group into different levels. Your beginner lessons, or guided surf tours for intermediate and advanced, will take you to the appropriate breaks.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard?
Nope! All gear will be ready for you at the retreat.
Will flights be included?
No. To make these trips the most flexible and available to women of all regions, flights will be booked separately by the participant to ensure flexibility and ease of booking.
Is there an age restriction?
You must be 18+ to attend.
Gear: Surfboards, Wetsuits, etc.
Do I need my own surfboard/wetsuit/gear?
Absolutely not! This is the place to get familiar with the group and get your feet wet, even if you do so without actually getting your feet wet! Many girls come just to meet everyone and check it all out first.
Gear is not automatically provided at community meetups, but many girls bring extras.
You will need to bring, borrow or rent your own surfboard and wetsuit if you know you want to paddle out for sure. You need access to a board if you plan to surf, but it can be rented or borrowed.
What kind of board should i use? Which beginner foam board do you recommend?
A large (8 ft+), wide (22-23inches), buoyant foam board is generally the most forgiving and safest option for a beginner and those around you while you are learning.
For many adults, an 8-foot board or larger is a good starting point. Wavestorms, Storm Blades, and similar high-volume foam boards are popular beginner options because they are wide, stable, and forgiving.
What wetsuit thickness do I need?
Many Ventura surfers wear a 4/3mm wetsuit during colder months and a 3/2mm, or spring suits during warmer conditions. Your personal cold tolerance also matters.