From Bournemouth to Brittany: Anne-Sophie as lifelong beginner surfer

👋 Hey, I’m Anne-Sophie, and this is my surfing journey

I started surfing in 2009, somewhat by chance. At the time, I was working in Lymington, England, and the neighbor’s son invited me to take a surfing lesson in Bournemouth, on the south coast. I’ve never really stopped since. I had caught the surfing bug!

🏄‍♀️ Overcoming challenges

In 2017, a car accident temporarily put an end to my practice, but it was never a full stop. Because you never really leave surfing. You adapt, take detours, reinvent your way of practicing, but you always come back to it. Several encounters with high-level surfers—notably @markmathewssurf—encouraged me to persevere despite the pain and the challenge of starting over from scratch.

🌊 Life in Brittany & surf philosophy

Today, I live in Brittany, just steps away from several surf spots with cold but stunningly beautiful waters. I am and will always be an eternal beginner, but every session brings me joy.

I’ll always be a lifelong beginner, but I find pleasure in every session, and the friendships formed around surfing are priceless. I’ve made friends for life! When I lost my father in 2024, it was on a surfboard, facing the ocean, that I said my goodbyes. Moments like these give surfing a meaning far beyond just a sport.

🏄‍♂️ My quiver

My quiver reflects my philosophy: foam boards for fun and my “Jabadao,” a 9’0 performance longboard shaped by @atao_surfboards in Brittany, which accompanies me in more technical sessions.

🎨 Creativity & surfing

I am also a writer and illustrator, and surfing is an endless source of inspiration for me! Looking forward to connecting, sharing waves, and embracing the spirit of surfing together! @anneso.lecaignec_off