and why we believe one week is just right
If you’re thinking about joining a women’s surf retreat, you’re probably wondering how long it should be. Most people don’t realize just how physically exhausting surfing is, so finding that sweet spot between too short and too long really matters.
At Chica Brava, we’ve landed on the ideal format: one full week. Seven days total, with six full days of surfing and no “day off” (although we always encourage one to listen to her body, if she needs a rest day, she can take it)! Because the only way to improve at surfing is by doing a lot of it. That’s why we maximize your time in the water, with three hours of coached surf daily, paired with video analysis, technical feedback, and evolving goals throughout the week. It’s not just a vacation, it’s a full training experience.
Why a retreat beats a few day lessons
Day lessons are great for a quick taste of surfing, but they’re usually designed just to get you standing on the board. Even if that means forming bad habits like dropping a knee or relying on being pushed into waves. A women’s surf retreat is completely different. Surfing is the focus, not a side activity. You’ll learn how to identify waves, paddle yourself into and catch waves, how to position your body, read the wave direction, and actually understand what you’re doing. We achieve this by enhancing our surf program with theory lessons, video feedback review sessions and goal-setting. Our goal is to set you up with the tools and knowledge you need to keep progressing on your own long after the retreat ends.
Why one week is the sweet spot
One week is long enough to settle into a rhythm, build confidence, and see real progress. Any shorter and you’re just warming up. Any longer and you’ll be too sore to enjoy it. Surfing works your body in ways nothing else does, and by day six, you’ll have earned a proper rest day or two.
There are shorter retreats out there, and some that run longer, but in our experience, a well-structured one week women’s surf retreat gives you the best return. High-quality coaching, consistent repetition, and the chance to really experience what it feels like to be a surfer.
And we’ll be here when you’re ready to start.