about THE PROJECT
Girl on the Wave surf project
GOTW is based in Ericeira on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal since 2018. It launches surf camps in the summer time IN EUROPE and travels along surfing seasons to open more retreats around the world. IN 2024 Girl on the Wave is Present in Portugal, MaDEIRA, SPAIN, MOROCCO and AMERICA CENTRAL.
With a special program the project integrates surfing on all levels. Practise and theory but also lifestyle, culture, food & diet, everyday habits, self-care and human relations.
Margherita’s goal is to connect people especially women who want to surf in the best surf spots across the world and to make this surfing community grow. It is about sharing her own surf passion with other people and giving a testimony that we might have different backgrounds but in surfing we are all the same.
The project supports local surf infrastructure and offers a support for all surfing guests. Beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers including surf guiding as well. Running the project allows Margherita to live a surfing life as she has always dreamed about and to surf everyday.
Girl on the Wave surf learning program
5 years of experience with surfers confirms that the surf progress comes much faster if the practise is supported by theory, surf tutorials and personal video analysis. That’s why Girl on the Wave surf project offers special learning program on every surf camp offered. It is accessible also in the individual offer.
Practise in the water
Girl on the wave surf project always offers the best surfing teams with highly qualified coaches. Lessons are planned depending on surf conditions on the best licensed beaches. More into the wild more of wild spots surrounded by the nature. Lesson are fully equipped with boards wetsuits and accessories. Transfers are always included. Groups. max 5 students for one instructor in the white water. Intermediate surfers enjoy lessons on green waves in even smaller ones.
Video Analysis and Surf Workshops
Video recordings are very important part of Girl on the Wave surf learning program. There is nothing more supportive in learning as the option of seeing yourself surfing. The brain process the image in the fastest way. People can clearly see their mistakes, work on them more effectively and progress much faster. They can also enjoy their good rides. Videos are being analysed in the surf workshops time. Surf workshops powered by more theory and surf tutorials help to learn. Run in the group are the great opportunity to integrate and support each other.
Surf Community and Culture
Surf is a very individual sport but surfing is a lot about the community. Girl on the wave surf project points on local surf communities and invites surfing guests to take part in the social life to discover other people and cultures. We might have different backgrounds but in surfing we are all the same.
Girl on the Wave Surf Camps
Surf Camps are inherent part of the project and provide surf packages for beginners and lower intermediate surfers. First Girl on the Wave surf camp was open in September 2018 when 32 people came to Ericeira for the first surf experience in the time of EDP Billabong PRO and it let the project to settle down. From that event summer surf camps in Ericeira are taking place every year. Over 500 surfing guests have already joined the project in Portugal. Over 200 across the world.
Girl on the Wave Crew
Nothing would be possible without great people around. Girl on the Wave surf project integrates local surf infrastructure, coaches, yoga teachers, body & mind trainers, personal coaches, photographers, musicians and many more. A super important person in the Portuguese crew is Weronika from Onda de Nutricao who takes care of the best healthy vegan gluten-free food and supports the project.
Girl on the wave surf project is open to every surfer
You can join Girl on the Wave surf project and sign up for a surf camp as a beginner/lower intermediate surfer or embark the project surfing individually.
You can come to Ericeira as a beginner ready to invest in your private coaching or as a progressing intermediate surfer if you need a support with rental or private lessons. You are very welcomed as an advanced surfer looking for a surf guide and accommodation tips. Sharing experience is one of Girl on the Wave surf project main goals.
Would you like to SIGN UP FOR ONE OF Girl on the Wave surf campS? Would you like to join the project as an individual surfer? Would you like to be updated with new offers, Surf Tutorials, special surf packages, promotions and get more news about project’s plans? What is your surfing level? What is your surfing goal? Please join the mailing list and let Girl on the Wave surf project follow your surfing dream
Important ! The project is open to every surfer no matter of sex or age. You can also join it with your family. For details please contact Margherita 📩 girlonthewave@gmail.com
THANK YOU !
Thank you if you have already signed up to the project. You will be informed about upcoming surf camps and events. Let’s meet on the wave !
FOR PARTNERS AND CO-WORKERS
Girl on the Wave surf project in Ericeira is supported by talented and passionate people. Not only surfers and surf coaches but also photographers, musicians, movie makers, fit/sport trainers/yoga teachers. The project is open for internships. If you feel like you could enforce it your skills please send a message.
As mentioned before Girl on the Wave surf project is also about surf traveling and discovering tropical lands. If you own a surf lodge or a surf school which is not based in Portugal and you would like to join the project please send a message.
About ME
Margherita
My name is Margherita Iganska. I was born in Poland but I moved to Portugal since 2019. I am a surfer and surf entrepreneur. I run surfing groups and provide surf camps. I have founded Girl on the Wave surf project to share my surfing dream with people from all over the world. I especially care about growing women surf community.
BEFORE I BECAME A SURFER I USED TO BE a pianist AND I WORKED IN MUSIC THEN MEDIA INDUSTRY, I love music and I believe there is no better sound than the Ocean. I also like a motion picture but ain’t NO better then the Ocean Sunset live.
People come from, belong to and depend on the ocean and surfing is all about the power and peace of the salty water. It is about fighting fears and seeing opportunities in every wave coming. It’s about shaping body and character. Learning how to respect the nature, how to be focused and how to let go. surfing is everything.
Not everyone will become a professional surfer but everyone will find exceptional to connect with waves and make it a unique experience for life.
Location
Ericeira
Ericeira is THE traditional Portuguese surfing town that dates back to the origins of a fish village in the 12th century. It belongs to the ATLANTIC coast line and is located only 32 km north of Lisbon (40 MIN Drvive A8 Highway From the airport)
Ericeira is the only European’s World Surfing Reserve WITH long natural and wils coAstline and ALL types OF WAVES. You can Check more About that HERE: www.savethewaves.org
A harmony of ericeira lets you chill and surf enjoying breathtaking raw coastal views, large beaches and MAGICAL sunsets. You will enjoy little white stone streets with Portuguese houses detailed in Azulejos and blue to wander and discover local culture and FOOD
You can also find in ERICEIRA different surf facilities, rentals, surf shops AND surf bars. INCLUDING FAMOUS Boardriders Club and Surf 58
Surfing GUESTS
How to prepare for a surf camp ?
Girl on the Wave surfing guests frequently ask what is the best way to prepare for a surf camp. And those who already joined the project are interested to continue and improve their surfing skills.
Barefoot Surf Tutorials are the best way to learn online and are an excellent support for surf workshops. Find for free inspirational surf tutorials below and sing up for a yearly subscription to get an access for much more. It is worth it!
Do want to improve your surfing?
Surfing courses plenty of videos and topics, quizes, inspirational tutorials, active forums and a great learning. You can join anytime from home. Find more about all courses below.
TAKE OFF AT HOME & EFFECTIVE PADDLE
There are multiple techniques to help you go from the prone position to your proper surfing stance. This course can help you find the take off that works for you, improve your technique, and fix your mistakes effectively…
A proper paddling technique is one of the most crucial elements of your surf progression. The better you paddle, the more waves you catch, the quicker you progress…
CATCHING GREEN WAVES
Surfing better starts with paddling better. A proper paddling technique is one of the most crucial elements of your surf progression. The better you paddle, the more waves you catch, the quicker you progress. If you want to paddle efficiently on your shortboard or longboard, there’s 2 things you have to do…
DUCK DIVE
It takes years of practice to develop a great duck dive technique, so don’t get discouraged. The good news is that you can practise these steps in many environments: in a pool, in a lake, in the ocean, etc. Once you’re able to do proper duck dives, you waste less energy passing the break, keeping your paddle power to catch more waves…
“Not everyone will become a professional surfer but everyone will find exceptional to connect with waves and make it a unique experience for life”
