FEATURE SISTER HAYLEY

This month’s Feature Sister is Hayley.

Hayley recently joined us for her second Sisterhood of Surf retreat — first in May, and then again in the Philippines recently.

One of my favourite things about running these retreats is witnessing the confidence shift that happens when women spend time in the ocean, surrounded by supportive sisters. Hayley was a standout this time — the spark she brought to the retreat was contagious. I also loved seeing her connect with Hope, another Sister who happens to live in her local area. Hayley shared that she’s truly grateful they met, and that’s exactly what SOS is all about — connection beyond the waves.

We’re now in a new season at SOS, where I’m travelling with Sisters for their second, third, and even fourth retreats. I love it — because it means we get to go deeper, grow together, and honestly, it feels like I’m just travelling with my friends. So Sisters, Meet my friend Hayley!

 

''Surfing has also taught me patience and to park my ego"

What made you say yes to coming on your very first retreat?

Funny story – my first retreat wasn’t actually the first retreat I went on.

I’d been eyeing up women’s surf retreats on Instagram for ages and following SOS, so when the Siargao retreat came up, I knew I had to book it. It was the perfect combo: a dream destination I’d never been to, and with nearly 12 months to prepare, it felt like I had time to commit and work out the details later.

But here’s the twist – even though Siargao was the first retreat I booked, it wasn’t the first I attended. I’d had my eye on Xanadu Hillside in Lombok for a while, and when a last-minute spot opened up just 6 weeks out with SOS, I couldn’t resist. The timing lined up perfectly with my kids-free week, so I took the leap and booked it.

So in the end, Lombok became my first retreat experience, even though Siargao was the one that I booked first.

How has your surfing (or confidence in the water) changed since then?

I’m still a bit intimidated in the line-up, but I’ve definitely got more confidence now. I back myself more when paddling for waves (but am a bit of a paddle princess and won’t say no to a push from the coaches haha), I try to stay out of people’s way, and I am mindful of surf etiquette. Angie’s surf apnea training was a game-changer too – I 100% agree with her wanting to teach it to beginners and not leave it to the pro’s. We’re the ones who really need to build that confidence when it comes to getting smashed by waves, without freaking out whilst getting tossed around like we are in a washing machine.

Now, whenever I catch myself stressing out, I just remind myself: “You’re not out at Pipeline or Teahupoʻo… suck it up, you’ve got this.”

Was there a moment during your second retreat that felt especially memorable?

A couple stand out, but the first one was definitely arriving at Punta Punta. Walking through to the pool area honestly felt like a dream. I’d had a photo of that pool as my screensaver at work for months, so I’d been staring at it every single day… and then suddenly I was actually there. Total pinch-me moment.

The second was that first boat ride out for a surf – like, I’m just a working mum in my 40s, but here I was living my best no responsibilities island babe life, cruising out to a reef break with palm trees in the background. I soaked up every single minute of it.

What have you learned about yourself through surfing this past year?

If I’m honest, I’m not a regular surfer at home – I’m pretty sporadic – but I do wakeboard in the winter to keep my board skills up. What I’ve learnt is that even when the self-doubt hits hard, I’ll still have a crack, because not trying at all feels way worse than not being the best at it.