Recently we sat down with three American women, Karen, Debbie and Nancy, who learnt to surf in their late fifties and sixties while joining one of our longboard weeks.
We quickly realised that their stories were worth sharing. And beyond being wowed by their sheer courage, commitment and coolness, we also saw an opportunity to demonstrate how surfing shapes all lives… regardless of age.
These ladies are the perfect example of what can happen when you reach a point in life where you finally have time to explore something you’ve always wanted to try.
If you’ve ever wondered whether surfing later in life is realistic or possible (or even fun), this is your sign.
What surfing at 60 actually feels like
A blend of curiosity and “Why not?”
For many older surfers, surfing becomes a place where the body and mind switch on in a whole new way.
Debbie told us that “It feels like I can do what other people can do”, and that surfing doesn’t make her feel her age at all. She found that gentle waves helped her focus on her technique without pressure. And she loved the sense of joy and community that grew naturally around the sport.
Surfing at this stage feels spacious and grounding.
It requires focus, but it also offers fun. It gives you a moment to enhance your breath, reconnect with your body, stretch your arms, strengthen your balance and enjoy the ocean in a way that feels free from rush or expectation.
Late bloomers and long-time dreamers
Some surfers find the ocean later in life because they were busy raising families or building careers. Others had always watched from the beach, imagining what it might feel like to catch waves.
Karen told us she thought she’d surf once or twice then move on, but calling herself “The accidental surfer”.
She discovered the sport kept her coming back. Nancy, who started at 56, said she doesn’t wish she’d learnt younger because surfing became a crucial resource at exactly the right time in her life.
That’s because surfing doesn’t care whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s been paddling out for years.
The ocean meets you at your current skill level. And every surfer catches their first wave in their own way and their own time.
Why surfing feels even sweeter after 60
Confidence grows
Learning something new at this age takes guts. Learning something that requires balance, focus and acceptance of falling takes even more.
Debbie described the early years as uncomfortable, yet overcoming that discomfort left her “So proud” of herself. The moment she popped up on a wave with ease, she realised how capable she truly was.
It’s another form of physical fitness
Surfing effortlessly strengthens the body. The paddling builds cardiovascular health and upper body power, the pop-up develops mobility and the constant micro-adjustments sharpen your balance.
Many older surfers say it keeps their energy levels high and helps them feel grounded in their bodies again. Nancy said surfing’s kept her in “Really good shape”. And she feels no reason she can’t surf into her seventies or eighties.
Practising yoga alongside surfing also helps enormously.
Gentle yoga sessions with our resident yoga guru, Dani, can enhance flexibility, improve focus and support the rhythm of breath that surfing depends on.
Whether you stretch on the sand before a session or practise yoga in a quiet space at home, the two activities complement each other beautifully.
Community becomes half the fun
The surf community that forms around senior surfing is powerful and warm.
Debbie said surfing became “An important part of me reclaiming myself” after a difficult chapter in her life. And that connecting with friends in the ocean changed everything.
Karen said she keeps surfing because of the people she rides waves with, whether it’s her long-time friends or her partner. These relationships weave together a sense of belonging that carries far beyond the lineup.
Lineups feel more relaxed
Speaking of lineups, older surfers definitely bring a more relaxed sense of perspective to the water. There’s no urgent pressure to master every technique or chase every big wave.
Instead, there’s a calm approach to practice, a willingness to rest when needed and a deep understanding of what the body requires. Debbie said she often thinks, “Why do I have to be better than I am?”.
She’s since found comfort in surfing exactly at her level.
Why retreats become powerful turning points
Surf retreats are often the moment everything clicks.
They offer a week of immersion, knowledgeable staff, manageable waves, regular coaching, time to practise and a feeling of being fully looked after.
For many older surfers, this becomes the catalyst that turns curiosity into confidence.
The progression effect
Nancy told us that on a surf retreat, “You get in one week what you get in six months or a year at home”.
She loved the steady rhythm of instruction and the chance to practise on gentle waves without the stress of crowds. Karen said she’d “Never ridden more waves” in her life than she did during her week at Xanadu.
She even went as far to describe it as her best surf week ever.
Surf retreats offer:
- Regular coaching that accelerates your skills
- Gentle, consistent waves that are perfect for beginners
- A surf retreat environment with all resources in one place
- Time to focus on technique and body awareness
- A chance to watch videos and review your pop-up or stance
- Knowledgeable staff who understand every skill level
The emotional safety net
Retreats create psychological space too.
Karen said having instructors close by made long paddle-outs feel far less intimidating. Debbie appreciated the support without pressure and Nancy valued the structure that allowed her to rest when needed.
Surf retreats offer:
- Safety in the water with trained instructors
- Encouragement and supportive feedback
- A grounded community of surfers learning together
- A calm environment where falling off the board is simply part of the course
The ageless effect
The women laughed about how many people in their fifties say they’re “Too old” to start surfing.
Nancy always responds with “It’s not true”, reminding people that the basics are manageable at any age.
With the right advice and tips from knowledgeable staff, you can catch waves safely, improve with each lesson and enjoy the journey.
Surf retreats offer:
- An attitude that you’re never too old to surf
- Good coaching and surf guiding that makes everything feel more manageable
- Technique tips to ensure you can improve quickly
- But also the option to go at your own pace
- You can start exactly where you are today
- The point is fun, community and connection
Our advice? You’re never too old to get stoked on surfing
Surfing after 60 isn’t a compromise or a consolation. It’s an awakening.
It’s the moment where you step into the ocean with a lifetime of experience behind you and realise the thrill’s still very much alive!
As the women kept reminding us, you can enjoy this sport at any level. You don’t need to be an expert surfer to feel the sense of connection or the simple pleasure of catching your first wave.
Sometimes the most awesome adventures begin the moment you decide to jump in… even if it takes decades to get there.
