The Wipeout Weekly: A surf story eight years in the making

In case you didn’t know, this our About us page. But when it came to writing it, I couldn’t imagine it in any other way than telling you a story. I’m all about the stories, you see. I fancy myself as a joyous entertainer and storyteller.

When I think about The Wipeout Weekly, I think about beginner surfing with humor and heart. You need both to make it in what is considered one of the hardest sports disciplines to master. As a hobby it comes the second after knitting.

The origin story

Once upon a time in Malibu, a girl stood on a bluff, observing surfers at First Point.

“I could not help concluding that this man felt the most supreme pleasure while he was being driven on so fast and so smoothly by the sea.”

Wait, scrap that—that’s Captain James Cook’s quote (Hawaii, 1777) from Riding Giants. But you get the sentiment.

That girl—no surprises here—that’s me, Zuz Wilson.

Fast-forward a couple of hundred years, and surfing feels different.

There’s joy, for sure, but for those stepping into the ocean with a board for the first time, surfing can feel confusing and intimidating.

Enter The Wipeout Weekly—here to educate new surfers, help them gain confidence in the lineup, and, most importantly, develop a deeper appreciation for surfing as a whole.

Surfing continues to grow into one of the world’s most popular pastimes, and lineups are as crowded as Taylor Swift’s concerts. 

Our mission is to bridge the gap between beginners and experienced surfers, promote surf etiquette (so fewer people get run over), and make the lineup safer for everyone. And, of course, to tell you it’s okay to pee in your wetsuit if you can’t make it to the bathroom.

We do it through lighthearted, fun, and informative content—on the blog, in the newsletter, and on the podcast. Surfing is a serious matter, but learning about it doesn’t have to be.

Powered by Girls Who Can’t Surf Good

Since 2017, Girls Who Can’t Surf Good has grown into the world’s largest community of beginner (and beyond) female surfers—now 74,000+ strong.

What started as a small LA meetup has become a global space for female beginners to navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of surfing. For experienced surfers, it’s a place to connect, explore surf travel, discover career opportunities and geek out over gear.

But let’s be real—can you imagine “Boys Who Can’t Surf Good”?

That’s why The Wipeout Weekly is here to welcome all new surfers—because we all start somewhere—keeping the spirit of GWCSG.

🙌 Helpful – If it’s not useful—whether it’s an article, a recommendation, or an interview—it won’t make the cut.

✨ Positive – Bad things happen. In the lineup. In travel. In surf culture. It’s complicated. But we focus on uplifting and supporting each other.

🤙 Fun – Surfing should be fun. No gatekeeping, no ridiculous jargon, no feeling like you don’t belong.

Roadmap to being a surfer

Anyone can learn to surf. But being a surfer is about more.

That’s what The Wipeout Weekly is about—helping new surfers build confidence, find community, and fall in love with every part of surfing.

The Wipeout Weekly is a love letter to surfing—the recreation, the history, the culture, and the sport.

Created with hope that it can once again feel as magical as when James Cook first arrived in Hawaii. And ensuring that we never have to Google “surf management plans” in the near future.

Bringing joy to new generations of surfers and peace of mind to those who have been in the water for years.

It’s a big job for a girl who can’t surf good—but it’s a job she was meant to do.