Taking space in Australian lineups: Silvia’s story

👋 hey i’m Silvia

I’m 37, originally from Brazil—not the stereotypical sunny beaches most people imagine, but a cold, mountainous city. I went to the beach during summers as a kid and always admired the handful of surfers tackling the rough seas. I wanted to learn since I was a small kid, but not living by the ocean made it impossible. I never expected I’d be navigating Australian lineups, learning to surf solo.

moving countries and chasing the sea

I left Brazil over 20 years ago, living in China for several years, then the Middle East, and now I’m based in Australia—mostly career (and love, later) moves. Even as a young woman in China, I dreamed of living by the sea and set my goal to one day do so. Back then, I wasn’t even thinking about surfing; I just loved the ocean.

I took my first surfing lesson in Brazil on an ankle-high wave at a kitesurfing beach while on holiday visiting my mum, and I instantly fell in love. A few years later, I went solo to a surf camp in Bali. That experience was intense—bigger waves, sore arms, bruises—but at the end of every day, I felt pure happiness.

During a few years living in Dubai, I practiced longboarding on small waves. But it wasn’t until I moved to Australia that I could really explore surfing the way I love now: one board for different conditions, enjoying longboards and shortboards alike.

navigating australian lineups as an adult learner

When I first arrived, I surfed several times a week. My local beach break had very few women, and I often found myself the only woman in the water at 5 a.m. The older local guys weren’t always welcoming, but I have a persistent personality, and I kept showing up. Winter waves, early mornings, or crowded lineups didn’t stop me.

Over time, I became comfortable being a lone surfer. Later, I found a few surfing friends, but with two kids, a corporate job, and a side business, it’s easier to surf on my own schedule. That said, surfing with friends is a whole other vibe—I still look forward to it every time.

challenges in the lineup and beyond

Learning in a male-dominated lineup was one of my biggest challenges. I wasn’t Australian, I hadn’t grown up on the beach, and I wasn’t “a good” surfer. I wasn’t a man. But I believed the ocean is for everyone.

Sure, there were days that were discouraging, but I never gave up. Thinking back, I can understand why that spot had few women or learners—it’s not an easy break.

Surfing has also brought its fair share of “sticky situations.” I broke my nose in a big shorebreak during a surf camp in Bali. I broke a rib in Morocco trying waves above my level. I’ve had countless cuts, mostly on my feet and legs.

Despite all this, my determination never wavered. But after seeing firsthand how dangerous surfing can be, even on small days, I decided to start my own surf gear business.

starting surf halo

I founded Surf Halo, my surf hat company, last year for a few reasons. Surfing can be unexpectedly dangerous: fins or boards can fly your way. Post-pregnancy melasma made me very sun-conscious, especially living in Australia with extreme UV.

I couldn’t find a high-quality hat that did it all: protection, lightweight, quick-drying, stylish, and practical (a pocket for cash when you’re stranded on a boat in Indonesia!).

All these reasons led me to create my surf business, Surf Halo.

boards and surfing style

My husband has had a huge influence on my board choices. He believes in having a board for every condition (who can blame him, haha) to get the most enjoyment out of surfing.

I now surf longboards on small days, practicing cross-steps or just enjoying a relaxed session. For bigger days, I ride my Hypto Krypto 6’2 or a 6’ Aloha when I need something light for duck dives. I’ll always surf both longboards and shortboards—don’t box yourself in; try them all!

dreams and goals

Dream surf trips: back to the Mentawais—perfect, uncrowded waves at your doorstep (with my kids possibly surfing with me—one can only hope)—and an all-girls trip to the Maldives.

My surfing goal is simple: feel good in the water and not let impostor thoughts creep in. Everyone deserves a place in the lineup. Worst-case scenario, you’re paddling, exercising, and enjoying the ocean.

Surfing has shaped every part of my life. We’ve chosen where to live based on waves and where to holiday based on surf. Our favorite family moments are teaching our 4- and 2-year-old kids to surf and enjoy the ocean.

Surfing even led me to a business I love—though, like in the lineup, I sometimes ask myself if I “should” be doing this as a woman and adult learner, as “not the best surfer out there.” But the women’s surf business community is strong, supportive, and inspiring, and I couldn’t be happier.

Surfing taught me persistence, joy, and the courage to follow my passion, and it continues to influence everything I do.

Check out more real lineup stories.