JOIN GIRL on THE WAVE
surf project


Focus on female expert surf coaching supportive community and deep self-care. Build lifelong bonds, connect with the waves and with yourself. GIRL ON THE WAVE surf camps are designed by a woman for women. Get stronger. Grow your surf better.

“Empowering girls on waves through holistic surf retreats worldwide”

— Margherita Iganska, GIRL ON THE WAVE Founder

CHECK OUR SURF CAMPS

Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira is a traditional 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 from the airport.

This famous surfing town is the only Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, recognized by Save the Waves for its pristine coastline and wave variety.

“Built on stoke, saltwater and community. Surfing creates a tribe without borders”

AZORES, PORTUGAL 

Azores are a remote Atlantic archipelago where wild nature feels untouched and powerful. Life moves slowly here, with fresh ocean air, small villages, and a strong connection to the sea. It’s a place where adventure and serenity exist side by side.

“ Surfing in Azores feels like riding powerful Atlantic waves framed by lush green hills and jungle-like flora that tumble all the way down to the sea”

Madeira, Portugal

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.

“Ride great Atlantic waves along dramatic volcanic cliff surrounded by raw nature and uncrowded lineups”

Dominical, Costa Rica

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.

“Surf all winter days those amazing breaks where the jungle meets the tropical water and empty line-ups”

Taghazout, Morocco

Morocco is a captivating African country that blends rich culture, ancient history and stunning landscapes. From vibrant markets and streets of Marrakesh to the tranquil beauty of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers an unforgettable experience in still very affordable price.

“Surf in Morocco with world-class smooth Atlantic waves and find a variety of spots for all skill levels in the area of Taghazout and Tamraght - the capital of Moroccan surfing and rich berber culture”

about THE MOVEMENT

GIRL ON THE WAVE
SURF PROJECT

Mission: Connecting surfers — especially women — through a holistic surf experience around the world which combines surf practice, theory, lifestyle, nutrition, self-care & community of cultural exchange and shared passion. Empowering women in surfing through surf retreats worldwide.

Locations: GOTW follows global surf seasons, hosting retreats and surf camps in each region of the world. Surf Camps and Surf Retreats open in 2026 : Portugal Madeira and Azores (Europe) , Morocco (North Africa) and Costa Rica (Central America).

Retreats: Designed by woman for women, but open to welcome a friend, partner or brother as long as they respect the community rules and enjoy the whole experience.



about ME

Margherita

A heart behind GIRL ON THE WAVE

My name is Malgorzata Iganska but friends 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 surf project born from my dream to share the magic of surfing with people — especially with women — from all over the world.

I surf since 2014 and I run surf camps leading my groups since 2018 with a mission to grow the global surf community. So far, over two thousand women and girls have joined my surf camps worldwide — 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, beauty of the marine wildlife and the calm it brings. It teaches you to face fears, see opportunity in every wave and to grow in both body and character. It’s about learning focus, letting go and about the respect for others, for us and for the power of nature. Ocean is the master teacher.

“Not everyone will become a professional surfer, but everyone can discover something extraordinary in the waves — a connection that becomes a lifelong drive”

— Margherita, GIRL ON THE WAVE Founder

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Holistic approach combining surf practice, theory, video analysis, lifestyle, nutrition, self-care & community, female cultural exchange and shared passion. Surfing with professionals in not crowded licensed & wild nature spots. Inviting the local surf infrastructure to actively participate in the process of creating retreats. Daily sessions with qualified local coaches with great knowledge of surf spots. Small training groups tailored to clients’ surfing levels (maximum ratio: 1 instructor for 5 surfers in the whitewater and 1 for 3 on green waves).

VIDEO ANALYSIS

Video analysis is an incredibly powerful tool in surfing. It allows you to see your form, timing, and technique in a way that’s impossible in real time — helping you identify mistakes and improve faster.

Identifying small adjustments that can lead to big improvements, correcting bad habits that might be hard to notice in the moment, measuring progress over time by comparing videos from different sessions, understanding wave positioning and timing to improve your approach.

SURFING WORKSHOPS

Thanks to video analysis Girl on the Wave program gives you real-time feedback helping to see your mistakes and grow. Everyday after a surfing session in regular learning slots.

Daily video analysis and surf workshops also bring the group together, creating a shared learning experience rather than isolated individual progress.

YOGA & BREATHWORK

Practise rooted in Yoga and Breathwork is an essential part of a well-rounded surf experience. Building core muscles, flexibility, balance and calm focus that surfing demands. 

The result is breath hold confidence, a deeper connection with the ocean and faster, more confident progression on the board.

HEALTHY FOOD

Daily balanced breakfasts and nourishing dinners are built around fresh fish, seafood, and seasonal local vegetables and products of the land.

This nutrient-rich approach supports steady energy, strength, and recovery throughout surf training and first hand prepared meals help stay regenerated and perform at their best each day.

GOTW CREW

We believe in community. Our team includes surf coaches, camp managers, yoga teachers, wellness experts, body–mind trainers, photographers, private chefs, DJs, and musicians — all working together to deliver a high-quality experience.

ready for a surf camp but still deciding wheN?

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTNERS AND CREATIVES

Welcoming interns , collaborators and creative professionals (film , music , photography yoga)

surf school or lodge outside Portugal ?

Email us at - girlonthewave@gmail.com