40+: Surf Retreats for Women Over 40
Our 40+ surf retreats are built specifically for women over 40 who want to learn to surf or improve their skills in a setting that’s supportive, structured, and refreshingly down-to-earth. Whether it’s your first time picking up a board or you’re coming back to surfing after time away, this retreat meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You’ll be part of a small group of like-minded women, all here for the same reason: to challenge themselves, try something new, and enjoy a week that’s equal parts learning, laughter, and connection. With expert all-female coaching, a thoughtfully planned experience, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s everything you love about Chica Brava tailored to your season of life.
Why 40+ Surf Retreats?
“Just Right” Competition
Our 40+ retreats offer the same proven surf training program as our Classic Retreats, but with a shared energy and outlook among guests who bring decades of life experience to the water. There’s no pressure, no ego, just a thoughtful environment where growth feels exciting, not intimidating. You’ll push yourself, take breaks when needed, and feel supported every step of the way.
What to Expect: A well-rounded week that includes:
- Seven nights shared accommodations (2-3 chicas per room)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Six days of expert surfing instruction
- Daily filming of surf sessions
- Daily video analysis sessions
- Daily surf theory classroom lessons
- Daily individualized goal setting and check-ins
- Daily use of surfboard and equipment
- Daily transportation to surf spots by 4×4
- Daily full-time hosting and activity coordinating
- One guided night out on the town
- Two yoga classes
- One one-hour massage
- Airport transfer to/from MGA (scheduled times)
- Chica Brava swag bag
- Deals at local restaurants
- Optional add-ons like catamaran sailing, hiking, or canopy tours (ziplining)
All the details are handled, so you can focus on the experience. It’s structured without being rigid, and supportive without being overwhelming.
Magic happens outside your comfort zone.
What You’ll Leave With
A better understanding of how to progress as a surfer. The skills and confidence to paddle out on your own. New friendships, deeper connection, and the kind of fulfillment that comes from doing something bold just for you.
You’ll head home sun-kissed, stronger, and stoked for all the right reasons.
To get a feel of what it’s all about, check out this quick video reel on our Instagram:
Life changing week
My friend and I joined an over-40’s camp at the Cloud Farm in early November and cannot recommend this experience highly enough. The Cloud Farm is stunning, open air, and surrounds an infinity pool overlooking the coast. But more important is the surf camp experience. Logistics are taken seriously and well communicated. The staff is truly amazing- perfectly chosen, fun, friendly, caring, and serious about getting the job done teaching you how to surf. The activities of the week from daily surfing to yoga, the boat trip, optional horseback rides and evenings out, and nightly surfing movies combine for a varied and totally engaging, fun week.
- Kris M. , California
If you like adventure and beauty, you must go!
I attended the Chica Brava surf camp with 11 friends and we had the time of our lives! The setting for the Cloud Farm accommodations was idyllic with an infinity edge pool overlooking the rain forest and bay. We were challenged physically every day but were also pampered with delicious food and fun activities like yoga, massages, zip lining, and a catamaran trip. With the supportive instruction of their surf professionals, our entire group of novice surfers were up and riding waves by the end of day one. As a group of 40 something’s, we accomplished more than we could have ever imagined and felt strong in the process. Do this for yourself because you deserve it!
- Tracy M. , Austin, TX
Incredible experience!
I left for my first solo journey out of the county at 41 years old. I had one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was safely picked up at the airport and transported with 3 other wonderful solo women travelers to Surf Camp at Chica Brava where I was greeted by a very friendly, outgoing staff. We were shown all the local hangouts, restaurants, and given the option of doing nothing…or everything. We felt really taken care and the camp felt like family. I’m already in talks with the other two girls about taking another surf trip together, we enjoyed it (and each other) so much. Book this trip. For reals.
- Jennifer K. , California
Invest in yourself!
45 years old at an uncomfortable weight for myself and in OK physical shape, that’s me…… a Chica Brava! Admittedly, we have surfed before in other parts of the world, but at Chica brava…..WE SURFED! Instructors are very patient and knowledgeable and they have classes, goal setting and check in’s daily. They are empowering and honest with your instruction and adjust to your personal needs. We have been to other surf camps and Chica Brava is the one for the ladies. We stayed at the Cloud Farm and it was a great accommodation. The food was amazing and pretty healthy with lots of carbs that are much needed. We will get back to the real world with some empowering skills and confidence to overcome whatever wave comes our way!
- Michelle S. , Atlanta, Georgia
Unforgettable Surf & Sisterhood
What an incredible experience—from the transportation to the airport to being welcomed and taught by a team of supportive, positive instructors. This trip was the whole package: the hike up to Big Jesus, a longboard named Walden, breakfast at Surf House, roadside coconuts and mangos, music-filled surf rovers, Hermosa, Maderas, and Remanso beaches, professional photos, fish tacos, tostones and Tonas, video review, surf theory and etiquette, rooftop yoga, goal setting and attaining, sunscreen and water, massages, great conversation, Chica Brava happy hour, deluxe resort access, infinity pools and cocktails. A shout-out to instructors and my fellow chicas who got this 49-year-old goofy-footed beginner from Wisconsin to paddle to the outside, pop up, and surf the green face!
- Kim S. , Wisconsin
5 Stars
I had the pleasure of attending the women’s 40+ surf camp at the end of March 2025. Every part of the trip was excellent, close attention to detail, so responsive, and they genuinely care about meeting our needs(emotional, technical, practical) . I felt so safe and encouraged. The surf instructors(Claire and Elsi) were very knowledgeable, were able to individualize our instruction, and enjoyed being part of our journey. They believed in us. I’m so grateful that I was pushed and they had high expectations for us, AND wanted us to listen to our bodies without judgement. The sand bottom was an aspect of learning to surf I didn’t realize how helpful, making the beaches we went to perfect for beginners…one less thing to worry about 🙂 The yoga and massages helped with my care and attention to the muscles I discovered I had, and promoted the importance of self-care and asking for what you need. I will be going back, and the cherry on top is the incredible women I got to share this time with. They made this experience so special, with all of us being able to focus on our journey and not compare ourselves. I’ll be back and I can’t wait!