GIRL ON THE WAVE SURF PROJECT
Ericeira, Portugal
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SURF PROJECT MAIN QUARTER Location
Ericeira
Ericeira is a traditional Portuguese surf town with roots dating back to a fishing village from the 12th century. Nestled along the Atlantic coastline, it lies just 32 km north of Lisbon—only a 40-minute drive via the A8 highway from the airport.
This charming town is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, recognized by Save the Waves for its pristine coastline and wave variety. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to powerful reef waves, Ericeira offers something for every surfer.
Beyond the waves, Ericeira is a place of natural beauty and laid-back coastal living. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with traditional Portuguese houses adorned in azulejos (ceramic tiles) and accented in classic blue and white. Enjoy the vibrant local culture, authentic cuisine, and breathtaking sunsets over expansive beaches.
You’ll find everything a surfer needs: top-tier surf schools, equipment rentals, surf shops, and popular surf hangouts like Boardriders Club and Surf 58.
At Girl on the Wave, we proudly partner with Tiago Pires Surf School—founded by Portugal’s legendary pro surfer—and we surf mostly at the consistent and beloved break of Matadouro Beach.
SURF TRAVEL Location
Madeira
WHEN : NOVEMBER
Madeira is a stunning archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and mild climate year-round. The island is a paradise for nature lovers, offering everything from lush forests and rugged mountains to beautiful coastline and golden beaches.
Madeira’s unique blend of Mediterranean and subtropical climates ensures a vibrant mix of flora and fauna, making it a great destination for hiking, exploring, and surfing.
Madeira is home to some excellent surf spots, offering a variety of waves for both beginners and advanced surfers. The island’s unique volcanic coastline creates powerful, dramatic waves.
With a consistent swell and breathtaking backdrops, surfing in Madeira is a thrilling experience for those seeking adventure in a beautiful, less crowded destination. Check our surfing spot in Madeira open also for beginners.
SURF TRAVEL LOCATION
Costa Rica
WHEN : JANUARY-FEBRUARY
Costa Rica is a vibrant country known for its rich biodiversity, lush rainforests, and stunning coastlines. With both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, it offers a variety of landscapes and surf spots, attracting surfers from around the world.
The country’s laid-back vibe, coupled with its warm, welcoming culture, makes it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Surfing in Costa Rica is a dream for surfers of all levels, with consistent waves year-round. Popular spots like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Pavones offer everything from gentle beginner waves to powerful breaks for more experienced surfers. Our surf spot is located on the Southern Pacific coast. Super local empty and wild.
Whales, doplhins, turtles, warm waters and breathtaking sunsets only add to the appeal, making Costa Rica a top surf destination in Central America.
SURF TRAVEL LOCATION
Morocco
WHEN? MARCH APRIL
Morocco is a captivating country that blends rich culture, ancient history, and stunning landscapes. From the vibrant markets of Marrakech to the tranquil beauty of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers an unforgettable experience. Its long Atlantic coastline, dotted with charming fishing villages, creates a perfect environment for adventure seekers, particularly surfers.
Surfing in Morocco is a top attraction, with world-class waves and a variety of surf spots for all skill levels. Areas like Taghazout, Essaouira, and Imsouane are famous for their consistent swells, beautiful beaches, and vibrant surf culture. The warm waters and mix of point breaks, beach breaks, and reefs make Morocco an ideal destination for those looking to ride epic waves in a unique, welcoming atmosphere.
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…
about THE PROJECT
Girl on the Wave surf project
Founded: 2018
Base: Ericeira, Portugal
Founder: Malgorzata Iganska (Margherita)
Mission: Empower and connect surfers—especially women—through holistic surf experiences around the world.
Locations open in 2025 : GOTW follows global surf seasons, hosting retreats and surf camps in each region.
Portugal (Ericeira)
Madeira
Morocco
Costa Rica
What Makes Girl on the Wave surf project unique : Learning Program Highlights available in camps & private sessions
Holistic approach Combines surf practice, theory, lifestyle, nutrition, self-care & community
Emphasis on female empowerment cultural exchange, and shared passion
Surfing in not crowded licensed & wild nature spots
Surf Practice
Daily sessions with qualified local coaches
Small group sizes (max 5 in whitewater)
Equipment, wetsuits, and beach transfers included
Video Analysis & Surf Workshops
Filmed sessions with feedback for faster progress
Group workshops with theory + tutorials
Encourages peer learning and connection
Surf Community & Culture
Engages with local surf communities
Encourages cultural exchange and integration
Builds up especially female surfing community
Motto: “Different backgrounds, one wave.”
“We come from different shores, but in the ocean, we ride the same wave — fearless, free, and fully alive”
Surf Camps
Designed for beginners & lower intermediate
Designed mostly for women
First camp launched during EDP Billabong Pro 2018 in Ericeira
GOTW Crew
Surf coaches, surf camp managers,
Yoga teachers, wellness experts, body-mind trainers
Photographers, musicians, producers, djs, private chefs.
How to Join
Beginner? Join a surf camp or book private coaching
Intermediate? Get help with rentals, lessons, or video coaching
Advanced? Request surf guiding and insider tips
Family? Surf-friendly options available
Opportunities for Partners & Creatives
Welcoming interns, collaborators, and creative professionals (film, music, photography, yoga)
Surf school or lodge outside Portugal? Let’s collaborate! ✉️ contact@girlonthewave.com
Thank you if you’ve already joined. Your surf journey matters here. Together, we ride.
About ME
Meet Margherita
The Heart Behind Girl on the Wave
My name is Małgorzata Iganska, but my friends in Portugal call me Margherita. I was born in Poland and moved to Ericeira in 2019. I’m a surfer, surf entrepreneur, and the founder of Girl on the Wave—a project born from my dream to share the magic of surfing with people from all over the world.
I surf since 2014 and I organize surf camps leading my groups since 2018 with a mission to grow the global surf community, especially for women. So far, over a thousand women and girls have joined our surf camps—and each one has added something unique to the journey.
Surfing is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. It’s about power and peace, the raw energy of the ocean, and the calm it brings. It teaches you to face fear, see opportunity in every wave, and to grow in both body and character. It’s about learning focus, letting go, and deeply respecting nature.
“Not everyone will become a professional surfer, but everyone can discover something extraordinary in the waves—a connection that becomes a memory for life”
