More Than Just Waves: Lessons from a Month of Surfing
This September, we took part in @surfaid’s #MakeAWave challenge, a month-long commitment to surf every day to raise funds for vulnerable communities in Indonesia. The money raised goes towards vital initiatives like healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and long-lasting programs that create real impact. Surfaid raised over $1million, which is incredible to be part of!
It was a big month, and while we didn’t quite make it into the ocean every single day (a few cuts needed healing time!), we kept moving with other approved activities to stay true to the challenge. By the end, we were definitely exhausted, but also incredibly grateful. More than anything, the month gave us space to reflect on what we learned, about surfing, about ourselves, and about the power of community.
The ocean is the best medicine.
No matter how we felt before getting in, we always came out of the water feeling ten times better. Whether it was a surf or a swim, those moments reminded us how lucky we are to experience the ocean in all its moods. Some of the best sessions weren’t on perfect sunny days, but on rainy mornings or when we were tired and didn't want to go. Once we were in, everything shifted, the colour of the water, the shape of the waves rolling in, the quiet (or sometimes the shared joy of others around), and the sky above made it feel magical.
These moments also made us proud to be a sustainable swimwear brand. Caring for the ocean that gives us so much joy is at the heart of what we do, and this challenge was a beautiful reminder of why our values matter. Our swimwear definitely got a workout this month, and we couldn’t be more grateful for it.
Community first.
Our community truly made this month possible. Some days it was tough to get to the beach, but knowing we weren’t alone, with others sharing the challenge, made it easier, more fun, and a powerful reminder of what community really means. One highlight was a surf trip to Medewi with 11 girls, where we completed three days of the challenge in a brand new spot. The rocky breaks and bigger swell tested us, but tackling new conditions together made it such an exciting experience, it was so fun cheering each other on aswell!
The goal is, and always will be, to have fun.
Surfing every day was already enough of a challenge, so we didn’t want to add extra pressure with rigid goals. Some days the conditions weren’t ideal, but paddling out anyway reminded us that fun is the only goal that really matters, and often, the most memorable surfs happened when the waves looked far from perfect.
It’s about the rituals.
It’s not just about the surf itself, it’s the moments that follow. Sitting salty with a coffee or fresh coconut feels like an essential part of the surf ritual. These simple pauses let us soak in the afterglow of the ocean, replay the waves we caught (and the wipeouts too), and share laughs with friends or enjoy a quiet moment of reflection. It’s in these little rituals that surfing becomes more than a sport; it becomes a lifestyle.
We feel so lucky to live a life that allows us to enjoy this rhythm most days. For us, it’s a reminder that surf swimwear is not just about function in the water, but also about comfort and confidence when you’re enjoying those post-surf moments that make the whole experience unforgettable.
True confidence is built by embracing the uncomfortable.
This month, there were days where we pushed ourselves, from trying new surf spots to navigating conditions we’d normally avoid. By leaning into those moments, we came out stronger, braver, and more confident in the water. The ocean is always teaching us; we just have to stay open to learning. On the biggest days, we both chose the Satu Suit, our go-to piece of supportive swimwear, perfect for handling surf wipeouts and nose dives without worrying about anything slipping. Being able to trust your surf swimwear means you can focus on the waves, and in our case, on managing the nerves that come with bigger surf.
We are defiantly bringing these learnings and habits into our surf routine, and we can't wait to join again next year! Will you join us?
Love Abbey and Mel